Lilian May Caldwell

L. May Caldwell, passed away in her 91st year of life. She was predeceased by her loving husband and soulmate of 22 years, Howard Caldwell, predeceased also by her eldest son Greg, and her two stepsons, Byron and Wayne. She will be missed by many, and in particular: her daughter Kathleen and Kathleen's two sons Jonathan and Thomas, her son Jamie, his partner Susan and son Mathew, son Greg's wife Marion and Greg’s children Meghan and Jamie, and her dear friend Christine, wife of her ex-husband Jim.  May is also survived by her extended family including stepchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

May grew up during the depression in the Vancouver area before meeting her first husband Jim and moving first to Winnipeg Manitoba, then to Alberta, then to Ontario where she lived for over a decade, to finally to return to British Columbia for the last 50 years of her life.

May worked full time throughout her adult years in various roles from bookkeeper to executive assistant and was always a valued employee. Even while working full time May was actively raising her children. It was not uncommon for her to come home from a full day's work and then sit up late to sew a costume, type an essay, or prepare a box lunch for a school event for her children. She assisted in many construction-related projects as she and husband Howard together built a home for themselves and assisted in the construction of two more homes belonging to their children. She was a gentle and loving person, empathetic and always genuinely interested in the happiness and well-being of the people around her. She was an avid reader, and often informed herself about history, politics and current events. In her just over 90 years of life she saw many changes in the world. She was not afraid to ask questions and keep abreast of those changes. She had a strong sense of right and wrong without being overly judgmental, as it was always in her heart to try to understand the struggles of people in hard circumstances.

May was a delight to all who knew her, she was loved and respected and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flower we ask that you consider making a donation to Covenant House in Vancouver.