Lillian Nowosielski

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Lillian Nowosielski on Sunday, September 6 at the age of 82 years. Lillian was a two-time cancer survivor and sadly, died suddenly of a heart attack. She was predeceased by her parents George and Ann (Schan) Place; sister and brother-in-law Lavina (Eldon) Fontaine; grandson Ryan Mah; her ex-husband Tony Mah; and her second husband Kaz Nowosielski. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Lori (Jim) Beale, Regina, SK; Debbie Mah (Larry Espe), Chemainus, BC; Kellie (Brett) Shaw, Calgary, AB;  and son Norman Mah, Edmonton, AB; stepdaughter Julia Nowosielska (Greg Fitterer), Victoria, BC; stepson Stefan Nowosielski; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lillian was born in Edmonton, AB and raised on the farm near Dawson Creek, BC.  Lillian loved to sing and dance and when she was still a little girl, she sang for the soldiers on the train and the tips covered the cost of the train tickets. She sang in several country bands and had opportunity to perform and travel across Canada.  She married Tony Mah in August 1956 and moved to Mayerthorpe, AB where they had a café and would let the teenagers play the Juke Box for free on Friday nights as long as they ordered off the menu. Tables and chairs were pushed to the walls to make room for the dancing.

Later, in Camrose, AB they raised their 4 children where Lillian worked in the retail business; in her last years she was Manager of various SAAN stores. Lillian was a wonderful cook (especially Chinese and German) and her puffed wheat cake was a family favorite. She was an accomplished seamstress and would take a bolt of material on sale and sew matching outfits for her daughters and curtains too.  She was an active member and served as President of the Camrose Bowling Association, represented Camrose on a travel team, and bowled a perfect game.     She married Kaz Nowosielski in July 1986 and they moved to Prince Rupert, BC and later retired to Cowichan Bay, BC where they enjoyed many years of the island lifestyle.

Lillian made the brave move from Nanaimo, BC to Regina, SK in December 2008.  We would like to acknowledge her special friends, Charlotte Gordon and Bill Popadynec (recently passed), and all her friends and fellow card players at the Regina Seniors Center. “Bill and Lil” spent many hours organizing the cards and social events at the Center.  At Lillian’s request, there will be no funeral; a private family memorial will be held later.