Lillian Patton

Lillian May Patton (nee Robinson), late of Regina, White Rock, and Saskatoon, passed away peacefully on March 22nd, 2025, just five days short of her 96th birthday, to join her beloved husband of 72 years, Bill. In her last days and hours, she was surrounded by the love and the presence of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Lil was born March 27, 1929, in Saskatoon, one of 11 children (four boys and seven girls) of Edward and Florence Robinson. In 1946, she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Patton, while working at the pickle factory in Saskatoon. They married on January 18, 1947.

Lil loved being a mother and homemaker, as Bill pursued his business dreams. In 1962, "Bill and Lil from Pleasant Hill" moved to Regina, where for 25 years they owned and operated Canadian Motors Ltd., and concurrently several other successful businesses. They retired to White Rock, B.C., in 1987.

While in Regina, Bill and Lil were members of All Saints Anglican Church. Lil was on the Altar Guild, sang in the choir, was a member of IODE, and oversaw many church events. The May Time Ball at the Trianon Ballroom (for which she made all the decorations) was an annual event, as was the Church Christmas Bazaar.

Lil was a crafter extraordinaire. She was up for decorating any celebration or occasion, or helping with school projects with her children. Christmas was her particular delight, and she created many dozens of incredible decorations, which brightened her own home and those of her children, to the present day. She continued to make decorations for her great-grandchildren right up to her 94th year.

Lil was a very talented knitter, knitting themed sweaters (nursery rhyme and Sesame Street characters) and Fair Isle sweaters for her grandchildren. Quilting became a new favourite after retirement, and she was a member of the White Rock Quilting Guild.

Bill and Lil were prominent members of the community in Regina, and hosted many stylish parties. They travelled, and spent a number of winter months in Arizona.

But family was everything. Sunday country drives were a staple. Pike Lake, parks and playgrounds - always with a picnic. In later years, a sandbox, skating rink, swimming pool, and snowmobiles. Saturday night was always Burger Night, a tradition her children continue to keep.

There were annual family vacations, whether a road trip in the Country Squire station wagon, or to Disneyland or Expo 67, or the entire family in London for a Charles Dickens Christmas, with New Year's Eve at the Savoy Hotel.

After Bill's passing in 2019, Lil returned to Saskatoon, residing at Hunter Village (later Aspira) where, as she had done her entire life, she easily made many friends, both with residents and staff.

Lil is survived by her four children, Allan Patton (Diane Marklinger), Joanne (John) Douglas, Kate (Robert) Gibbings, and Barbara Patton-Brown (Bill Brown), as well as 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Her memory is a blessing to all of them, and to all that knew her.

The family expresses deep appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and care aides at Royal University Hospital for their compassion and care.

The family also thanks the staff at Aspira, both past and present, who did so much to help keep Lil independent until just a week before her passing.

A Celebration of Lil's life will be held at a later date.