Obituary of Lillian Rose Mcbean

McBEAN – Lillian Rose (nee Thomson) passed away peacefully at the Prairie Pioneer Lodge in Swift Current on Saturday, July 5 of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Swift Current August 9, 1927, to Leonard Baden Thomson and Bertha Jean (Edgar), Lillian lived her whole life in Swift Current with only 3 short periods outside its warm embrace. Her early years were spent “at the end of the trail” in Manyberries in Southwest Alberta. She returned to Swift Current for much of her public schooling before spending 4 years at the U of S in Saskatoon, graduating from with a BSc. While working summers at the Swift Current Research Station, she caught the eye of a particular returning veteran and cereal geneticist, Stu McBean. He overcame the “difficulty” of dating the boss’s daughter and on June 18, 1949 they were married and began their family of 4 children. Lillian’s third episode outside of Swift Current occurred toward the end of Stu’s career when he, Lillian and the youngest child, Duncan, travelled to Zambia, Africa for 3 years working with CIDA at an international agricultural research station. These years were particularly important to Lillian, opening her circle of friends to many from around the world. Lillian was a strong character, full of energy and always ready to lend a hand – or take charge – in projects of all shapes and sizes. For many years a full time stay at home mother, she did return to the workforce in the 70’s as the curator of the SC Natural History Museum. She was a pillar of the First United Church’s UCW group for decades, a member of the University Women’s Club and the Fortnightly Club, and tutored English to new Canadians. Being active was a way of life for Lillian, whether it was canvassing for countless causes, delivering Meals on Wheels, playing bridge or helping anyone she saw that could use her (or her family’s) assistance. She and Stu spent many years of 3 season residence in the Cypress Hills, relishing in its beauty, entertaining and welcoming her children and grandchildren. Her generous spirit lives on in the memories of a multitude in Swift Current and beyond. Lillian is survived by her husband Stu, her 4 children, Brenda (Halifax), Bob (Edmonton), Don (Saskatoon) and Duncan (Vancouver), their spouses and 9 grandchildren. Lillian is predeceased by her parents in 1956 and 1971 and her sister Audrey in 2002. The family extends a warm thank you to the staff at Prairie Pioneer Lodge for the care provided these past years and donations to the PPL Auxiliary are welcomed. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First United Church in Swift Current on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. For further information or to sign the family book of condolences, visit our website at www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.