LILLIE GAWIAK

Lillie was born on May 11, 1933, and she passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at the age of 92 years. 

Lillie was predeceased by her mother Lydia Kalweit; father Adolph Goritz; husband Frank Gawiak; brother John Goritz; sister Alma Degroot; and infant son baby Gawiak.

Lillie leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Barbara Isleifson (Jett); daughter Margaret Dillon (Don); son Ronald Gawiak (Leanne); daughter Doris Gawiak (Chris); grandchildren, Rachelle Dillon (Darren), Kendra Isleifson (Geoff), Tanya Malo (Steve), Dustin Isleifson (Jill), Janelle Gawiak (Ryan) and Evan Gawiak. She will also be missed by her great-grandchildren, Anna, Tyler, Matthew, Erin, Brendan, Owen, Scott, Nicholas, Brenley and Jack. Lillie will be greatly missed by her sister Elsie McTaggart as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lillie was born in Browning, Saskatchewan and was the second youngest of 4 children. When she was a child, Lillie and her family moved to Steinbach, Manitoba. After a few years in Steinbach Lillie decided to move to Winnipeg at the age of 16. During Lillie’s late teen and early adult years she was employed at a variety of places, including Silver Heights Restaurant, Deer Lodge Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Ont. 

Lillie and Frank were married in 1956, and they enjoyed 35 years together until Frank passed away in 1992. During Frank and Lillie’s married years, they raised their 4 children. Lillie chose to be a stay-at-home mom, and she devoted her time to raising her children. Frank was known as the breadwinner in the family. Lillie and Frank were blessed with 6 grandchildren whom they loved and adored. The grandchildren always had a special place in Grandma and Grandpa’s hearts. Later in life, Lillie was blessed with 10 great-grandchildren. Family always meant a great deal to Lillie and she frequently had everyone over for family meals.

Lillie was very skilled in the area of food preparation and baking. She loved making perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht and various other dishes. Every summer and fall, Lillie would immerse herself in canning fruits and vegetables, making pickles, jams and juice. Lillie was very generous, and she would always share these things with her family. Besides being skilled in the kitchen, she was also exceptionally talented in sewing, knitting and crocheting. She often had a variety of these projects on the go. Besides the above-mentioned activities, Lillie also enjoyed travelling, gardening, bowling and playing bingo.

Lillie was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church most of her adult life. She would never hesitate to volunteer to help with church activities whenever she was able. Lillie was known for her selflessness. She was always thinking of others and putting others first. Lillie would never hesitate to have less herself for others to have more. She was a very strong individual, and she never complained, no matter how things were. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of the Beaver 1 unit of the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg Inc. for the excellent care they provided. Their compassion and kindness were greatly appreciated. The staff went above and beyond in providing the best possible care and attention.

The family is carrying out Lillie’s wish for cremation and a private family gathering which will be held at a later date.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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