February 2, 1921 – June 5, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Lily (Belson) MacLeod who passed on to glory on June 5, 2011 at age 90.
Lily was born February 2, 1921 to Barnet and Miriam Belson of London, England. Lily had 4 sisters and 1 brother.
Just before WW 2 broke out Lily joined the ARP where she took part in supplying and fitting gas masks to the civilians in London, England. Once war was declared, Lily joined the British Army and served as a radar operator in ‘544 Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery’. Lily loved her life in the army. It was while on furlough that she met a Canadian soldier in St. James Park, London. After corresponding for one year, they married. Lily left the army after the birth of her first child.
After the war ended Lily travelled by ship to Canada with her baby to meet her husband who had gone on before her, leaving behind her family and friends with the belief she would never see them again. They settled in the Fraser Valley where she was not only kept busy raising her growing family, but also helping Hector build many homes. Hector later decided to train for the ministry which soon added on the responsibility of being the wife of a pastor.
In 1964 the family moved to Nanaimo where Lily gave birth to her 11th and last child. She not only continued her duties as a mother and pastor’s wife but also held a position for several years at Sears Store in the credit department. After their retirement, Lily travelled with Hector to Israel where they not only hosted many tours but also lived for a period of six months. Lily decided to go to night school and learn Hebrew while she was there.
Lily was always full of adventure and ready to take on any task that was set before her. She enjoyed entertaining the many friends who were always dropping by for a meal and some of her famous baking. Lily loved life, was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and a great friend to all who met her. Her relationship with her husband was an inspiration to all. Lily was best known for her sense of humour and her laughter.
Sadly Lily was stricken with Alzheimer’s and when Hector was no longer able to care for her, she was placed into the Arrowsmith Lodge where she was given the most amazing care, and was loved by all the staff who looked after her. At the age of 90 God decided to take her home where she joined her husband of 67 years.
Lily is predeceased by her husband and best friend Hector (2010), baby daughter Latisha (1957), whom she never got to hold and her great-grandson Matthew Froese (2010). She is survived by her children Joan (Reuben), Judy, Paul (Margaret), Wendy (Bob), Matthew (Candace), Daniel, Rod (Noreen), Tim (Elaine), Jennifer (Daryl), Dean, 29 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren, her sister Helen and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a short burial service on Tuesday, June 14th at 11 a.m. at the Yates Funeral Home, 1000 Allsbrook Road, Parksville, followed by a celebration of her life to be held at the First Baptist Church, 1650 Waddington Road Nanaimo B.C. at 2 p.m., followed by a tea in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lily’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC, 300 – 828 West 8th Ave Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E2.
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM (250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.