Obituary of Lillian Vera May
It is with profound sadness our family announces the peaceful passing of our dearly beloved mother, Lillian Vera (Sexton) May after a short stay in hospital. Mom celebrated her 93rd birthday on March 12th. She was predeceased in 2022 by her husband of 73 years, J.N. Brian May; in 1949 by daughter, Mary; and in 1968 by son, James Patrick. Mom is survived by her children: Brian William/Bill (Dorothy) May, Catherine/Cathy (late John) Brown, Ellen (Colin) White, Lynn Cooke (John Delaney), Janet/Renie (Al) Heywood, Tom May (Margaret Dhont), and Fred (Lori) May. Mom was extremely proud of her grandchildren: Diana Brown, Jonathan (Franco) Brown, Patricia White, Greg (Robyn) White, Brianne Mens, J.J. (Alison) Mens, Taylor (Carley) Cooke, David (Sarah) Heywood, Jamie (Annette) Heywood, Christie (James) Richardson, Robert (Alana) Heywood, Spencer (Anastasia) May, and Katie (Drew) VanEgmond, as well as 26 great-grandchildren. She will be mourned by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends as well as surviving sisters in law (in particular Patricia May). She was the last surviving member of her family, pre-deceased by parents Fred and Fanny Sexton, and siblings Fred (Mary) Sexton, Ernie (Betty) Sexton, Cora (Fred) Summers, Lloyd (Jackie) Sexton, and Joyce (Bill) Stanley.
Mom loved watching the wildlife on their property – deer, turkeys, pheasants, and especially the large variety of birds and her favorite hummingbirds. Family pets also held a special place in Mom’s heart and brought her much joy.
Mom also had a lifelong passion for baking and was known for her baked goodies – tarts, shortbread, cookies, etc. Despite failing sight, mom remained an active cook and baker until she entered the hospital.
Mom also loved to play cribbage and took great delight in a “close” game, no matter who won (though it always gave her a chuckle when she would beat one of us which she did regularly!). Mom also loved watching Wheel of Fortune. Jeopardy and following the Toronto Blue Jays.
Mom was a soft, gentle woman and an incredible role model for so many positive attributes! She will be greatly missed by so many people whose lives she touched over the years.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines, visitation will be held on Thursday, April 13th from 10:00AM-12:00PM with a Celebration of Life following at 12:00PM in the funeral home ceremony room.