Obituary for Lillian Marguerite Sutherland (Thornhill)
It is with profound sadness that the family of Lillian Marguerite Sutherland (née Thornhill) announce her peaceful passing on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at the age of 90 years.
Lillian was born January 21, 1932, in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, to her parents Eli and Marguerite Thornhill. A strong, independent woman, she left home after high school to attend secretarial school in Ottawa, Ontario, where she learned office administration. Upon graduation, she moved to Amherst, Nova Scotia, and shortly thereafter to Halifax, where she met her future husband, John Sutherland. They married and had four children. As a young mother of four, she moved to Grand Falls, Newfoundland, and quickly made the town and province her home. Over the years, she volunteered with the CNIB Foundation and the United Church Women, in addition to working alongside her husband, John, and son, Dave, at the Central Surgical Clinic.
Lillian had many passions in life, including reading, gardening, knitting, crossword puzzles, and the ever-present Werther’s. She enjoyed classical music and was a member of numerous card clubs—both Rummoli and Bridge. Her love of travel, even in her later years, may have come as a surprise to others, but she and John could often be found on a faraway cruise (Cuba was a favorite destination), camping in their fifth wheel, or spending time at their beloved cabin in Campbellton, Newfoundland.
She had a wicked sense of humor that oft surprised the unwary but was the secret delight of her family and friends. Laughter was a staple whenever she was around, whether she was sharing an inside joke with family or telling a story to her friends over cards.
Her family can never forget the vibrant way in which she sang Hello whenever she answered the phone, and her grandchildren will especially remember her bracelets jangling while she gave the warmest, longest hugs.
A force to be reckoned with, her competitive streak was never so obvious as when she was playing cards with her grandchildren. She taught them how to shuffle the cards and how to strategize—often trouncing them with a well-played hand in Phase 10. She was insistent that she never let them win. They had to beat her fair and square.
Although an avid reader, traveler, and card player, Lillian’s real passions were her family and friends. She sought to instill in her children and grandchildren a zest for life, a silent determination, and an abiding commitment to family. In her example, she taught all the people in her life how to be gracious, thoughtful, and giving. Her number one piece of advice being, “Try to bite your tongue.”
Her family will fondly remember all the meals she cooked for them over the years, with her home being the focal point for all family gatherings. Her love of food will live on in the recipes she has passed down to the next generation.
Lillian will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 66 years, John; children, Faye (Robert), Debbie (Glen), David (Joan), Peter (Nicole); grandchildren, Jonathan (Tina), Jennifer (Todd), Greg (Sarah), Peter (Jessica), Heather, Melissa (Dan), Jessica (Sam), Michael (Kara), Ashleigh (Mark), Rachel, Matthew; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Finn, Jack, Rey, Kahlil, Mylo, Lilah, Tyler, Rehn, Josephine; and numerous other family members and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Eli and Marguerite, siblings, Pauline Byers (Murray) and Frank Anderson, and her beloved poodles.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lillian’s name to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Canada and Heart Stroke Foundation Canada.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Carmelite House for their care and compassion in the twilight years of Lillian’s life.
So, the next time you sit down to enjoy a good book or a sumptuous meal with loved ones, perhaps raise a toast to Lillian’s memory.
Lillian was born January 21, 1932, in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, to her parents Eli and Marguerite Thornhill. A strong, independent woman, she left home after high school to attend secretarial school in Ottawa, Ontario, where she learned office administration. Upon graduation, she moved to Amherst, Nova Scotia, and shortly thereafter to Halifax, where she met her future husband, John Sutherland. They married and had four children. As a young mother of four, she moved to Grand Falls, Newfoundland, and quickly made the town and province her home. Over the years, she volunteered with the CNIB Foundation and the United Church Women, in addition to working alongside her husband, John, and son, Dave, at the Central Surgical Clinic.
Lillian had many passions in life, including reading, gardening, knitting, crossword puzzles, and the ever-present Werther’s. She enjoyed classical music and was a member of numerous card clubs—both Rummoli and Bridge. Her love of travel, even in her later years, may have come as a surprise to others, but she and John could often be found on a faraway cruise (Cuba was a favorite destination), camping in their fifth wheel, or spending time at their beloved cabin in Campbellton, Newfoundland.
She had a wicked sense of humor that oft surprised the unwary but was the secret delight of her family and friends. Laughter was a staple whenever she was around, whether she was sharing an inside joke with family or telling a story to her friends over cards.
Her family can never forget the vibrant way in which she sang Hello whenever she answered the phone, and her grandchildren will especially remember her bracelets jangling while she gave the warmest, longest hugs.
A force to be reckoned with, her competitive streak was never so obvious as when she was playing cards with her grandchildren. She taught them how to shuffle the cards and how to strategize—often trouncing them with a well-played hand in Phase 10. She was insistent that she never let them win. They had to beat her fair and square.
Although an avid reader, traveler, and card player, Lillian’s real passions were her family and friends. She sought to instill in her children and grandchildren a zest for life, a silent determination, and an abiding commitment to family. In her example, she taught all the people in her life how to be gracious, thoughtful, and giving. Her number one piece of advice being, “Try to bite your tongue.”
Her family will fondly remember all the meals she cooked for them over the years, with her home being the focal point for all family gatherings. Her love of food will live on in the recipes she has passed down to the next generation.
Lillian will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 66 years, John; children, Faye (Robert), Debbie (Glen), David (Joan), Peter (Nicole); grandchildren, Jonathan (Tina), Jennifer (Todd), Greg (Sarah), Peter (Jessica), Heather, Melissa (Dan), Jessica (Sam), Michael (Kara), Ashleigh (Mark), Rachel, Matthew; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Finn, Jack, Rey, Kahlil, Mylo, Lilah, Tyler, Rehn, Josephine; and numerous other family members and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Eli and Marguerite, siblings, Pauline Byers (Murray) and Frank Anderson, and her beloved poodles.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lillian’s name to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Canada and Heart Stroke Foundation Canada.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Carmelite House for their care and compassion in the twilight years of Lillian’s life.
So, the next time you sit down to enjoy a good book or a sumptuous meal with loved ones, perhaps raise a toast to Lillian’s memory.