Lilly Mae Millham

Lilly Mae left us to join her mother and father, Lilly and David Guest, her sister, Leslie Ann Lefebvre, and Nicki’s “special butterfly” on March 14, 2024 after a lengthy illness.

Lilly Mae Eskelson Guest was born in Wadena, SK June 22, 1937.  She took her schooling in the Wadena area and graduated from Wadena High School in 1955.  She attended Allan Business College and graduated from the complete business education program with honours.  She was then immediately hired as an instructor.

Lilly Mae met Gordon Charles Millham at a United Church broomball league dance in Saskatoon, and, yes, she played broomball.  That same cold winter night, Gordon escorted her more than 25 blocks to her home then turned around to walk all the way back to his boarding house.  They were married on July 12, 1958 in Wadena.

Lilly Mae and Gordon moved from small town to small town as he began his teaching career.   Lilly Mae taught Business Education in high school in Nipawin, SK then taught Typing in Lemberg, SK.  Each of their four children were born in a different town:  Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Kelvington, and Wadena.  Other stops included Saskatoon and Lemberg.

They settled for 5 years in Archerwill, SK where Lilly Mae and Gordon were active in community activities and events.  Lilly Mae taught piano, volunteered as a CGIT leader, played the organ in the United Church, started the Friendly Set square dance group, and acted in various community productions.

In 1971, they moved to Saskatoon.  After her youngest was old enough, Lilly Mae took a job at University of Saskatchewan Printing Services as a Phototypesetter, then a Photocopy Centre Operator, retiring in 1997.

Lilly Mae sewed and knitted clothes for her family, initially as a means to economize, but in later years she took up various handicrafts as hobbies.  Lilly Mae and Gordon began selling their crafts at local craft sales.  Her quilting, embroidery, knitting and crocheting works have spread through her family and the community since.  

In September of 2021, Lilly Mae was diagnosed with Acute Myelodysplastic Syndrome.   Under the care of the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, Palliative Home Care, her family doctor, and her family, Lilly Mae outlived her initial prognosis, something she was very proud of.

July 12, 2023, Lilly Mae and Gordon celebrated their 65^th Wedding Anniversary with their children and  grandchildren.  They also welcomed a fourth generation when their two great grandchildren were born in October/November of 2023.

In March 2024, Lilly Mae’s disease had run its course and she was admitted first to St. Paul’s Hospital, then to the Hospice at Glengarda where she spent her last days surrounded by family.  She died peacefully with her beloved Gordon and other family members present.  Lilly Mae, Wife, Mom, Grandma, Grams Bear, GG Bear, was the foundation of her family’s love.  She recently said, “I bathe in the glory of my family” as we all bathe in the glory of her love.

Remembering her with much love are her husband, Gordon, the love of her life for more than 68 years, her daughters Colleen (Wayne) Sakowsky, Sherri Millham, Lana (Neil) Abercrombie, her son Evan Millham (Michelle Christensen), grandchildren Jenna (George) Korolis, Nicki Sakowsky (Mark Peterson), Nigel Abercrombie, Nolan Abercrombie, Taylor Christensen, Cassidy Pfneisl, great grandchildren Hunter Peterson, Everly Korolis, her aunt, brothers- and sister-in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

The family thanks all the doctors, nurses and staff of the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, Palliative Home Care, and St. Paul’s Hospital.  Special thanks to the nurses and staff of the Hospice at Glengarda and Dr. Johann Malan for all their kindness and care.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in June.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to:   the Hospice at Glengarda, the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, or the Canadian Cancer Society.