It is with deep sadness the family of Margaret Lillian McGuigan announce her death in Charlottetown, PE on Friday, September 2, 2016 at the wonderful age of 106 years and 11 months. Lillian or “Lilly”, as she was known by family and friends, was the elder child and only daughter of Thomas Wellington McGuigan and Charlotte (Lottie) Henrietta McKenna. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother James (Jimmy) Patrick and sister-in-law Stella Marie (Healey) McGuigan. Lillian was born September 23, 1909 in Hope River, PE. Tragedy struck at the young age of 2 ½ years when her father died of TB leaving her mother to raise and provide for both she and her 9 month old brother James (Jimmy) Patrick. Times being what they were, their mother Lottie headed to Boston in order to earn a living by which she could support her young children. Lillian and her brother Jimmy were left in the care of their maternal grandparents the McKenna’s. These qualities would guide the course of her life. She and her brother settled into their new life with their Aunt Mamie and Uncle Pat, who were still living at home and they became big sister and brother to the two little ones. Even after her marriage to Joe Bolger, Mamie and her children Vernon, James (Pat), Thomas and Kathleen Bolger remained dear to Lillian throughout her life. Lillian was a well rounded student. She excelled academically especially in spelling, recitation and geography. She also did well at school fair days, where she won prizes for various agricultural exhibits and in school races. When she had finished her schooling she went to work as a housekeeper in both Hope River and Charlottetown. In 1939 she made a decision that would forever change her life. She boarded a train bound for Montreal to seek better and more stable employment. Her dear friend Anne Trainor, who had left the Island several years before Lillian, help to get Lillian established finding her accommodation with the Vincent de Paul Sisters. Lillian loved the city and all it had to offer. The language barrier never seemed to hold her back. Lillian took a commercial course while working as a housekeeper. Upon completion of her commercial course she found employment with such well known firms as The War Assets Office, Citadel Merchandising, British Overseas Airways and Pittfield MacKay. No matter where she worked she would often bring a cup of coffee for managers and staff alike just to give everyone a little break from the stress of the work day. When approaching retirement age she took a Red Cross course to become a nurse’s aide, and continued to work at this for a number of years. She enjoyed this work, as it allowed her a glimpse into the lives of some very wealthy Montreal families. She finally retired to Charlottetown in 1983. During all those years away, the Maritimes were never far from her thoughts and she traveled home regularly dividing summer and Christmas holidays between PEI and her brother’s home in Halifax. For Lillian’s nieces and nephews in Halifax the holidays were never complete unless she was there. Lillian settled back into life on the Island. She kept busy and helped to care for her dear Aunt Mamie during Mamie’s later years. She would travel to visit friends in Ontario, Quebec and Halifax when the opportunity arose. The one thing she did miss about Montreal was the shopping and liked nothing better than to get to Halifax for a better variety in shops and stores. Lillian was blessed with good health throughout her life. She could still be found well into her 90’s in her own apartment putting down jam or helping out the housekeeper. She didn’t want the housekeeper to tire herself out! Lillian was a kind, nurturing, loving, intelligent and funny soul. She was well known for her hospitality. Her door was always open. She liked nothing better than to have company drop in for a cup of tea and a good chat. When Lillian finally had to move into a retirement home at age 99 ½, her one lament was that she had nothing to serve her visitors, not even a crust of bread! Left to celebrate her life and carry forward her memory are: her nephews Jimi MacGuigan, Vancouver, BC and Peter McGuigan, Halifax, NS; nieces Mary Baglole (James) Halifax, NS; Catherine McGuigan (Paul Steed), Port Perry, ON; Sharon McGuigan-Bacci (Andy), Burlington, ON; 6 great-nieces and nephews, 7 great great-nieces and nephews; dear cousins Sister Kathleen Bolger, Charlottetown, PE; Alice (Tom deceased) Bolger, Charlottetown, PE; Anne Marie Bolger, Charlottetown, PE; Donna (Michael Coombes) Bolger, Delta, BC; Kathleen (Robert Cole) Bolger-Cole, Hampton, NB and Joey Bolger, Charlottetown, PE. Lillian’s family would like to thank Anne Marie Bolger and most especially Sr. Kathleen Bolger for all the love and support that they gave to Lillian, which enabled her to so enjoy her last years. Thank you as well to the staff at the Atlantic Baptist Home for their compassionate and tender care. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 33 Longworth Ave, Charlottetown PE. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, September 7 at 10:30 a.m., St. Anne’s Hope River, PE. Reception to follow. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to The Atlantic Baptist Nursing Home, Charlottetown, PE; The Society of St. Theresa, Montreal, PQ or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Lawless Funeral Home, Kinkora. www.lawlessfuneralhome.ca

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