Connie Barlow MacDougall Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

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Connie Barlow MacDougall

April 04, 1925 - January 25, 2020

Obituary For Connie Barlow MacDougall

On Saturday, January 25, 2020 Connie MacDougall of Spirit River, AB passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 94 years.

Mom was born in Holden, AB on April 4, 1925, the eldest daughter of Dora and Pursey Barlow. From a small farm where she learned about hard work and perseverance, Mom moved to Edmonton to attend normal school for 6 months. Then, at the age of 18, she began her 28-year teaching career. Mom started in one-room schoolhouses: first in Saddle Mountain close to Woking, then White Mountain School and after that Willowvale School. Teaching duties included driving a team of horses, attending to the horses, warming the school with a wood stove and starting the soup for a hot lunch for students. Luckily, a young man who lived close by began helping Mom open the school in the mornings. Mom married that man, Arthur MacDougall in 1947, adding farmer’s wife to her many duties and responsibilities. They started their family in 1950 and had three daughters. Mom continued her teaching career in Spirit River. After Dad passed, Mom married Kester Lillico. She always spoke fondly of her extended family. She was an amazing wife, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, sister, teacher, friend, Church/community leader and volunteer. She was a role model, an inspiration to many and was loved by all who knew her.

Mom was recognized by our province and received the Caring Canadian Award from the Governor General of Alberta. She devoted time to CGIT, 4-H, Sunday school as superintendent, and local spokesperson for the community. She wrote history books, made quilts for all her grandkids and tutored them as well. Her buns and jam were famous, winning red ribbons at Fall Fairs. She loved to play cards and, in later years, enjoyed the fellowship of the Happy Hour Club. She also spent many hours working with the Spirit River Hospital Auxiliary Board. Mom travelled to many countries with family and friends, and documented each trip with poetry.

She was a woman of strong faith and lived by this motto daily: “Do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all the places you can, as long as ever you can.”

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Marilyn (George) Saunders, Sandy (Rick) MacDonald, Linda (Jack) Lefley and her extended family Betty (Peter) Stewart, Bonnie (George) Flintoff, Bill (Dulcie) Lillico and Mick McRann, as well as 17 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 9 great great-grandchildren.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Art MacDougall, her second husband Kester Lillico, sister Muriel Anderson, parents Dora and Pursey Barlow, little brother of a few months old, and, from the Lillicos: Sandra Flintoff and Andrew Thibert.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at 2:00pm, at the Spirit River Centennial Hall (4812 44 Ave.).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Spirit of Peace United Church (Box 267, Spirit River, AB, T0H 3G0) or the Central Peace Health Complex Auxiliary (PO Box 866, Spirit River, AB, T0H 3G0).

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June 24, 2021

Thompson Jan

Connie was a dear friend of my in-laws, Bob and Isobel Thompson, and I have many happy memories of her being there at church, at meals and other family gatherings over the years. Eve, Jamie, and I have been thinking about those Spirit River days a lot lately since Mike passed away in March. He enjoyed a happy childhood there, and Connie, Art, and the Lillico family were all a big part of his growing up years.
June 24, 2021

Nichols-Mandrusiak Linda

Connie was a mentor to me in my first two years of teaching, at Spirit River Elem. She always had a smile and was always calm. Part of her wedding gift to me was her recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.....and it was delicious. My condolences to the whole family. Linda Nichols-Mandrusiak
June 24, 2021

Gass Jan

So sorry for your sorrow! This great lady will surely be missed! Love and hugs from Joe & Jan Gass & family. 💔
June 24, 2021

Goudie Judy

What a wonderful lady we have lost, Connie was my momâ??s best friend. Connie was always there for mom and our family....when the back doorbell rang at momâ??s, I knew it would be her showing her love with a big hug. I will miss you Connie, both Dawn and Lara said that you are now with grandma Banna.
June 24, 2021

Hubar Kim

I wanted to send my deepest sympathies to you and your families for the loss of your wonderful Mom. She was a real inspiration and left a strong impact on my life for the few times that we spent in each otherâ??s company, from teaching me at elementary school to attending my wedding and all too brief social encounters as well. She passed away on my birthday and I consider that an honor to celebrate this beautiful woman that I am so glad I knew.
June 24, 2021

Watson Tom

Wow... what an amazing person! Mrs MacDougall was one of the Elementary Teachers who played a very powerful, supportive and pivital roll in my life and I am forever grateful to her for the care and encouragement she provided to me. Her family should be - and I am sure are, very proud of her and the impactful life she lived. She will never be forgotten by the students who were blessed to have her as their Teacher. All the best to her family. God bless. Tom Watson
June 24, 2021

Slozka Myrna

Sandy, Rick, Tim and Cristy Sorry to hear of your Momâ??s passing. She was truly a remarkable woman, loved by All she met. May her memories live on in your hearts. Myrna and Werner Slozka
June 24, 2021

Soch Diane

I canâ??t remember a time when Connie and your family werenâ??t an important part of our lives. My first memory of Connie was as my (and Barbara Johnstonâ??s) grade one teacher. Her effect must have been profound because I loved school, learning, words and numbers from that year, 1949, to this very day! Bert, Jackie, Pam and myself feel so blessed to have known and loved Connie. Our love to all of you.
June 24, 2021

Soch Diane

Aurora and Debra asked that I pass their expressions of sympathy on to your family. They remember your mom as a friend of their mom, my Aunt Marj. I believe Mair, you and your mom had a rather memorable visit at Aunt Marjâ??s house 6 or 7 years ago! Love, Diane (for Aurora and Debra)
June 24, 2021

Rice Edie

My sincere condolences to Linda, Marilyn & Sandy on the loss of your wonderful mother. I knew Connie all my life & cannot find enough words to express what a great kind lady she was. She wore many hats well & endless volunteering & so giving to her family, friends & community. She will be missed Sincerely Edie Rice (Davidson)
June 24, 2021

Shofner Janet

So very sorry to hear of your Moms passing!she was a wonderful Amazing lady and will be missed buy all who knew her,My Condolences to all the family.Love Janet

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