Tillie Marie Shillington

August 16, 1928 - October 18, 2025

Tillie was born in The Pas, Manitoba and was one of 13 children, where they lived a humble, simple rural life. Her father Alphonse and mother Anna raised their family for several years there before moving to Vernon, B.C. Her parents instilled hard work, perseverance, family love and making do with very little. Tillie’s father, being a carpenter, taught her skills that would be used her entire life. She was the fix-it in the family. Tillie learned her exceptional cooking talent from her mother Anna who had a lot of mouths to feed and precious little food to go around.

Tillie met and married Lorne in Vernon and soon after moved to Calgary. They opened their first shoe store in Ponoka and later second and third stores in Camrose and Wetaskiwin. Tillie and Lorne worked side by side in business while raising their family. Both were extensively involved with community service clubs and fundraising endeavours. Together they enjoyed dancing, Kinsmen Club gatherings, camping, travel and spending time with family. With Tillie’s cooking skills and Lorne’s business experience, they decided to build and run a restaurant (BONOS) which was most successful.

After they retired from the restaurant and shoe business, they moved to Kelowna for warmer weather and to relax. Well, that didn’t last very long, shortly after, they bought a busy kitchen store in Orchard Park Mall, Kelowna. After Lorne’s death, Tillie made her home back in Camrose to be closer to family.

Tillie was full of life and energy and was driven to help family and friends whenever she could. Always asking “How’s the kids?”, “what are they involved with?”, “I’ve got something for them when they come to visit”. She loved her family immensely and treasured the time she had with them. The grandchildren fondly called her Nanna or Feisty Nanna which she adored.

Left to mourn her passing is her son Daryl (Leta) and their children Derrick (Jakki), Coltin, Garrett and Danielle; Devin (Sarah), Olivia and Brody; Breanna (Jake), Ophelia and Oliver; daughter Jody (Leonard), Tyler.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the Red Deer Hospital for their compassionate care and support.

A private family gathering will be held in Tillie’s honour. Memorial contributions in Tillie’s memory may be made to the Hospice Society of Camrose and District; Alzheimer Society of Alberta or a charity of one’s choice.