It is with broken hearts that we, the family of Lillian Donovan (nee Butts) announce her sudden passing, at home, in Ingonish Beach, on July 13, 2024, at the age of 89. Lillian was born March 20, 1935 in Sydney Mines, NS to the late Annie Gladys (Nee Crosley – Leeds England) and Leander Butts (Flatrock, NL).
Lil was a strong, determined, independent, loving lady who spent her life caring for her family. She had a great sense of humour, and loved nothing more than a good laugh. She loved to bake and cook, and for a time sold home baking and ran her own take-out canteen. She had a love for many things, including reading, crossword puzzles, knitting and playing cards with family and friends. When she was more mobile, her weekly outing to visit with her TOPS friends was a highlight for her.
Lillian was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, James Arthur (Art), her parents and her three brothers, John, William (Bill) and Wallace, a sister Irene in infancy, and her son-in-law Joe Hines. Lillian is survived by her children Linda Hines, Brian (Gloria), Tim (Joan) all of Ingonish. John (Janice), Saint John, NB, George (Shauna), NB, Wallace (Charlotte), Springhill, NS and Ryan, Dartmouth, NS. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as her special daughter-in-law Wendy.
A graveside service will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, July 20 at St Peter’s Parish Cemetery in Ingonish. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting www.fillmoreandwhitman.com.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation.
