Lillian Margaret Leyenaar (née Thiessen)
November 10, 2023
Peacefully, with family by her side, passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus, at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care in London, Ontario, on Friday, November 10, 2023.
Beloved wife of Jacob for 51 years, and loving mother of Irene (deceased in infancy), Timothy (Sarah), Julie (Justin), Philip (Janice) and Andrew. Loving grandmother of Kaitlynne, Walon, Klaas, Chesa, Evey, Aubrey, and Elijah.
Lillian was born in Newton, Kansas, on September 17, 1940, the eldest child of Henry and Margaret (née Busenitz) Thiessen. Her brothers Orval (Agnes), Wilmer (Alvera) and Marlin (Diana) continue to reside in Kansas. At a young age she trusted Christ as her Saviour and sensed a call to missionary service. She completed a 3-year program at Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, NE, majored in music studies at Grace College, Winona Lake, IN, and graduated with a Master’s degree in Music from Wichita State University. She was accepted for missionary service in 1966 with Far Eastern Gospel Crusade (now SEND International) and taught music for many years at Febias College of Bible in Valenzuela City, Philippines. From her teen years onwards she was a valued church musician. In later years, she enjoyed teaching ESL to foreign students at the University of the Philippines, and later as part of West Park Church’s ministry to newcomers. Hospitality, sewing and gardening were her passions, bringing much joy and satisfaction. Alzheimer’s disease started interfering with these pursuits in 2017. The family is grateful for the excellent care she received at Mount Hope LTC for the past two and a half years.
Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Lobo Baptist Cemetery, 10868 Oxbow Drive, Komoka on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:30 a.m., with the memorial service to follow at WestPark Church, 955 Gainsborough Road, London at 1:30 p.m. To view the livestream of the service, please visit this link: Livestream of Memorial Service for Lillian
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Lillian are asked to consider the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, SEND International for Febias College of Bible, or a charity of your choice.
Leave a tribute for Lillian Margaret Leyenaar (née Thiessen)
Leave a tribute
Dearest Kuya Jake and family. Our deepest sympathies to the Leyenaars and Thiesens. Remembering you all in our prayers. May the love, joy, peace and comfort of God be upon each member of your family. Thank you Lord God for the life of Ate Lillian. She had touched and blessed ourlives and the lives of many in the Body of Christ. God bless you all.
Julie, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I thank God for giving us an eternal inheritance. But I know you will miss your mom and feel the sting of her absence. Please know I am thinking of you.
Julie & Family. My Sincerest Condolences for you at this time. Mrs Lillian was a Lovely Lady & lived a Beautiful Life. May Happy Memories bring you Comfort. Love Aunt Carolyn.
Jake and family: our condolences with the loss of your dear wife, mother and grandmother. Her life was certainly a testimony of the grace and mercy of her Lord and Saviour. May the Lord grant you comfort and peace through these difficult days.
To Jake en de familie. Witt all respect to de familie in Canada giff we our condoleance. Love and prayers to all of you. Jan en Rennie Leijenaar Vanuit Nederland.
JULIE Your Mom led an amazing life. I'm sure you are so proud of her My heart goes out to you and all of your family at this time. Love and prayers to all of you. Sincerely Aunt Linda
To Jake & family, Ang among taus-pusong pakikiramay. Lillian was such a warm person and seemed to have that smile for people. She served the Lord with a sincere, humble heart. God's peace, love and grace be upon you all thru the days ahead.
Thank you Ma'am Lilian, your life was an inspiration for us your testimonies of how God worked in your life will forever be remembered and will be a guiding light. I missed you, till we meet again in heaven. My condolences and prayers for the family.
Dear Ma’am Lillian Thank you for giving your life in serving the Lord through teaching at Febias. You were an inspiration to us. Thank you for being compassionate and respectful to everyone, it was a great example of servant leadership. Ma’am. Till we meet again at the feet of Jesus.
It was my pleasure to have known Lillian. She was always pleasant and kind when I would see her on visits with Justin and Julie. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the family @ this time.
Services for Lillian Margaret Leyenaar (née Thiessen)
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
November 17, 2023 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
November 17, 2023 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Interment will be held at:
Lobo Baptist Cemetery
10868 Oxbow Drive,
Komoka, Ontario
November 18, 2023 11:30 am
Memorial Service will be held at:
WestPark Church
955 Gainsborough Road,
London, Ontario
November 18, 2023 1:30 pm
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Jake, today when I was at the New Life office I heard about Lillian’s passing. So sorry for your loss and also disappointed that I wasn’t able to attend visitation or memorial service. During the past several years your faithfulness and commitment to Lillian exemplified Christ. Please know I will be praying for you during this time as you grieve the loss of Lillian. Rejoicing with you in knowing Lillian is free from pain and confusion as she is with Jesus. Blessings to you Jake.
~ Shirley Ella