June 26, 1925 – May 25, 2015
With great sadness we announce the passing of a ‘One of a Kind’, wife, mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother, and a dear friend to many, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Lilly was born in Wiesloch, Germany and came to Canada in 1952, following her husband, Karl, with 2 young daughters in tow. They lived in various places across Canada before settling in Campbell River in 1974. Along the way, they were joined by two more daughters and a wealth of friends. To know Lilly and Karl was to know that there was always an open door and a welcoming smile and food, always so much food. Lilly was known for her kindness and helpfulness, and her zeal for life – both in this world and the one to come.
Lilly is pre-deceased by her husband of 54 years; her brother Walter Heck; her sister Maria Heck; son-in-law Dan Schintz; and great grand-daughter Sarah Ertolahti. She leaves behind her 4 daughters, Brigitte (Eugene) Cudmore; Coni Reisdorf; Maureen (James) Froome; and Rosemary (Douglas) Kegler along with family and friends in Canada, the USA and in Germany including Kurt Mergel whose friendship added much brightness during the last few years of her life. Lilly was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren (the 23rd due shortly), and 1 great-great grandson, as well as the many more she ‘adopted’ into her heart and home. She will truly be missed.
Special thanks to Dr. Prinsloo for his kindness and care, Janine, Jeanna, Marleen and Colin of the Home Nursing Care team as well as the Home Care Support workers who helped care for Mom in her final days, allowing her to remain in the comfort of her own home.
Lilly’s Memorial service will be held on Saturday June 13th at 1:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1935 Evergreen Road, Campbell River. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Cancer Society of British Columbia.