Mrs Lila Maginn

MRS Lila (Elizabeth) Maginn (née Marks) died peacefully at her home near Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada on Sunday, April 5. 

She was born on June 5, 1947, the third child of Charlie and Mary Marks. The family, which included Carol, Viola, Lila, Heather, Jim, Delia and Charles, lived on the Tobercorran Road, Downpatrick.

When Lila left school she worked in finance in Belfast. She moved to Edmonton in 1969 to be with her husband of 43 years, Derek Maginn, who had already moved there. They married in 1971 and built a home together outside Spruce Grove where they had three children, Tracy, Wendy and Amanda.

Lila worked as Housing Manager in the Government of Alberta during her working life but managed to involve herself in the advisory boards of the girls’ schools, as well as doing voluntary work in the local community. 

As well as enjoying family trips to the Rockies, she, Derek and the family frequently visited ‘home’ to see all of their friends and relations. Their last visit was in 2012. Lila also loved having family and friends from all over the world to stay in their home. 

Over the past 10 years, despite health issues, she continued to organise trips to the Rockies for those who were visiting and was actually in the process of this when she died.

Lila’s ties to home were reflected in her collection of Belleek china and she had a passion for knitting, especially Aran work. However, Lila first and foremost loved her family and was constantly involved with her children and grandchildren. 

The high esteem in which Lila was held was reflected by the large attendance at her memorial service in Edmonton. At a service of thanksgiving for family and friends in Loughinisland Parish Church, Seaforde, her ashes were buried in the family grave. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Derek, Tracy and Jason, Wendy and JR, Amanda and Aaron, grandchildren Isabella, Victoria, Nolan, Quinn, Emily and Owen, and extended family Viola, Jim, Charles, Coleen, Henry and their families.