Lillian Elsie Hanke, commonly referred to as Granny for the better part of her life, was born on March 16, 1936, to Lydia and Adolph Hanke at the family farm in Bainsville, Saskatchewan. She was the 11th child and final daughter of a family of 8 boys and 5 girls. At the age of 7, her family moved to the highway 5 farm where she spent her childhood and adolescence milking cows, hauling grain and working alongside her family.

At the age of 20, Granny met the love of her life, John Howe, at a barn dance, and shortly after got married on February 4th, 1956. They first lived in Sutherland and then relocated to Calgary for two years while running a restaurant with her sister Florence. Following that, they returned home to Saskatoon where they resided in Sutherland for the following 52 years in the same family home. There, they raised their three children and in 1980 decided to buy a cabin at Sturgeon Lake. When Papa retired, Granny decided to as well so they could spend more time at the cabin. Many years were spent at Sturgeon Lake fishing for big walleye, playing with their grandchildren, feeding the hummingbirds and squirrels, and vacuuming the deck.

Keeping up with the cabin and yard in Sutherland became too much so they decided to move to a condo in Saskatoon of which they loved. Papa passed away on October 6th, 2013, and Granny continued to stay there for the next 2 years before moving to the Ilarion. There, she made many new friends and participated in many hobbies including old time music, dancing, bingo, and Kaiser nights. Her schedule was full Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, busier than most of us.

Throughout her life, Granny lived for her children and grandchildren and loved nothing more than having them over for tea and a visit. Two weeks ago, she celebrated her 90th birthday and was proud of the life she had lived. She spent her whole life loving us and we will spend the rest of ours missing her.

Mom will be laid to rest beside Dad at Bergheim Cemetery with a private family graveside service. She is already dearly missed, but will be forever in our hearts.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Howe.