Machin, Lilian
May 3, 1924 - March 3, 2006
Lilian was born in London, England. She lived in London during World War II. It was at this time that she met her husband-to-be, George Machin.
Lilian died peacefully in St. Joseph’s Hospital with her children at her side. Lilian was predeceased by her husband, George; son, John; brother, Charles Sutton (England); sister Jessie Grist (Surrey, England). She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Janet Crockett (Robert), Keith Machin (Shelagh), daughter-in-law Valerie Machin and grandchildren Graham, Shaun and Myrna Crockett, Laurenn and Derek Machin (Victoria), and Evan, Thomas and Julia Machin, sister Doreen Caudell (Ed) 100 Mile House and nieces and nephews in Canada and England.
In February, 1947 Lilian set out from Southampton, England sailing on the liner Aquitania to arrive in Montreal. After a train journey across Canada she arrived in Vancouver where her and George were married March 5, 1947.
The Machin’s were a pioneer family of the Comox Valley and for Lilian’s first year they lived at the original Machin farm, while they cleared with horses, a building site for their first cabin on the top of Hardy Hill. It was here that Lilian raised her family and helped develop their homesite. Lilian worked for many years for School District #71. After retirement Lilian enjoyed her many hobbies gardening, reading, discussion, knitting, music, art, walking and exploring outdoors with George. Seal Bay Park was dear to both of them.
After George died Lilian continued to live at the family home. Lilian was a member of the Hospital Auxilary and enjoyed organizing the Candy Striper program and helping in the extended care. She belonged to the Comox Valley Beekeeper’s Club, Horticulture Club, ITC and CYMC. She was the Comox Valley weather observer for Environment Canada for many years.
Lilian loved travelling and adventure. She travelled in Canada and to many countries throughout the world. Lilian’s friends and family were very important to her.
Lilian was a woman who enjoyed the outdoors, was independent, political, intelligent, stubborn, quick witted, fun and loving. We will all miss her.
The family are grateful to the staff of Laurel Lodge, the nurses of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Dr. R. Silcox for their care.
The family would like to welcome friends, neighbours and relatives to a Memorial get-together for Lilian at Grantham Hall on Saturday, March 25 at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxilary.