Lillian Kanary

Lillian (Nolan) Kanary

BIRTH: Jan 12, 1930 - Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
Death: Jan 27, 2019 – Woodhall Park Retirement Village, Brampton, Ontario

Parents: John (James) Nolan and Rose Pitts (Pettipas)
Husband: Alexander James Kanary
Children: the late Louis (Ellie), Ann Louise, Steve (Lorene), David (Paivi) and Ashley (Sherry)
Grandchildren: Mark, Sean, Ryan, Lauren, Daniel, Kristian and Josée
Great Grandchildren: Callie, Brooklyn, Ashton
Siblings: Hilda, Rita, John, Joe, Patrick, Jimmy and Andrew

Born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, she survived being orphaned in early childhood then adopted at age 11 and attended the finest boarding schools which prepared her to become the strong-minded, independent woman she was. She met her husband Alex while working at the Keltic Lodge in Cape Breton. They soon married and raised a family of 5 children in Toronto.

Lillian’s skillset scans many careers, a waitress in the early years, a store detective, a banquet manager, a campaign manager for John Nunziata, owner of a dating agency and her longest and most dearly loved career was that of a colorful character actor in movies, TV shows and commercials. She acted in episodes of SCTV, Strange Brew, The Terry Fox Story, Youngblood, Cocktail, Police Academy, Cagney and Lacey and many other fun and interesting productions.

Lillian received various awards throughout her life including a humanitarian award for saving a man’s life during a boat explosion on Lake Ontario in 1981 where she was badly burned.

Her sense of humour and sharp wit kept everyone laughing at any social function or simple visit.

We want to let her know that she did a great job and wish her a safe journey. We will remember her smile, her warmth, her amazing energy, her keen wit and love for life, family and friends. She worked consistently until late in life. She made a difference in the lives of many.

She will be cremated and her remains will reside beside her beloved husband in Bay St. Lawrence Cemetery, Cape Breton Island.

We wish to say a special thank you to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at Woodhall Park Retirement Village who took special care of Lillian during the last phase of her life, they were kind, attentive and caring and we are thankful for their support.

We invite you to join us and celebrate together.