Lillyean passed away peacefully in Surrey, B.C. on November 20th, 2008 in her 79th year. Lillyean was born in Kamloops, daughter of Walter and Eleanor Nelson of Celista B.C.
She was predeceased by her daughter , grandson, and brothers and sisters. Lillyean will be missed by her children, grandchildren, sister and friends.
Lillyean grew up in the Celista and Scotch Creek areas.
As a teenager Lillyean moved to Kamloops to complete her high school and moved on to Victoria to get her teachers certificate. Lillyean’s first teaching job was on Vancouver Island. While there, Lillyean began her married life and later moved back to Celista and on to Field B.C. before finally settling in Vancouver in 1972.
Lillyean loved B.C. with the Rockies and Lake O’Hara being a personal favourite. She took advantage of what nature had to offer -- skiing, swimming and hiking late into her senior years.
She was proud of her teaching work and that she was the founder of Narconon in BC. She worked in Okalla prison and took pride in that.
Lillyean was told by a former student that she was the most influential teacher in his life; that he wouldn’t be where he is today without her help. This meant so much to her.
Lillyean was an intelligent woman who enjoyed crosswords and all activities to keep her mind active.
A service will be held for Lillyean in the spring in the Scotch Creek / Celista area, as by her request. Although being away from the Shuswap for years, the area was close to her heart and memories.