October 24, 1937 – August 13, 2025

On August 13, 2025, the world became a little less vibrant with the passing of Lillian Shirley Park. Born to Lena and Joseph Kuzma in Edmonton, Alberta, on October 24, 1937, Lillian lived a life defined by creativity, determination and independence.
Lillian’s hands were rarely still. From her early career, beginning in 1956, with the Government of Alberta to her retirement in 1977 to raise her daughter, Annalisa, she found joy in making things beautiful. Her crafting was legendary – whether it was the delicate layers of her paper tole, the warmth of her knitting and crocheting, or the wild, whimsical creations born from a glue gun and a handful of beads and feathers. Her garden was a masterpiece of its own, a riot of colour she coaxed into bloom.
Lillian’s determined and independent spirit was a hallmark of her personality, but over the last few years she revealed a beautiful, softer side beneath her well-known strong will. Her daughter, Annalisa, finds comfort in a cherished memory: a little girl in the back seat of an old Cadillac, listening to her mom sing “I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs” with Elvis. Those golden stairs have now been climbed, with Annalisa’s hand in hers.
Lillian has been reunited with her parents, Lena and Joseph, and will be profoundly missed by her daughter Annalisa (Alec) Harrison, and her grandchildren, Emilea and Jude.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to family and friends who lifted them in prayer during these weeks and thanks to Reverend Chandra Gray for visiting Lillian’s bedside. There are no words to express how grateful we are for the caring staff at the Claresholm General Hospital, particularly Dr. Welke and Dr. Smith, as well as the nursing staff – Carmen, Heidi, Kendra, Meylenne, Morgan, Jillisa, Tari, Nicole and Taylor – who provided comfort and compassion during Lillian’s final days.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.