Obituary

Lillian (Lily) Kucherepa

4 November 1925 – 30 December 2020

After a swift, unexpected battle with cancer, it is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Lillian (Lily) Kucherepa.  Beloved daughter of Olga and Leon Kowal, and cherished wife of the late Dr. John William Kucherepa.  Loving mother of Elaine, Jeanette (Scott), Carolyn (Baker), Mary, Irene and Linda (Francis).  Loving grandmother of John (Baker), Jennifer (McGinn), Angela (Finlay), and Patrick (Francis).  Loving great-grandmother of Johnathan and Sophie (McGinn).

Lily’s life spanned ten decades, but she never changed.  The same determination and enthusiasm for life shone through her childhood and young married life in Toronto, her life with her mother Olga, her husband John and her family in Caledon (at Lily’s Ponds), and her twenty-six years back in the city, joined by her daughter Irene.  She pursued her interests with a passion:  entertaining on a grand scale, designing and sewing dresses for entire wedding parties, bookbinding, opera, and taking up acrylic painting in her 80’s.  She lived independently, but never alone, until the end of her life.  Anyone who knew her recognized her brilliance, talents, beauty and strength.  No-one that ever met her will ever forget her.  She was the life of the party, as well as the organizer; a force to be reckoned with.  We will always miss you, Mom.

A private family service was held on 6 January 2021, followed by internment at Park Lawn Cemetery. 

Donations in her memory can be made to: Father Terry Lozenski, St. Michaels Ukrainian Catholic Church, 182 Sixth Street, Toronto, Ontario M8V 3A5

 

Visitation

Service

Burial

Date
January 06, 2020
Location
Park Lawn Cemetery
Time
01:00 PM

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August 30, 2022
Linda (Moore) Montague
I was searching for old university friends when this obituary came up. I’m so sorry for your loss. Mary was a friend of mine at Queen’s and we lived on the same floor in Victoria Hall. If you see this, Mary, I would enjoy hearing from you. My email address is [email protected].
February 05, 2022
Cam Burns
I learned of Lillian’s passing by chance recently. A random fleeting incident that immediately sparked fond memories. I knew her for only a short period of time but she made a lasting impression. She was gracious and generous to a fault. She welcomed me into her home with open arms. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends, who no doubt grieve her loss to this day.
September 30, 2021
Trevor Stewart
Lillian was a strong, kind, and generous woman with a great sense of humour. I fondly remember shopping excursions with Lillian where she would proudly uncover a bargain. I also remember many warm and pleasant dinners; especially enjoyed her stuffed cabbage rolls. Appreciated her honesty and directness. I had the pleasure to hear and see some pieces of her brilliant life that she generously shared with me through stories and photos including that of dining with Queen Elizabeth. The Queen herself asked Lillian where she acquired such a beautiful stylish dress, Lillian modestly informed her that she designed and created it herself. I also had the pleasure to view and experience Lillian’s wonderful artwork; she had a real passion for painting. Lillian also taught me Mahjong and remember exchanging laughs while she patiently indulged my questions. I still have the tiles she gifted me and will always remember her when I play. Lillian you were and still are a class act and I will never forget you. Your friend forever Trevor