Lillian Fern Tassie

With love we say goodbye to our mother Lillian Tassie who was born in Toronto on August 5, 1927 and died in Bracebridge Ontario on October 26, 2026, in her 100th year.

Mom was the daughter of Bessie and Charles Martin and had five brothers and sisters who have all predeceased her. Mom grew up during the depression and knew what it was to work hard and be thrifty. Mom’s mother raised her children by herself, and her mother’s sense of duty and selflessness would stay with her all the days of her life.

After completing high school, Mom moved to Hamilton Ontario and graduated as a Registered Nurse. She worked at Stelco and Hamilton area hospitals. Mom’s nursing skills were put to good use throughout her life wherever she lived. She cared for and bandaged and sent many people on their way. Mom’s nursing skills help save a life on more than one occasion, after which she quietly went back to work.

In 1951 Mom married the man of her dreams Ben Tassie and together they bought a house in Dundas, Ontario and raised four children, Steve (Ruth), Les (Jane), Ruth (David) and Dan.

In 1972, Mom and Dad purchased the Rosseau General Store and moved the family to Rosseau Ontario. They were a part of a long line of storekeepers there until 1986 when they retired and moved to Bracebridge, Ontario.

In Bracebridge Mom and Dad built a home on Ridge Valley Drive. They travelled extensively, their favorite trips being to the former Yugoslavia, Prague, Budapest, and Great Britain. As well as coast to coast here at home.

Both Mom and Dad participated in community life wherever they lived. Mom raised funds for Interval House, where she made some lifelong friends. She was also on the campaign to finance the building of Browning Hall, as well as working part-time and volunteering at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church which she attended regularly.

Mom was a great cook, still trying out new recipes well into her 90s on hungry and willing family and friends. She volunteered on the board with people who became cherished friends at Drumkerry where she lived for many years.

Mom lost her best friend and love in 2017 when Dad passed away.

Our mother had a great sense of humour, loved playing card games and made sure that all of us could bluff our way through a poker game by a fairly young age. She loved to laugh and enjoyed the company and accomplishments of her children, seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Mum loved symphony music and brought us to concerts at the Hamilton Philharmonic and Toronto Symphony to share that love of music.

Our mother will be dearly missed by family, friends and coworkers, and the staff at Castle Peak Retirement who gave great care and attention in her final years there. We love our mother and know that she has happily returned to be with our Dad, the man of her dreams.

Rest in peace with Dad, Mom, you’ve earned it.

Memorial service to be held at St Thomas' Anglican Church on Friday, November 13 at 1 PM. Interment at St. Thomas’ Anglican Cemetery and then reception to follow at St Thomas' Anglican Church.