Lillian Helen Sellers (nee Gmiterek)

Lillian Sellers passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 18, 2025 at the age of 71 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 48 years Richard; children, Rick, Bonnie (Aaron), both of Calgary, AB, Brenda (Trevor), of Strathmore, AB, and Bridget (Adam), of Airdrie, AB; granddaughters Elise and Fiona; siblings Rose (Joe) Roskivich, Shirley (Ed) Sikora, both of Winnipeg, MB, Louis (Teresa) Gmiterek of Beausejour, MB and brother in law Louie Wazny of Lac Du Bonnet, MB; many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents Alec & Jennie Gmiterek, sister Violet Wazny, brother Ronnie Galay, and in-laws Don & Violet Sellers.

Lillian was born in Beauséjour, MB and raised in Brightstone, MB. While attending High School she met Richard. After graduation Lillian was a bridesmaid for Richard’s cousin and started dating in the fall of 1973. They were married in 1976 and moved to Calgary shortly thereafter to start their lives together. They were blessed with their first born, Rick, in 1979, followed by Bonnie in 1982 and then the twins, Brenda & Bridget, in 1983.

Before leaving Manitoba, Lillian worked as a Nurse’s Aide. After moving to Calgary, she began working in Janitorial services. In 1984 she started working at the Hudson Bay Company warehouse where she made some lifelong friends. She then spent 18 years working at Toys-R-Us and then retired in 2022 while working at Giant Tiger.

Family was of utmost importance to Lillian. She gladly filled her open heart and home with many kids from the neighbourhood, being known as one of The Block Moms. She was often seen outside drinking coffee while sitting on the front step watching all the kids run around and play or be there just to talk. Her kids would often say they had the best childhood growing up in the neighbourhood. Many of the neighbourhoods kids consider Lillian as their “adoptive” mom, she always cherished her conversations with them while they got older and enjoyed seeing their dreams come true.

To support her daughters, she was very involved with Job's Daughter's International after they join in 1994. With Lillian's support, Richard joined and became a member of Perfection Lodge of the Masonic Order in 1996, and another journey began together. Lillian joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1997 and the Daughters of the Nile shortly after. Lillian became very active with Job’s Daughter's International, taking numerous assignments and volunteering roles and was the Alberta Grand Guardian in 2004. She cherishes all the memories. Lillian loved to help keep Richard’s fellow lodge members well fed with delicious home cooking at many Masonic events. Lillian kept busy over the years catering and making meals for many occasions and events for many Masonic Lodges, Scottish Rite, Royal Arch and Royal Arch concurrent bodies. The Masonic Lodges and Scottish Rite groups always feasted on many turkey and roast beef dinners. The Easter Brunches will not be the same without her delicious meals. She only knew how to cook enough food to feed over 100 people and enjoyed feeding an army of men. Nobody ever left any of her dinners hungry. With these groups Lillian, along with Richard, spent many hours volunteering their time, especially volunteering for many casinos in the count room over the years and always willing to help with anything that was needed or asked.

Lillian's family grew when her children got older and started relationships of their own. She always considered her son-in-laws Aaron, Trevor and Adam, as her real sons. Her greatest joy was spending time with her two granddaughters. She loved to spoil them and give them everything they wanted, often giving them dessert or candy before dinner. Something she would never do with her own children.

Lillian was one of a kind, she was sweet, caring and always willing to help anyone with anything. She loved to gab on the phone with her girlfriends for hours. She was always up to go for coffee and spend hours with her friends. Lillian held a special place in her heart for everyone and was willing to be a listening ear to anyone who needed to chat.

When Lillian was diagnosed with Cancer, she didn't let it stop her from doing the things she loved. She was a fighter and didn't give up when things got hard. She even kept going with her catering and cooking for the Lodges up to mid December 2024. Everyone who met and got to know her was very lucky as she was an inspiration to us all. She will be dearly missed by all who know her.

A Celebration of Lillian's life will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Edith Cavell Chapter #25 in support of the nursing bursaries at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University (edithcavell25@gmail.com).