Doug's mother died in 1970, when Doug was 28 years old. About a year and a half later, Doug's dad married Lil, the widowed mother of four young-adult children. Doug's dad died 12 years ago, leaving Lil a two-time widow. Now, Lil has also passed away at the age of 89.
Lil - May 6, 2011
Lil and Doug's Dad
Lil was an interesting lady. Having been born and raised in Great Britain, she told stories of the World War II bombings of her country and the terror that those bombs caused. She served in the Women's Land Army, a British civilian organization which put women to work in agriculture, replacing men called up to the military. A few years ago, her children sent a request to England and obtained for Lil a citation, commending her for her service in the Women's Land Army, and signed by then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. Her pride in receiving that recognition was understandable.
She was also very proud when she received her American citizenship several years ago.
Lil's youngest son, a truck driver, was killed in a truck accident 14 years ago. His traveling companion, a blond cocker spaniel named Freeway, survived the crash and lived out the rest of her life with Lil. They were good company for each other, and Freeway sort of helped Lil feel an ongoing connection with the son she had lost.
Lil's daughter and twin sons and their families are a very close-knit group. Before Lil's health began to decline, she hosted family gatherings on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. More recently, her daughter has taken on the challenge of hosting those gatherings.
Lil with one of her great-grandsons, May 30, 2005
Lil, arriving at her daughter's for a surprise party for her 83rd birthday in 2006
Lil enjoyed a good long life, at the center of a large family who loved her. She endured hardship and losses, of course, but always with the support of her family. She will be missed.
what a tough woman. she did endure a lot, but seemed full of life and love. i am sorry for your loss...
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this, Linda, but she did live a long and productive life. What a pretty lady. She had a beautiful smile.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless the family.
Hugs and Prayers to YOU,
Betsy
What an interesting lady. The portrait of her and Doug's dad is so sweet - they look very happy together. You can see from the photos that she's a woman who is adored by her family. So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteLil sounds like a remarkable lady. Doug's dad was fortunate to find two great women to share his life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to Lil. Clearly she was very loved. I'm so sorry for your and Doug's loss. Hugs to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely tribute to a special lady. She will most certainly be missed by all whose life she touched.My Sympathy to all the family.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you all for your kind words and sweet thoughts.
ReplyDeletea happy and full life thanks for sharing this Linda
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss, Linda. Though 89 years represent a long life, it's never long enough for those we love.
ReplyDeleteLil and Doug's dad look so pleased and relaxed in the photo, it's a beautiful portrait.
I've seen several films depicting the role of British women during the World War II, their stories are fascinating. To know someone real who could tell those stories based on her experience, that must have been very interesting. I can imagine how touched she must have felt when having obtained the citation.
Thank you, Petra. There aren't many people left from the days of World War II. When we have the privilege of knowing one of them, we should do them the honor and ourselves the treat of listening to their tales.
DeleteThanks for sharing the story of 'Lil, Linda.
ReplyDeleteDoug's stepmother sounds like a person interested in the lives of others. I really enjoyed seeing the picture of Doug's father. There is a resemblance to Doug and 'Lil and Doug's father looked happy. She brought some other sister and brothers into the family and was sorry to read about the loss of her son.
Your blog helps Dave and I feel like we were there and more you are such a good writer. Again we extend sympathies to both of you for your loss.
Kay - Doug does bear a pretty strong resemblance to his dad. Of course, Doug is more handsome. :) I think Doug's dad and step-mom were well suited for each other and had some happy times in their marriage. And you're right about the benefit of the additional siblings. They're all good folks.
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