Lilian passed away suddenly and peacefully on February 20, 2021 from a stroke in Victoria BC, her lifelong home, with her daughter Karen at her side.
Lil was born July 16, 1922 to John Charles (Jack) and Ann (Bishop) Curtis. She was in her 99th year. Lil married Robert Craven Etches in November 1956, her one true love, who predeceased her in April 2007. Her beloved sister Evelyn predeceased her in September 2020.
Lil graduated from Victoria High School completing her last two years in one year so that she could enter the workforce for the family. Early on in her business career, she spent a year in the Yukon with her best friend Bunny, working in the office of United Keno Mines. She went on from there to work for several small companies and CPA firms in Victoria providing accounting services.
Lil was an intelligent woman, truly ahead of her time. She was meticulous with everything she did and demonstrated throughout her life a certain resilience.
Her life was well-lived. She treasured her time at the family cabin at Shawinigan Lake, in particular Sunday dinners. She also enjoyed her travels with Robert both near and far, playing bridge with “the girls”, and her osteofit classes. In the last years of her life, it was walking along the Songhees, drives to the beach, doing her laps and biking at home, which was almost always followed by tea and cookies!
Lil is survived by her devoted daughter Karen Ann and husband Peter Paterson; her brother and sister-in-law Elmer and Maxine Curtis and many nieces and nephews. All of these people in Lil’s life she loved deeply. Family meant everything to her.
Lil enjoyed a full and happy life, full of laughter, right until the end and the family wishes to thank those that made it possible for her to live in her Songhees condo until her passing.
Loving and kind in all her ways and words. Lil’s love will live on with us forever.
Given COVID restrictions a private memorial may be held at a future date. Those wishing to honour Lil’s life may make a donation to the Victoria Eldercare Foundation https://gvef.org/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
12 Responses
Dear Karen:
So very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. You were indeed a devoted daughter and she was very lucky to have you. Bob and I send our condolences to you and Pete at this sad time.
Bob and Devi Jawl
Dear Karen
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.
“when you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that is truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight” (Kahlil Gibran)