Obituary of Lilian MacMillan

It is with sad and heavy hearts that the family of Lilian (Swain) MacMillan (beloved wife, mother, and grandmother), announces her passing on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Lil died peacefully, surrounded by love. Born November 24, 1923 in Halifax, Nova Scotia to the late Norman and Ella Swain, she was a graduate of the Halifax Academy and employed as a stenographer by Imperial Oil. In 1951, she married Clair MacMillan of Boiestown, N.B. and moved to Fredericton to raise a family. She was an avid athlete and participated in badminton, canoeing, golf, bowling, softball, and was an especially passionate tennis player from a young age. She won many trophies and awards in tennis, badminton and bowling. She also loved to watch sports, most of all curling and the major tennis championships. She believed strongly in giving back to the community and was a member of the Nashwaaksis Y’s Menettes Club, volunteered as a Brownie leader and girls’ broomball coach, delivered for Meals on Wheels, and fund-raised for the Fredericton Indoor Pool. She had a very keen and curious mind, loved to read, play bridge, and other card games. She followed local, national and international current events closely. She would often greet you with “What’s the news?” In the summers, she loved to spend time with her family at their cottage at Robertson Point on Grand Lake. She enjoyed exploring the world and she and Clair travelled extensively including trips to the Caribbean, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. They also cruised the Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Panama Canal. Her family meant more to her than anything and she was devoted to them. In 2011, Lilian and Clair celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband, Clair MacMillan; four children, Sandy MacMillan (Liz Richard) Fredericton, John MacMillan Toronto, Scott MacMillan (Meredith Ralston) Halifax and Joy Howie (Jamie Howie) Fredericton; five grandchildren, Allison McDonald, Tiffany Tozer-MacMillan, Kristine Howie, Robert Howie, and Adam Howie; two step grandchildren, Julie Grant and Adam Richard; her brother, Reverend John Swain of Halifax; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Mac Swain and her sister, Margaret Hunter. The family would like to thank Dr. Helena Hauman and the staff of 4NW at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital for their loving care of Lil over the past two weeks. We will always be grateful. Visitation will be held at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Tuesday, 30 April. The Memorial Service will be held at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street at 2pm on Wednesday, 1 May with Canon Bill MacMullin officiating, assisted by Rev. Gil McKenzie and Rev. John Swain. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Canadian Arthritis Society, St. John’s Anglican Church or the charity of donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com