Lillian Christiansen

Lillian May Christiansen (Lil, Granny) passed away peacefully in the Maple Creek Long Term Care Home on July 22, 2018 at the age of 80.

Lil, as people knew her, was born in Maple Creek on April 9, 1938. Lil was the baby of the family. Her parents, Bill and Edith Braniff had seven children; Francis, Marion, Charlie, Harry, Ellen, Jack and Lillian. She was raised on the farm by Stillwater, south of Piapot. She attended school in Stillwater, then moved to Piapot, and finally to her home in Maple Creek.

When Lil was 18, she was working at the family restaurant where she caught the eye of Carl, an 18 year old hardworking stucco mason. Two years later, they were married in a small ceremony in Cabri, surrounded by family and close friends. Terry was an only child for 5 years until Laverne came along.  Laverne belonged to Lil’s best friend, May Wong, who was working full time in the restaurant. Lil and Carl took her in, and she quickly became a part of the family. Terry and Laverne had a blast together and would stay with Lil and Carl until she turned 5. In 1972, Lil and Carl then brought May’s youngest daughter, Tina, to their home and cared for her as well.

Lil will strongly be remembered as always being there for everyone, especially her family. She was a loving animal advocate. She took in many animals, including cats, dogs, squirrels, rabbits and countless birds. She had a strong love for her family and loved to hear everyone over the phone. She was quick to kiss owies, make a snack or just give a big hug and kiss to those who need one and even when we didn’t need it. She loved her family.

Aside from family, Lil’s pride and joy was her yard. Her nemesis and greatest joy was the apple tree in the backyard.  Lillian and Carl spent countless hours working in the yard together, but she never hesitated to let the kids run wild and enjoy themselves. Lil also took her cooking duties very seriously. She would prepare an amazing and delicious meal and still be not happy with how things turned out. Her family all fondly remember the annual tradition of Christmas Eve dinner where all were left with full bellies and lots of laughs. No matter what time you went for a visit, there was always hot coffee and a treat ready for you.

Perhaps Granny’s greatest love was her love of Grandpa Carl. She worried about him when he traveled for work and looked forward to the trips that they took together as they drove across North America sightseeing and spending quality time together.

Granny is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Carl; siblings, Ellen Chadwick and Marion Berreth; children:  Terry (Lori), Laverne Boschee (Warren), and Tina Rioux (Brent); grandchildren: Tyler (Kaylen), Tyson (Kimberley), Dylan (Christine), Dayna (Ryan), Tory, Keely, Logan, and Leah; great-grandchildren: Abigail, Max, Jessica, Thomas, Maren, Andre, and Christopher.

Granny used all her loves and talents to make her house a home and she will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

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