Diggins, Lillian Edna
Lillian Edna Diggins
We would like to report that Lillian Edna Diggins (née: Cook) has been missed since Tuesday, April 12th, 2022, but has apparently been seen walking the glassy shores of Heaven holding the hand of her cherished love and companion.
Lillian’s story began in Tillsonburg, Ontario on July 6th, 1928 when she was born to Harry and Wanda Cook. Soon to join the family were her siblings Betty, Gordon and Paul.
In the fall of 1947, Lillian (Cookie, as she soon was nicknamed) ventured by train to the prairies to attend Briercrest Bible Institute (BBI). After completing her college training, she returned to Caronport, SK to work for the school, and eventually married the very handsome and debonair, Gordon Diggins.
They spent 56 blessed years together. During their first 34 years, Lillian held several different positions at the Bible College. Most notably – her amazing work as the Alumni Secretary. If thrown the name of a former student, she could rattle off what years they had attended, who they married and the names of each of their children and pets. She took great interest in every alumnus and kept in contact with many alumni missionaries around the world.
In 1990 Gordon and Lillian moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia to enjoy their retirement. God gave them 22 more fulfilling years with old and new friends at Awana and Grace Bible Church before Gordon passed away in 2012.
A couple of years later Lillian would move back to the prairies and settle into life at The Bentley in Moose Jaw. Here she grew to love the wonderful staff and residents and all the fellowship and activities they provided. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, and her weekly quotes and verses printed out and displayed on her walker to encourage every person who crossed her path.
Lillian and Gordon gave Godly guidance by word, love, laughter and example to Laurel and Lloyd (Jesse, Tash, Skye, Ryland, Toby; Jordan, Melissa, Eli, Avery; Cassidy, Dustin, Leo and Colby), Kathy and Jim (Chelsey, Nathan, Oliver, Jasper, Piper; Lindsey, Reegan; Aaron, Shelby, Eliot), Daryl and Debbie (Cody, Tenay, Beckam, Jacob, Jasper; Becky, John, Jaycee, Jenna, Alexis, Ava; Jenny, Caleb); Paul and Shelley, (Richard, Katie; Tristan, Emma; and Karigan).
Lillian was predeceased by grandson Mark, who hangs out with Gordon these days. She was also predeceased by her parents, Harry and Wanda Cook; and her brother, Gordon Cook.
As a family we would like to thank Dr. Brown, Dr. Pilon and staff, as well as the wonderful gang at TLC pharmacy for the love and care shown to Mom over the years. We are deeply indebted to the staff (past and present) and many friends at The Bentley who made Mom feel like the Belle of the Ball. Also the tender comfort given by the Pioneer Lodge heroes will never be forgotten.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 20th, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Dr. John Barkman and Mr. Norm Klassen will officiate as per Lillian’s request. Those not able to attend are invited to view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lillian’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Lauri, Kathy, Daryl & Paul: Your mom was a special lady who was loved by many! She left a good example for everyone. May all the special memories of times shared be a comfort to you. May you always remember her words of wisdom. God bless you all. Love & prayers, Ruth & Lorne
My sincere condolences to the entire family, and friends on the loss of this wonderful lady.
Another dear Caronport saint has found rest and reward for a race well run. My condolences to The Kids …. especially Laurel and Kathy as I knew them best. Treasure the memories and the love and pass it on …. God’s Peace and Comfort be yours.
Laurel, Kathy, Daryl & Paul my prayers are with you during this time of memories. I babysat you 4 while a student at Briercrest ’60-’63. I learned a lot from your parents. One thing was about praying for missionaries. I became one and still one today teaching kids the same method Lillian taught me. I am also from Hamilton, ON. and have known your Mum’s family as did my parents. Sorry I cannot be with you on Wed. but I fell and am using crutches. Will be praying for you all. Marion Jean Grant
Our deepest sympathy to all of your family. Lil was an amazing person and brought so much love to our Bentley family she will be missed by all of her family at The Bentley
I will miss my chats and visits with Lil.What a thoughtful lady.Always thinking of other people.Always a smile and a kind word.Always up on all topics at hand and with mild opinions on each.RIP dear lady.
Lillian was a bright, gracious and caring person. It was amazing how she kept connected with so many people over the years. She was a great example of a life lived serving others and she truly radiated the love of God. Gordon & Lillian were our neighbors at Caronport and when they and my parents moved to Abbotsford they were so caring and kind to my parents. Many days were spent working on puzzles and doing other activities together. They were such a blessing. We were sad to hear of Lillian’s passing and we would like to express our sincerest condolences to the family.
So sorry for the the loss of your mom
Lauri, Kathy, Daryl and Paul, How thankful I am for the life Gordon and Lillian lived and that they were friends of my parents, Tom and Margaret Heidner. Thank you for streaming her funeral. From being in their home so I could join my sister at YQ, to bringing them home to my farm and then serving with them, I remember best your Dad’s playing trombone with pipes and your Mom’s hosting alumni in her home for a student missions prayer meeting. As well as simply being part of Caronport Chapel with them. It’s neat they got to be in Abbotsford at Grace Evangelical the same years as Dr. H. Hildebrand and your Mom’s smile will be one of the best memories we can tuck into your grandchildren’s child hood memories with her faith in the Saviour. Our deep condolences to you all. My Dad said, this morning when I told him, “Mom will be with her in heaven.” Thank you for having Dr. Barkman gently encourage us all with the Word today.
Laurel, Kathy, Darryl and Paul and families:
Ian and I so appreciated your mom being part of our “Friendship Break” (seniors) group at the Alliance Church the last few years before COVID and seeing here at worship services too. I (Joan nee Schultz) knew your mom when I went to Bible School from 1968 to 1971 and knew her as the Alumni Secretary and her working in the office with my sister Dorothy (Schultz) Reed. So, our friendship goes back a long ways. I am so grateful that you have good memories of your mom and we thoroughly enjoyed watching the celebration service online. Praying God will comfort you I. The coming days! She is definitely in the place she longed to go!
My love to you all. May .His peace enfold you.
Your mom had such a beautiful heart, so full of love. I appreciated her kindness to me so very much. My deepest condolences
Condolences to Laurel, Kathy, Daryl and Paul and your families. I graduated with Daryl from Caronport High School and moved away not long after but I had the pleasure of seeing your mom at the Bentley when my Dad was living there. She remembered me even after so many years and I recognized her immediately – that beautiful smile!. God Bless you all!
We’re so very sad to hear of Lillian’s passing & we offer our sincere condolences to the family. Mrs. Diggins, was one of the sweetest, most caring people ever. She and Mr. Diggins (for some reason I could never call them Lillian & Gordon) were such good and caring friends with my inlaws, Tom & Laura Wellwood, when they all lived in Abbotsford. I’m sure Wendy’s missed the four of them and their good natured banter when they stopped their weekly Sat. lunches. Our thoughts are with the family.