OTTILIA (TILLIE) CARDINAL

Condolences & Memories (2 entries)

• My sincerest condolences to my cousins and their families for the loss of their mother. I remember as a child growing up being excited when we'd get to see our cousins "from Winnipeg" when we would visit our Grandmother Flegel in Killaly, SK. I remember Tillie as very personable and kind, but also no-nonsense and down to earth. She also was very generous and practiced hospitality. I remember very vividly when I was travelling with my husband, Claude, and 3 small children who were 5, 2 & 3 months old at the time, to Ontario for his sister's wedding. We had booked a motel in Winnipeg for the first leg of our journey. When we arrived in the evening it was dark and pouring rain. The streets were flooding and we came to a road block on the way to our motel. In a strange city with our 3 little ones, not knowing what to do, I said well I'll call my Aunt Tillie and she can recommend another motel. I called her and she said you come to our house right now. I tried to tell her that it was okay but she would not hear it. She made sure we had her address, made sure we knew how to get there and made it very clear that she was expecting us, no more arguing, come over NOW. When we got there she had her cozy little living room converted into a bedroom, had food for us and even asked us why we didn't just call her in the first place to stay over, it was no problem. After I got the young ones settled she sat up with my husband and I for a bit and visited. She asked how everyone was back in Saskatoon. She talked about the family in Winnipeg and how terrible that summer had been in Winnipeg. It was August and she said that it had rained almost every day that summer and her poor garden! She told us if we ever came through Winnipeg again that we should stop in, don't get a motel! I so appreciated her kindness at the time. Also, when my Dad, Daniel, turned 80, she made a special effort to see him, along with their sister Anne and brother August. He so appreciated that visit and years after often talked about how wonderful it was to see them. Family was indeed very important to and cherished by Tillie. It is with regret that I will not be able to be in Winnipeg to be with family as they celebrate the life of this very special lady who I was so lucky to know and have the privilege to call "Auntie Tillie." Love and hugs, until we meet again. - Posted by: Patricia Kuechle (nee Flegel) (Niece) on: Mar 15, 2018

• I did not know Aunt Tillie as well as I would have liked, as we didn't travel much as children. However, I did get to spend time with her one summer at grandma's house in Killally -- my sister Bernadette and I stayed with her, and our siblings stayed with our parents at our Uncle Johnny's. I remember feeling extraordinarily lucky, because Aunt Tillie was such a joy to spend time with. I remember her kindness, her generosity, and her sense of fun. She taught us how to make radish roses, which seemed magical to me as a young child. I am very sorry to not be able to attend her funeral, and my condolences to her siblings, her children, and her grandchildren. She left a strong impression on me from one short summer visit, and I can only imagine the joy she brought to those who were lucky to have her in their life. - Posted by: Monica Flegel (Niece) on: Mar 14, 2018