Lillian was born in North Cobalt, Ontario on March 27, 1918. Her parents, Gota Kristina Westberg and Mandus V. Byberg, were both Swedish immigrants. She was predeceased by her two siblings, Andrew Byberg and Linnea Byberg.
Lillian was raised and educated in North Cobalt, then attended high school in Haileybury. She and her family were devoted members of the North Cobalt United Church. An accomplished piano player, Lillian entered many of the Kiwanis Music Festivals, and, in later years, was a great musical influence on her children and grandchildren, some of whom studied various musical instruments and voice. Her love of jazz music was a strong influence. Lillian also loved to attend live theatre. She was well known for her dancing ability and was a dance instructor in May Watts' School of Dance in Cobalt.
Lillian married Gordon C. Watts of Cobalt in 1935, and they had 2 children: Harold Andrew and Elizabeth (Betty Mae).
During the Second World War years, Lillian worked as a secretary, then operated a hairdressing shop in Haileybury, called Studio of Beauty.
In 1948, Lillian married George Francis Tuomi, also from Cobalt, and the couple moved to Noranda, Quebec, where she owned and operated another hair salon for a few years. During the years of their marriage, the couple and their family also lived in Cobalt, Lively and Elliot Lake.
Following the sudden death of George in 1958 at Elliot Lake, Lillian and her children moved to New Liskeard, where she continued raising her family, working, and caring for her mother. She eventually relocated to London, Ontario where she enjoyed her retirement and fostered a love of jazz music. Her latter years were spent in Barrie, where she lived with Christine, then finally at Owen Hill Nursing Home, where she died.
Lillian is survived by her five children: Harold Watts (Carolyn Davis), Betty Watts Bolan Kramp (Ken), Jack Tuomi (Nancy Seymour), Christine Tuomi, and William Tuomi (Seli).
Surviving grandchildren are: Karen Watts, Catherine Bolan, Michael Bolan, Gordon Bolan, Bryan Bolan, Peter Tuomi, Tanis Tuomi, and Mitchell Tuomi. Lillian was predeceased by three grandsons: Richard Bolan, David Bolan and Kevin Watts.
Lillian is also survived by thirteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Happy and cherished memories of summers at Bass Lake near Cobalt will always be shared by friends and family.
Lillian was adored by her family and all those who came in contact with her. Her sweet and gentle nature was very endearing. While she was beautiful of face, she radiated this beauty inwardly as well. Although it was her time, she will be greatly missed.
A gathering of family members will take place next summer in Haileybury, Ontario, when Lillian's ashes will be interred and a celebration of her life will take place.