CARYK: Lillian (Lil), July 16, 1935, Swan River Valley Manitoba-July 1, 2020, Brandon Manitoba. It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother Lil at the Palliative Unit of Assiniboine Centre Wednesday July 1 at the age of 84. Lil was predeceased by her husband Peter, her parents, grandson Andrew Strong and her son-in-law Kelvin Colquhoun. Mourning her passing are her children Melodie Tahhan (Joseph) of Brandon MB, Candis Strong (Larry) of Calgary AB, Melanie Colquhoun of Calgary AB, and Jeff Caryk (Amanda) of Winnipeg MB. Also left to mourn are her grandchildren Loralee (Mark), Jamie (Julia), Ian, Jarod, Stephanie, Jennifer, and Michael plus four great grandchildren Leah, Linden, and Alex and Mila. She will be missed by her siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. The Swan River Valley was where she grew up and met her husband Peter. They started their married life in 1956 which lasted until Peter’s passing in 1991. Teaching careers started in the Valley and opportunity brought them to Brandon. Life was full with raising children and enjoying family and friends. Trips were taken across Canada most often in a trailer. A cottage at Sandy Lake established in 1974 has provided a family retreat for many generations. Retirement travel included trips to California and Florida. Lil enjoyed a variety of activities and was creative in her sewing, painting, ceramics and gardening. Later she took up bridge and golf that provided a base for her strong social circle. Much of her time was invested in helping her family in Brandon, Winnipeg and Calgary always there to lend a helping hand, cook up meals and provide words of wisdom as her children established their families and careers. Coffee was a code word for let’s have a visit whether you were in town or from out of town. She was a fabulous cook with perogies, cinnamon buns and cookies among the favorites. She took great delight in her children and great-grandchildren insuring they received birthday wishes and ice cream treats upon visits. Whether you knew Lillian as mom, sister, aunt, grandma or friend her motto could have been “there is always room at the table for one more”. She was an incredible hostess and always made everyone feel welcome in her home. At Lil’s request there will be no formal service. Instead take time to gather with loved ones and appreciate each other. A kind and gentle woman, she will be smiling with you all. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lil can be directed to a charity of your choice.