The Catholic Church has lost a devout parishioner and the community of Prince George has lost a strong supporter.
Catherine Lillian Marie Fowlie died Oct. 15 at Simon Fraser Lodge following a lengthy illness. She was 83.
Born in Wilcox, Sask., Mrs. Fowlie grew up in a large Catholic family. She and husband, Jim , started life as farmers in Saskatchewan after Jim returned from serving in the Second World War.
In the early 1950s the couple moved to the Prince George area where Jim worked in the forest industry and Lillian continued to teach school at Clear Lake and Summit Lake before settling at Sacred Heart Cathedral school where she taught Grade 3 for 34 years.
Generations of children call her their teacher, and many can recall how she set them on the right path when they waivered.
"Her life revolved around her church and her belief in God. It was like she lived the beatitudes, leaving no one out and feeding many with pot lucks and Sunday pancakes," said her son, Joe.
When Jim was struck with multiple sclerosis in his middle years, she never blinked, but carried on with life and enhanced that of others by becoming a founder of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, playing her part in the Catholic Women's League and being named Mother of the Year for her family skills.
Sister Rosemary Akeson, from Calgary, told The Citizen Lillian was a "bossy" sister.
"As the oldest girl in a family of 10 she had to be, but she always had our best interest at heart, and I know her own children benefitted from her experience," said Rosemary.
Long time friend and neighbour, Agnes Leslie, said she'll remember Lillian as a good Christian friend, neighbour and mother.
"She lived for her family, church and school. She was a wonderful teacher who made school fun for children as she took them to the parks and outdoors. She was a great role model for youth and always the first to rally up when there was a need," said Leslie.
"Lillian Is the one who most influenced my life," daughter-in-law Laura, who lost her own mother quite early.
"She was real witness of faith in action and the most hospitable person I ever knew. Even when best friends moved away, leaving a void in her life, she'd reason it out by knowing they had played a big role in her life during a time when she needed them."
In recent months, as Lillian's sharp mind and memory kept slipping away by Alzheimer's Disease, Joe would take her out for drives.
"One cold day, I had to run an errand, so I removed the key, but left the engine running to keep her warm. When I came out the car was gone, and I was in a panic. Police asked me where I thought she'd go first, and I said the church. They found her there sipping tea with the Father," said Joe.
Mrs. Fowlie was predeceased by husband Jim in 2001 and son, John in 1978.
She is survived by sons Joe (Laura) and Jim (Lynn), daughters Dianne (Garry) Speakman and Peggy (Bruce) Paschal, brother Jim, sisters Rosemary, Patricia, Joan, and Louise, 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
A funeral mass is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Viewings are offered Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the church vestibule.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your favourite charity are appreciated.
