Date of Birth: May 25, 1931
Date of Death: October 2, 2016
Lillian ‘Lil’ (nee Schaefer) of Melville, Sask., widow of the late Alfred Adams, sadly left us peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 at the age of 85 years at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville, Sask. with her children by her side.
Lil was born May 25, 1931 at Broadview, Sask., a daughter to John and Margaret (nee Heichert) Schaefer. She was baptized, confirmed and received her education to Grade 11 in Broadview. Lil quit school and went to work waitressing to help out the family.
She later met and married Alf Adams on June 2, 1953 at Broadview, then moved to make their home in Melville. The couple were blessed with three sons and one daughter who Lil cherished dearly.
Lil had a heart of gold, always putting everyone else first; her family was #1. She was the kindest, warmest and most precious person to anyone who knew her and was loved and respected. Lil enjoyed life; she was a great cook, homemaker, hosting many family gatherings, loved gardening and flowers. She enjoyed spending time at the cottage with her family. She loved playing cards and board games, Yahtzee being her all -time favorite and played it daily. Lil enjoyed bowling, dancing, playing the organ at home, which she taught herself to do.
She was very involved with her church for many years, teaching Sunday School up to being Superintendent and always volunteering when needed. After her husband Alf had a stroke in 1971, Lil needed to get her driver’s license, which was a great accomplishment for her, and was very proud of it. She had to return to work to provide for her family to make ends meet.
Lil started waitressing at the Army and Navy and several other hotels and restaurants in Melville for the next 25 years. She faced many challenges and had numerous health issues through the years, which she bravely overcame.
On mom’s 85th birthday on May 25 she was admitted to the hospital, then on June 9 became a resident of St. Paul Lutheran Home where she was not happy, knowing she couldn’t return to her own home.
On Sept. 21 due to failing health, she was admitted to St. Peter’s Hospital where she fought and gave it her all to her last day.
Predeceased by her husband, Alf, in 1987; her son, Rod, Nov. 18, 2015; her parents, John and Margaret; five brothers, Adam, Jacob, Edward, George (Eva) and Lawrence; two sisters, Emma Ristau and Adele (Walter) Marak.
Lil leaves to mourn and cherish her life: her son, John (Andrea) of Esterhazy and their children, Melissa Syms and her son, Gavyn Syms and Robin Adams; daughter, Marg Adams of Melville and her children, Sheldon Orenchuk and Kara Orenchuk (Ron Kyle) and Kara’s children, Jasmine and Alexandra Johnson; son, Tim of Melville; brother, Alvin (Elsie) Schaefer of Regina; sisters-in-law, Eileen Schaefer, Vera Schaefer, Helen Huber, Lorraine Harding, Anne (Hans) Beck, Tina Adams and Shirley Adams; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family wish to thank Dr. Eshawesh and staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for their care and compassion for our mother.
Arrangements were by Bailey’s Funeral Home, Melville.
