McLELLAN, Lily Catherine -
Age 84 formerly of Yarmouth, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 9, 2017 at her home, The Berkeley Gladstone, Halifax. Lily was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Born in Port Bickerton, on February 13, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Ernie and Ethel (Hiltz) Taylor. Lily left the small community of Port Bickerton and came to Halifax to attend secretarial school and after graduating worked as an Executive Secretary in the Department of Health and Welfare in the mid·50’s. She met her husband of 62 years, Joseph McLellan, the love of her life, while attending secretarial school. Lily was a homemaker and happily raised four girls with her husband Joe. In the earlier 70’s Lily began a career as an early childhood educator as she had a passion for working with young children. In the mid-70’s she started Happy Time Nursery School and ran it out of her home until the late-80’s. Hundreds of children attended Mrs. Lily’s nursery school and often approached her as young adults sharing fond memories of their time at her nursery school with great gratitude. Lily had a great love of life and a fun sense of humour. She was a talented pianist and singer who instilled the love of music in all her family and friends. She also loved to step dance and yodel, and would lighten up the mood of anyone in her company. Lily had the most beautiful smile and warmth of presence, she would make you feel like the most important person in the world. As a community volunteer Lily was a Brownie and Girl Guide Leader, and Commissioner; canvassed for both the Arthritis and Cancer Societies; and was a member of the Milton Improvement Society. Lily was also an active member of Beacon United Church since it opened in 1967 where she sang in the church choir and gave service as a pastoral care volunteer. Lily and her husband Joe enjoyed golfing, skiing, playing bridge, crusing and traveling to many parts of the world. They moved to the Berkeley in January of 2015 and enjoyed many good times surrounded by the staff and community. She is survived by her husband, Joseph; her daughters, Heather (Gary) Christian, Windsor; Joanne (Albert) LeBlanc, Grosses Coques; Barbara (Nabil) Abboud, New Edinburgh; Krista (Todd) Norton, Ottawa, Ont.; brothers, Harvey Taylor, Sherbrooke; Wayne (Shirley) Taylor, Timberlea; grandchildren, Danielle, Yassamine, Owen, Saneea, Scott, Mustafa, Robert, Rebecca and Layla; great-grandchildren, Breanna, Brady, L.J., Rosie, Ronan and Lachlan. In addition to her parents, Lily was predeceased by her brother, Guy Taylor and grandson, Leopold LeBlanc. Special thanks to Dr. Howard Conter, the wonderfully caring Berkeley Gladstone staff and residents, the staff of Bay Shore Home Health Care, the VON and Palliative Care team. There will be a family celebration of her life at a later date. Donations in memoriam can be made to Beacon United Church, the Town of Yarmouth or to a charity of your choice.
May the memory of your sweet smile sustain us in your absence.