Lillian Strocen passed away at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, on January 22, 2015, at the age of 80 years. Lillian was born on March 20, 1934, in the Woodlight School District near Sturgis, to John and Mary (Antonovich) Okrainetz. She attended Woodlight School and completed her Grade ten education. After high school, she helped her mother on the farm until summer of 1951. On November 4, 1951, she married Wasyl (Bill) Shymanski and together they farmed west of Canora. In 1968, Wasyl became ill and passed away on January 3, 1969. Shortly after, Lillian relocated her family to town and worked as a waitress in several restaurants in Canora, raising five children on minimum wage. In 1975, Lillian married Eugene Strocen. They farmed north of Canora until Eugene passed away in 1977. A few years later, Lillian met Roman Kotelko, who had also lost his wife to cancer. Lillian and Roman spent their summers in Canora and winters in Weslaco, TX with other seniors. Roman passed away in 1996 following a battle with leukemia. Lillian continued to live in Canora until the fall of 2008 when she moved to Prince George, BC near her daughter, Gloria. Lillian returned in March 2014 to the Yorkton District Nursing Home, where she continued to reside until her passing. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Lillian was predeceased by her parents: John and Mary; her daughter, Marilyn; her brothers: Bob, Sandy, Harry, Peter, Leo, Andrew, Eric and Benny; and her sisters: Lena Hearn, Victoria, Rose Greene, Eva and Mary. She is survived by her sons: David and Stanley (Darlene); daughters: Gloria Davies (Gary Chantree) and Joyce; sister, Sophia; brothers: Fred, Edward and Emerson; as well as her grandchildren: Briana, Taylor, Dana and Morgan Shymanski and Shane and Crystal Davies; and her great-granddaughter, Blaike BeBeau. A Prayer Service was held on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 7:00 pm and Funeral Services on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 10:00 am. Both services were held from the Chapel of Leson's Funeral Home, Canora with Rev. Fr. Michael Faryna officiating. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to a Charity of Donor's Choice, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Lillian Strocen. Family and friends unable to attend are invited to sign an online guest book for Lillian at www.lesonsfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements were entrusted to LESON'S FUNERAL HOME, Canora.
