LILLY ELLA (KURBIS) MURCH

Lilly Ella Murch

As daylight broke January 22, 2021, Lilly Ella Murch silently and peacefully passed from this earth.

Lilly, the oldest of ten children born to Adolph and Emily (Meger) Kurbis was born September 22, 1934 in Biggar.  She was raised on the farm 8 miles north of Biggar attending Monarch School until she finished Grade 8.

Mom then went to work in Biggar at the Canada Café. She then worked at Holt’s – the gas station at the Monarch corner north of Biggar.  After that, she went to keep house for Uncles Bill and Fred Meger on the farm where OJ Singer now resides.

By this time, a handsome young man from the Louvain School District caught her eye. Alfred and Lilly were married November 6, 1954 at Third Avenue United Church in Biggar.

November 11, 1955 Ed, the first of a family of 3 sons and 1 daughter was born. Kenny followed in April 18, 1955, Bob on March 14, 1959 then Diane on June 14, 1962.

Mom worked hard on the farm – loving every minute of the time she spent with the cattle, cats, dogs, chickens (of many varieties). Spring was her favourite time of year when the baby everything arrived – calves, chicks, kittens, whatever. Spring was also the time to plant the garden which she lovingly tended. Always a huge garden so she could share with family and friends.

Mom had many hobbies. She baked and decorated cakes for the ladies in the neighbourhood for showers, baked many wedding cakes and birthday cakes as well. She could sew, embroider, knit, and crochet. She loved doing ceramics over the years at various places.

Picking Saskatoon berries was where Mom would spend her summer vacation. Give her a bucket, a thermos of coffee and maybe a lunch – she would be there in the patch for hours, only to get up and repeat the next morning.

She had such pride in the flowers she grew. Hundreds of gladiolas, planters and planters of petunias and pansies. Perennials such as iris, peony and lilies also were favourites.

Lilly is survived by her children Ed Murch (Kate Cederlund); Ken Murch; Bob Murch; and Diane (Craig) Akister. 3 grandchildren – Ashton Akister (Jenna Biegel); Nicole (Justin) Eaton; Matt (Kalynn) Akister. In October of 2020, Lilly was blessed with her first great grandchild – Anastasia Eaton. Also survived by sisters Ruth Pudrycki; Doreen Long, Janavie Kurbis, Margaret Shaeffer and brother Ed (Carol) Kurbis; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Lilly is predeceased by her husband of 55 year, Alfred; parents Adolph and Emily Kurbis; in-laws Edward and Sarah Murch (Alfred Murch – 2nd marriage), brothers Bill, Art, Gordon, and Elmer; brothers in law – Richard Long, Alfred Pudrycki and Don Sheaffer; nephew Jason Long and many, many friends, and relatives too numerous to mention.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a private family service with a Service of Remembrance at a later date.

 You are invited to come and pay your last respects to Lilly between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Thursday morning. 

COVID restrictions will apply so please wear a mask and no more than 5 people at a time.

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