Lillian Jane MacLean

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Lillian Jane MacLean (née Morrison) of George Street, Sydney, on September 13, 2024, at the Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Born in Sydney on December 3, 1947, Lillian was the beloved daughter of the late Gladys (O’Flaherty) and Melvin Morrison of Sydney. As the eldest daughter of seven children, she played a significant role in the lives of her siblings. Married in Sydney, Lillian was the cherished wife of Norman MacLean, with whom she shared many decades of love and companionship.

Lillian was an outgoing, hard-working entrepreneur who operated a successful cleaning business for many years. Her caregiving nature led to work in both childcare and senior care. She received a certificate in Culinary Arts from NSCC and was well known for her home cooking, preserves and Christmas baking as well as being an expert confectioner for the sweet shop, Goodies Galore.

As a Caper, she was kind and friendly (sometimes saucy) to everyone she met, and a considerate and generous friend and neighbour to many people. Lil was loved by family, friends, acquaintances and strangers alike; those who had the pleasure of meeting her had only kind words to say. She positively impacted her community in countless ways and was formally recognized for her volunteer work with the Seniors’ Income Tax Program and the Farmer’s Market Association. As a modest person, Lil never sought recognition and performed many hours of unseen volunteer work.

Lillian was a devoted mother and is survived by her daughter Charlie O’Flaherty and her son Darren (Kelly) Flood. Her spirit lives on through her adored grandchildren, Tristan, Jesse, and Jaime ten Brinke of Antigonish. Lillian will also be dearly missed by her sisters, Sharon (Don) Gosse and Sandra (Fred) Plumridge, as well as her brothers, Robert and Rodney Morrison.

Lillian also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews; we are so grateful for all the members of her extended family who brought Mom joy by phoning or visiting while she was in hospital. Lil also leaves behind her longtime neighbour and dearest friend, Harriet Brushett, and her daughter Nancy. Lillian spent her last weeks connecting with loved ones and enjoying special deliveries of her favourite treats.

In addition to her parents, Lillian was predeceased by her adoring husband, Norman, and her sisters, Arlene (Kevin) Carew and Deborah (Francis) MacKinnon. Lillian was always there when people needed her and provided end-of-life care to her parents, her sister Debi, and her husband Norman.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Haven Memorial Garden; a private cremation has taken place. In honour of Lillian's wishes, there will be no visitation or service; I invite you to honour her in your own way. My daughter and I decided to visit Dominion Beach and found many pieces of sea glass, which are seen as a symbol of renewal.

We greatly appreciate and wish to thank everyone working in CBRH Palliative Care (the doctors, nurses, cleaning staff, meal delivery personnel) as each and every one contributed to Lillian’s care and comfort; whenever you are visited by a blue butterfly, please think of Mom.

While we mourn the loss of our mother, we know that Lillian's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Memorial donations may be made to Breast Cancer Canada or the Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association.