February 20, 1936 – March 24, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Tante Lilli.
Lilli passed away on March 24, 2024, after a lengthy illness. She leaves to mourn two brothers Arnold (Rose) and William (Frances), as well as nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Lilli was predeceased by her parents, Olga and Henry, her brother Eric (Martha), and stepbrothers Bruno (Margaret), Paul, Reinhold, Gustav, and one stepsister Elsa, and one nephew Werner.
Lilli was born in Kizin, Poland. In 1944 the family had to flee their home as the Russian army was invading. They settled in Hamburg, Germany and stayed there for 5 years until her father decided the family needed to come to Canada to start a new life.
They were sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee and initially settle in Reinland, Manitoba. After her father dying in 1955 Lilli, her mother, and her younger brother Bill moved to Winnipeg and settled in East Kildonan. Lilli helped her mother raise the much younger Bill. Lilli and Bill always remained close.
Lilli met the love of her life at age 52 and married Henry Rabe. She moved to Charleswood to start her life with Henry and unfortunately Henry passed away only after 3 months of marriage. Lilli eventually moved back to East Kildonan.
For many years Lilli enjoyed walks/rides with Fran and the many Maggie’s (dogs). The people of East Kildonan would see the ladies with a Maggie in tow, either on a leash, stroller, or toboggan and sometimes in the basket of their three wheelers.
Lilli loved to talk and loved to eat. Even with her small structure she had a vicious appetite, especially when it was something she really enjoyed. In her no-nonsense manner Tante Lilli would often offer her critique of the feast before her. She was a kind and generous, very matter of fact she had no hesitation in tell you what was on her mind. She had a sharp wit, and was an accomplished seamstress, and loved to knit and crochet to.
Over the last several years she formed a strong bond with her nephew Arnie (Kelly) Kliewer. Arnie spent many hours with Tante Lilli patiently answering questions she would have, listening to her many tales and offering his caregiving support when she needed. Arnie always knew when the visit was over because Tante Lilli’s pragmatic way would say “okay I’m done talking you can go now.”
Lilli enjoyed visits from her cousin Hildegard Thiessen, and she appreciated all the homemade treats Hildegard would bring her. She absolutely loved Fran’s potato pancakes, devouring them and each time saying, “this is the best she has ever made.” In her matter-of-fact way, she would remind Kelly that cabbage does not belong in Chicken Noodle Soup!
The family wishes to thank Donwood Manor for the excellent care and compassion they gave to Lilli these last 5 years. As per Lilli’s wishes there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Diabetes Foundation of Manitoba.
