Lillian Eva Hobbs

Lillian Eva (James) Hobbs M.A.
A Sunday morning sunrise saw Lillian’s soul awakened to eternal light as a new era
began. Age 97 in sight, the date was July 17, 2022. Family were able to be with her as
unexpected medical events developed in hospital. Cremation ensued.
Born and raised in Goulbourn Township, Lillian was an elementary school teacher at
age 18. She and her husband Clarence farmed off-grid and had raised two children to
school-age before the arrival of electricity in their area.
Her teaching career spanned 35 years; upon the death of her husband she farmed
HobbsFarm1860.ca for a further 37 years. At the same time, she completed a Masters
degree in Mission Studies and became an ordained lay preacher, leading weekly
religious services at seniors residences and providing pulpit supply to area
congregations. Concurrently, Lillian was a pastoral care visitor at the Civic Hospital for
25 years, plus five years with the Queensway-Carleton and the Royal Ottawa health
centres.
Community involvement was an ongoing passion and she was honoured for her work
with the LOBA and the Ottawa Presbytery of the United Church of Canada. A Goulbourn
Township history enthusiast, she researched and authored a history of Munster United
Church. Through the township historical society, she initiated its 2013 commemoration
of the longstanding Stittsville Campgrounds.
Determined and resourceful, Lillian practiced lifelong learning, engaging in study
adventures in Europe, the Middle East, Central / South America and Australia.
A daughter of Delmer Stewart James and Grace Susan Reynolds, predeceased by her
husband Clarence, siblings Gerald, Lola (late Wilfred Featherstone) and Reynolds (late
Eliza Jane). Survived by brother Lorne (late Helen), sister Lena (late James Bobier).
Proud mother of Keith (Pauline) and Clifton. Loving grandmother to Matthew
(Katherine), Aaron, Daniel (Rachelle), Vanessa (Azad) and Rachel. Adored her greatgrandchildren
Zachary, Alison, Olivia, Charlotte, Nora and looked forward to the
November arrivals of Anna Jane and Sebastian Clarence. Loved by her many nieces
and nephews.
August 29, your family memorialized you at Southminster church where your parents
attended for a time in the 1960s.
October 15, we paid tribute at Munster cemetery, wrapping your mortal remains in soil
from the James family farm — your birthplace, your foundation for faith, family, lifelonglearning
and community service. We enshrined you in the timeless hilltop sands of the
Hobbs family farm, recognizing your outstanding stewardship. We are grateful. We lift
up our longing eyes. This earth is borrowed from our children.
Peace attend thee.
keith.c.hobbs@sympatico.ca

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lillian Eva Hobbs, please visit our floral store.