Lily Bowes

Lily May "Lil" Bowes (née McKague), aged 99 1/2, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on May 29, 2026, at the Northern Lights Manor in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. Born on November 20, 1926, in McKague, Saskatchewan, Lily lived a life filled with love, humour, dedication, and cherished memories.

A private family Celebration of Life for Lily will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Northern Neighbours Foundation, P.O. Box 802, Flin Flon, Manitoba R8A 1N6 or to the Flin Flon/Crieghton & Area S.P.C.A, P.O. Box 863, Flin Flon, Manitoba R8A 1N6.

​Lily grew up on her family’s farm in McKague, where she spent her childhood helping with chores and caring for the animals. One of her favourite stories to share was about her winter journeys to school. Her father would prepare her sled dog team each morning to take her to and from school. On one memorable occasion when she was running late, the dogs left without her! Her father quickly harnessed the horses to get her there, only to find the dog team patiently waiting in the school barn for their return trip home. Despite this small slight, Lily’s love of dogs was ever present throughout her life.

​In her late teens, Lily moved to Flin Flon in search of work. She began providing childcare and housekeeping for a local family before taking a position at the HBM&S Staff House. While living and working in Flin Flon, Lily met Walter Bowes, who caught her eye for his handsome appearance in his Navy uniform. Lily and Walter were wed on June 14, 1949, and were happily married for 58 years until Walter’s passing in 2007. They had two children, a son, Russell, in 1953 and a daughter, Karen, in 1956. Lily devoted herself to homemaking while raising their children. Once her children reached their teenage years, Lily embarked on a new chapter by learning the art of engraving at Preston Johnson Jewellers. This skill led her to open and operate "Lil's Trophy Centre," which she ran successfully for several years.

​Lily’s talents extended far beyond her professional endeavours. She was an exceptional baker who took great pride in being the family’s official birthday cake maker. Her shortbread cookies were legendary among those who knew her. In addition to baking, Lily enjoyed sewing and delighted in creating elaborate Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. She also had a green thumb and loved tending to her garden filled with vegetables and vibrant flowers. Lily had a wonderful sense of humour and could find the humour in just about anything. She enjoyed making people laugh, and was never afraid to tease or make herself the butt of the joke.

​Family was at the heart of Lily’s life. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Karen (Bob Lemcke); granddaughter Krista Lemcke (Matt McGregor); grandson Ace Lemcke; daughter-in-law Kathy Bowes; grandson-in-law Allan Jesso; great-grandsons Brock, Blake, and Reece Jesso; grandson Clinton Bowes; and great-grandsons Brandon Bowes and J.C. Wasyliuk. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

​Lily was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walter (2007); son, Russell (2025); granddaughter, Vicki (2025); parents, Gladstone and Victoria “Vickie” McKague; sister, Vera Berglund and brother-in-law Mel Berglund; and many cherished grand-dogs.

​Throughout nearly a century of life, Lily touched countless lives with her warmth, creativity, sense of humour and devotion to family. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured and inspired.

​May Lily’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.