Obituary of Lillian Katherine Janzen

JANZEN, Lillian Katherine (nee Willms)

1935 - 2020

Passed away peacefully into heaven on November 29, 2020 in her 85th year. Dear devoted wife to Henry for 66 years.  Cherished, precious mother to Richard (Nancy), Kathryn (Mike), and David (Camille).  She was the most wonderful and amazing Oma to Steven (Sarah), Aaron (Jadedawn), Suzanne (Matt), Julianne (Paul), Daniel (Matt), Ryan (Shyrell) and Janessa (Nick).  She is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren.  Lillian leaves behind her sisters and brother (predeceased by Susan in 2020) as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Lillian was raised in Niagara-on-the-Lake. She met Henry at a dance in 1951 and that was the beginning of their love story.  Together they made so many wonderful memories, but their greatest joy was their family.  Lillian loved to do volunteer work and spent many hours dedicated to that, whether at church or elsewhere.  She excelled at cooking and loved to entertain.  Lillian will be most remembered for the selfless, kind, beautiful person she was. 

Lillian was the first born child of Abram and Anne Willms.  She was born December 7, 1935 in Hurst, Ontario.  Her father was found to have a spot on his lung (a sign of tuberculosis) and his doctor had advised him to move to a cooler climate for a few months.  Lillian was born during the six weeks they were living in Reesor, Ontario.

She grew up in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Her earliest years were spent on Niven Road where both sets of her grandparents lived on adjoining farms, as well as two uncles.  She described these years as a “halcyon existence”, happily walking back and forth to visit her grandparents and relatives.  Gathering with relatives always included singing and music, which mom enjoyed throughout her life.

When Lillian was almost three years old her parents moved into the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and siblings Ruth, Susan, Ken and Elinor were born while living there.  She went to grade school in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Stamford Collegiate in Niagara Falls for her early high school years.  Lillian’s family briefly moved to Leamington during this time and she attended U.M.E.I. (United Mennonite Educational Institute) for one year.  This was where mom really cemented her faith and she was baptized on May 24, 1953, at the Niagara United Mennonite Church where she had attended since she was a child. 

Lillian loved to type and was a great organizer.  She attended St. Catharines Business College after high school and graduated with the highest marks in every subject (including shorthand and typing).  Because of this she had the choice of the best job available and she chose to work in a legal office.  After that she worked at her parent’s department store in Virgil.  She eventually went on to work for Stokes Seeds for several years, a job she loved.

When Lillian was 16 years old she met Henry at a town hall dance in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Henry asked her to dance and it was love at first sight.  Henry looked very young and mom didn’t realize he was 24 years old! On their first date he started to sing to the car radio (Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer) and this is when she realized that Henry could not carry a tune.  With her love of singing and music this was very concerning, but love won out.

Lillian married Henry Janzen on June 19, 1954, at the Niagara U.M. Church.  At this time Henry was a farmer and lived on the family farm on Niagara Street.  They moved into one of the farm houses to start and eventually built a new house on Niagara Street.  During their years on Niagara Street they lovingly welcomed their three children Richard (1959), Kathryn (1962) and David (1966).

The farm on Niagara Street was sold in 1966 for development and in 1971 they moved to Third Avenue Louth.  The family started attending Vineland United Mennonite Church at that time.  Lillian loved to volunteer anywhere she could, at church and elsewhere.  She was an awesome cook and entertained often.  She thought nothing of cooking up food for 50 or more people for the many big pool parties and family gatherings they hosted. 

Lil and Hank loved to travel and enjoyed several trips to Europe, many family holidays in Florida, skiing in Quebec, driving out west with the kids pulling a camper, many trips up north especially to the family cottage on Skeleton Lake in the late 70’s, and driving their R.V. all over North America in their retirement years.

In 1986 Lil and Hank moved to Courtleigh Road in Port Dalhousie.  Lillian’s greatest highlight during these years was the birth of her grandchildren Steven, Aaron, Daniel, Ryan, Suzanne, Janessa and Julianne.  There is no describing how much Lillian loved being a grandmother (Oma).  She was the most amazing grandmother and is deeply loved by all her grandchildren.  In more recent years she has become  a  great-Oma to eleven great grandchildren.

In 2009 Lillian’s health noticeably started to fail.  This was a difficult time for Lillian but she understood it was God’s plan for her and did the best she could.  She was very thankful for the wonderful life God had given her. Her faith remained strong and she immensely enjoyed listening to all her favorite hymns right until the end. 

God called her home on  November 29, 2020.  We thank God for her life and the great example of love and faith that she was to all who knew her. 

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 1st from 6:30 - 8:30pm at the Vineland Chapel of Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St. Vineland. Due to Covid restrictions, the capacity is limited for the visitation and your attendance MUST be scheduled. Please schedule an appointed visitation time at the following link

https://signup.com/go/SjcwTBc

Family graveside service will take place on Thursday, December 3rd at 11:00am at the Vineland Cemetery.

Memorial donations to Mennonite Central Committee would be appreciated.