Leah Miles Lundrigan (Hillier)
June 27, 2020
Obituary
Leah Miles Lundrigan(Hillier), age 88 of St. John’s passed peacefully away at her home in the presence of both her daughters’, 6:30 am on June 27, 2020. She was born to the late Manuel and Jessie Hillier of Taylor’s Bay. She was one of 13 children and has been pre deceased by all except her youngest brother Reg. Leah moved to St. John’s where she began a career that spanned almost 50 years. Her first job was at Ayre’s supermarket where she met and married the love of her life, Bert Lundrigan on January 21, 1957. They enjoyed almost 60 years of marriage until his passing in 2017.
Although she worked outside the home all her adult life, Leah was a devoted wife and mother whose family brought her her greatest joy. She opened her heart and her home to many friends and relatives over the years, whether they were coming to town for medical appointments, education or vacation. There was always a place in her home for anyone needing it.
In her early years of child – rearing she was a committed Guider and leader and especially loved the camping trips. Leah had great faith in God and her Christianity and sought out opportunities to grow and learn in her faith. She was an active member of St. Thomas’s Parish for many years and through the fellowship of her church she gave countless volunteer hours to Senior Citizen homes and the food bank. She sat on church committees and had the very fortunate opportunity to go on overseas missions with Bonnie on several occasions. Those were pivotal moments in her life that served to enrich her faith in the human spirit. Leah was so very proud of her daughters accomplishments and education. It was very important to her and Bert that their children have opportunities not available to them. She instilled values of compassion and kindness to all those around her. She loved a good game of growl and her Sunday night poker games. She loved nature, and often said she felt closest to God when berry picking. She loved animals, spending time at her cabin, and socializing with friends.
Leah is survived by her daughters, Wanda and Bonnie(Gerard Lahey), her beloved brother Reg Hillier(Isobel Hancott)grand-children, Chris Cox ( Jessica Matos), Kate Lahey (Chris Meyers), Matthew Lahey (Beth Avery) as well as a huge circle of family and friends.
The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Dr. Roger Butler, Trina Snook, the palliative care team, paramedics, and community health nurses for their amazing care of Leah and support to the family over these past weeks.
A private funeral service to celebrate Leah’s wonderful life will be held on Monday, July 6, 2:00pm at St. Thomas Anglican Church.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that anyone wishing to donate do so to St. Thomas’s Church in their efforts to support Emmaus House, an interdenominational food bank.
Wanda and Bonnie, we were so sorry to hear of Aunt Leah’s passing and our thoughts are with you during this time. There is a quote that I love from Maya Angelou that I feel describes my experience with Aunt Leah. It goes
” I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Aunt Leah always made me feel cared for and special after seeing her and because of her example I try to be that to people I encounter. I’m sure that was everyone’s experience of her. I know that she will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
Wanda, so sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was a beautiful lady..so kind and compassionate, May all your precious memories bring you comfort at this difficult time, God Bless
Shirley Sharpe
Wanda, so sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences to you and your family. May memories and the support of family and friends bring you comfort.
Wanda and family….sorry to hear of your moms passing. Thinking of you all during these difficult days..
Wanda so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Peace be with you and your family at this difficult time. Hugs
Wanda, my heart goes out to you at the loss of your mom. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Hugs!
Wanda, sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. . May your beautiful memories help you during this difficult time. Hugs, Lorraine
Bonnie, so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Treasure all your wonderful memories of your dear mother.
Sincere sympathy to you and your family. ❤
Wanda, so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Cherish the memories.
Wanda and Bonnie,
We were very saddened to hear of Leah’s passing. We will certainly miss her. She was such a pleasure to have in our program at Saint Luke’s.. She had a sweet soul. She will be missed by all those that had the pleasure of knowing her. Deepest condolences to your family.
I
I would like to express our sincere sympathy to Wanda & Bonnie and family. We were so sad to hear about Leah’s Passing. If you were lucky or fortunate to have meet Leah, you would have had a true friend for life. When Frank and I would visit Leah on Christmas Eve, she would sit with me and make me feel as if I was one of her family.. That is the sign of a true friend. we will never forget her friendship.
Wanda , Condolences to you and your family.
Jill Butler ( Durdle)
Bonnie and Wanda, So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. It was good that you were both near her to the end. I have such warm memories of Leah (and Burt) at St Thomas’ and your own memories will be a blessing to you in the coming days. Prayers and blessings to you.
Janet Shapter and Charlie Pope
Wanda.,
Sincere condolences to you and your family
Wanda,
So sorry to learn of your dear mother’s passing. Sending our love to you all.
Sorry to hear of Leah’s passing. Leah and Bert were co workers of mine many years ago. she was a lovely person. , may she rest in peace. Mary Jerrett. (nee George). RIP .
To Leah’s family,
I am deeply saddened to read of Leah’s passing. I worked with her many years ago at Dominion and she was always a kind and supportive supervisor to me. May the Lord give you comfort in your memories in the difficult days and weeks ahead.
Juanita (Hicks) Nicholl
Bonnie so sorry for your loss. Cherish all the wonderful memories of a life well lived. Sincerely, Sharon (Andrews) Moores ox
Bonnie and Wanda,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I have many fond memories of time spent at your house on Emerson. Your parents were both so kind to me. They were such a loving couple and I hope you find solace in knowing they are reunited.
Bonnie
My deepest condolences. I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She sounded to be an amazing, strong, caring woman like you. You are a wonderful daughter. Please take good care of yourself and your family. Thinking of you all.
So sad to read this tonight. I have so many fond memories of your Mom & Dad. She was such a good friend of my Sister Audrey and I’m sure tonight they are catching up on all they have missed. The memories of them both make me smile.
Sending Big Hugs.
Wanda,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I met her a couple of times but I feel like I knew her through your wonderful stories. I know she meant the world to you, and you to her. My thoughts are with you.
Jackie
Wanda, Bonnie and families our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Aunt Leah was a wonderful sweet kind lady. When you went to her home you were welcomed with open arms and you certainly never left without at least one of her loving hugs. She was so much like our dear mom. and now they are together again. .
Rest In Peace Aunt Leah. Forever loved & missed..
Wanda, Bonnie, and the Lundrigan and Hillier Families.
Please accept my deepest sympathy on Leah’s passing.
Leah and Bert were two of the finest people I have met over the years. Leah was a colleague of mine when I was at RBC, Elizabeth Avenue and she was the kind of employee every organization would hope to have as a member of their staff. She always had a smile, a kind comment and ever eager to participate in whatever was going on. We have all been enriched by her presence and surely her greater reward awaits. May God strengthen you now and in the days ahead.
Wanda and Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear of Leah’s passing, she was a wonderful caring mother and friend to all who knew her or came in contact with her. Our many years working together at RBC were full of laughter and fun.
Wanda and Bonnie . I am sorry for your loss. Your mom was a special lady. I have many fond memories of her over the years working together at the bank. She always enjoyed a laugh and was lots of fun to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
She was a warm friend to me. Both Bert and Leah always welcome me into their home. It felt like home with her open house for Christmas Eve and some card playing with a sampling of smoked salmon and baked goods.
God bless you Leah
Wanda and Bonnie so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. I started working with your Mom 1966 at Dominion upon till she went to work at the Bank. And I have great memories of her, RIP Leah..
So very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, Bonnie and Wanda. She was such a lovely lady and I remember many wonderful times at your house over the years. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time.
Take care,
Susan (Brown) Clay
Wanda, so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I know how close you were to both your Mom and Dad and I loved hearing all of the funny stories about them when we worked together. Sending you deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. Gig
Wanda
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of such a wonderful mother. Many your many memories help you through this very difficult time. You were a wonderful daughter and I am sure she really appreciated your support all these years. RIP
Wanda
So sorry for your loss. You have been a devoted daughter and wonderful support for your mom. Please accept my sympathy at this sad time.
Heidi Janes
Wanda & Bonnie , so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing She was an exceptional Lady with a big heart & smile . We worked together at The Royal Bank , everyone loved her .We enjoyed the many parties at her house on New Yea’s Eve & at the Cabin . Cherish your memories , may She rest in peace . Glenda Fraser
I send my sincere condolences to your family. I never met Leah but from her obituary, I understand she had a great and fulfilling life. I’m Leah’s first cousin. Her mom Jessie and my dad Robert Hillier of Point Aux Gaul are siblings.
Aunt Jessie visited us many times. I knew Reg, Bob and Velma. God Bless.
Deepest condolences to Leah’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May she rest in peace.
Wanda and Bonnie, So. Very sorry to hear of Aunt Leah’s passing.. she was always kind to me and everyone that knew her… I always looked forward to Boxing Day when Uncle Bert and Aunt leah visited us on Craigmillar Ave.. it made the season that much more special..RIP.
Wanda and Bonnie ,
Your mom was a very special lady and she raised two very special daughters. Much love ,
Tom Mills
My beautiful friend Leah .i will really miss you, rest softly dear soul. I pray God will keep you close to his heart forever. Hugs
Wanda and Bonnie…your Mom was a very special lady and a wonderful neighbour . I know you both have wonderful memories to carry with you for the rest of your lives…she will be missed…our condolences to you both and also to Chris,Katie and Matthew .
Wanda and Bonnie,
Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your dear mother. Having read her obituary, it is very clear that she was wonderful mother. I’m sure she has left you with lots of memories to treasure!
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time!
June Osmond
(Emerson Street neighbour)
Bonnie & Gerard, we are sending our deep condolences and thinking of you & your families. Hugs, Dot & Chris Chaulk
My favourite Aunt, loved her so much, she was such a lovely lady happy to help everyone in need and be there for a chat, or a game of cards or a great meal, Tedand I leave our most sincere condolences to Wanda, Bonnie and their families, our love and prayers are with you all at this sad time
Wanda and Bonnie,sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.Sincere condolences to you and your family.May God bless you all.
Your mom will always be in my heart, and I know in yours too. What a special person she was. Having a cuppa tea was always a delight, but she won too much money from me on those Sunday night games. My loving condolences to you during this difficult time.
Your mom will always be in my heart, and I know in yours too. What a special person she was. Having a cuppa tea was always a delight, but she won too much money from me on those Sunday night games. I know this is a terrible loss. My loving condolences to you during this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to Wanda & Bonnie & family at this sad time. Leah was a wonderful person and will always hold a special place in our hearts . May God bless you all.
by Sheilah & Jim Beckett
Her heart and home was always open to family and friends. She was very a very special Auntie to me and I sought her advice and guidance very often. I will miss her terribly, but feel that she will always live in my heart. My deepest condolences to Wanda, Bonnie and their families. Fly with the angels,Aunt Leah.
Wanda your mother sounds like a wonderful woman, how blessed you are with a lifetime of memories. My sincere condolences during this difficult time, it’s so hard to loose a loved one.
Reg, May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences. Judy & Neil