Obituary of Lillian McConnell

MCCONNELL - Lillian (Vigrass), of Regina, SK, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the age of 85 years. Predeceased by husband Frank, parents Anna and Victor Vigrass, one nephew, and five brothers-in-law, Lillian is survived by her loving daughter Sheri (Sheila Stickland) of St Johns, NL; sisters Ruth Hetland of Prince Albert, Peggy Burke of Saskatoon, Louise (Frank) Szezpanski of Thunder Bay, Barbara McKnight of Oxbow; brothers Laurence (Glenna) Vigrass of Regina and Howard (June) Vigrass of Mauk, Georgia; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends and colleagues. Lillian was born at Tessier, SK on December 15, 1923 and raised on a farm near Pathlow, SK. She took her schooling in one room school houses in Pathlow; completed her teaching certificate at Moose Jaw Normal School; taught at Old Spalding and Spalding; then completed her Bachelor in Household Science at the U of S. A woman before her time, Lillian worked at the Country Guide in Winnipeg and CFRN-TV in Edmonton before becoming the original Penny Powers (SK Power home economist), playing key roles in rural electrification, public education, energy conservation, and lighting design. She wrote and edited numerous cookbooks, pamphlets, and articles, including a column in Farm, Light, & Power. Lillian has been a key player in the Regina, the Saskatchewan, and the Canadian Home Economics Associations, and has been honoured by all three for her contributions. She has been active in the Illuminating Engineering Society of America, the Consumers Association of Canada, the SK Womens Agricultural Network, and the RCMP Veterans Ladies Auxiliary. In 2001, she was inaugurated into the SK Agricultural Hall of Fame. Lillian was a role model and mentor, advocate for social change, pioneering feminist, loving and supportive mother, and a loyal friend to many. The funeral service will be held 2 pm Saturday, September 19 at the RCMP chapel in Regina (interment in the RCMP Cemetery) with reception to follow in the Officers Mess. Flowers most gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Lillians name to the Canadian Home Economics Foundation, Box 2582, Stn Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4B3, www.chef-fcef.ca An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com