Obituary of Lillian Theresa Rennich (nee Clark)

Lillian Theresa (Clark) Rennich
February 5, 1933 - July 17, 2022

Lillian Rennich, the much-loved matriarch of her four children, eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2022, in Creston, BC. In recent years, Lillian lived at CrestView Village, where she had many friends and was deeply committed to the community. Born in Calgary, Alberta, on February 5, 1933, she overcame the early hardships of farm life during the depression and the war years of her youth. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Calgary General Hospital in 1955. Becoming a nurse was her proudest accomplishment, other than raising her own family.

Lillian came to Creston with her family in 1964 and worked for 25 years at the Creston Valley Hospital. She supported the labour of many women and the delivery of their babies - it's likely you know someone she helped enter the world. Her gentle, healing care as an RN is renowned by many.

Lillian cherished time with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they all adored the same tender tickies her children had enjoyed, calming us to sleep. Gramma's cookies were a staple, loved by all. Known for her hospitality, she excelled at cooking and baking for family dinners with her children and grandchildren alongside her. Like with many things in her life, she was an intuitive cook, making it challenging to understand her somewhat cryptic recipes. Her heritage lives on through the many accomplished cooks and bakers who follow in her footsteps. Lillian appreciated beauty in the world and passed on her talents expressed through quilting, gardening, and painting. Lillian was often found with a book in her hands, and reading stories to her grandchildren was another favourite pastime. Lillian was a gentle soul and a deeply caring person who would stop what she was doing to help others. She was loving, kind and thoughtful.

Lillian is survived by her son Bruce Rennich and partner Sue, grandson Bruce Junior and partner Megan, great-grandchildren Phoenix, Bruce III, Lily-Anne, and Athena, grandson Christopher, great-grandchildren Echo and Cadence, grandson Riley and fiancé Ronnie, grandson Tanner and fiancé Kelsa, daughter Michele Rennich, her daughter Len(Dina) Bambrick and husband Terry, grandson Justin and wife Laurie, great-grandchildren Chase and Owen, grandson Adam and wife Christina, great-grandchildren Liam and Makenna, grandson Corey and wife Kelsey, great-grandchildren Luke and Wyatt, her son Douglas Rennich and partner Afroz, her daughter Janice Melanson and husband Ron, grandchildren Alli, Joseph and wife Ashley, Geneviève and partner Gaspard and Samuel, her sister Irene Harder and many nieces and nephews. Her parents and her sister Rita predecease Lillian.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Redeemer Lutheran Church on Saturday, July 23, 2022.

In lieu of flowers and sympathy baskets, friends wishing to make a memorial contribution can donate to the Creston Valley Community Foundation towards the Quality of Life for Seniors Fund for the development of long-term care resources in the Creston Valley. Please designate your gift in Lillian’s name.

Click here to view the recording of the Celebration of Life Service

Click here to view the video tribute