NADEAU, Lillian

NADEAU MRS. LILLIAN BEATRICE NADEAU, of Coaldale, passed away peacefully at Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale, on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at the age of 98 years.
Lillian is survived by her family: Arlene (Bill) Ritchie, Karen Sorgard, Paul (Shannon) Nadeau, Guy (Tracey) Nadeau, Monique (Ken) Corey, Michelle (John) Beekman, and Marcelle (Bryce) Cale; 17 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Art and Herb Klein and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Harry Gorda in 2000 and husband Fern Nadeau in 2023 as well as her sister Helen, brothers Chuck and Bernie and son-in-law Jamie.
Lil was born on January 29, 1928 in Marcelin, Saskatchewan. She lost her mother at age nine, so life was not easy for her blacksmith father and the six siblings. When she was six years old, the family moved to Leask, SK where she attended school until they moved to the river bottom in Lethbridge around 1942. She moved briefly to Vancouver after high school before returning to Lethbridge. She married Harry Gorda on July 2, 1951. They had two daughters, Arlene and Karen. Lil worked at Beny Chev Olds in Lethbridge for over 40 years until her retirement at age 65.
Life for the Gorda family included camping in the summer, often times with the “Beny’s crew” or with the Klein’s, where there were always great stories and much laughter around the campfire. They regularly hosted family and friends parties at the house and Lil’s claim to fame was that everyone was greeted with a smile and left very well fed. She learned the art of Ukrainian cooking from her mother-in-law and was renowned for her perogies. She was also known for her perfect flaky pies and of course, “Lil’s Dills”. Her hobbies included line dancing, paper tole, crochet and cross stitch.
After Harry’s passing, Lil was fortunate to have a second chance at love. She married Fern Nadeau in 2002 and they spent their golden years travelling, spending time with family and sharing a “competitive” passion for playing cards. The families were a perfect blend and spent many happy times together for which we are all grateful. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Steed and especially to the wonderful staff and caregivers of the Sunny South Lodge for the loving compassionate care she received.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Valentine Suum celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Lillian’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Funeral Mass, Lillian will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers for the funeral, consider planting a geranium (her favorite) this summer and think of her or donate to a charity of your choice.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com