Obituary of Lillian Beatrice Rallison

With profound love and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, wife, and friend, Lillian Beatrice Rallison (née Sutherland). Born on October 6th, 1948, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Lillian lived a life defined by compassion, courage, and devotion to others.

She was a dedicated and accomplished nurse who earned her PhD in pediatric palliative care, ultimately finding her true calling in supporting families facing the unimaginable reality of a child with a life-limiting illness. For many years, she managed the pediatric oncology program at Alberta Children’s Hospital, where she also mentored countless nurses. Her passion for teaching and mentorship continued at the University of Calgary, where she taught in the Faculty of Nursing. Through her work, she helped establish the Rotary Flames House, a hospice for children, leaving a profound and lasting legacy of care, comfort, and hope for families.

Growing up in the small, rural town of Turtleford, Saskatchewan, Lillian developed life-long friendships and a strong sense of community. This is also where she met the love of her life, Alfred Rallison. In the 1980’s, they built their dream retirement home at Turtle Lake, which became a cherished sanctuary for her and Al. There, they shared peaceful days by the water and evenings filled with laughter, conversation, and the company of old friends and family.

Lillian had a deep and abiding faith and was a cherished member of St. Laurence Anglican Church. She and her beloved husband, Alfred, raised their three children in Calgary, in the close-knit community of Lakeview. Just beyond their doorstep, North Glenmore Park became a sacred place for long walks and quiet reflection. Lillian had a rare gift for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, and she found in reading poetry a beautiful way to recognize and honour the wonder she saw in everyday life.

In 2022, Lillian faced her own life-limiting illness. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease she met each day with courage, dignity, and remarkable self-awareness. She was given the gift of dying with dignity, surrounded by love from her family and close friends. In her final moments, her three children and her dear sister wrapped her in love and let her ‘fly away.’

She is survived by her children: Matt Rallison, Susan (Rob McCulley), and Barb Rallison (Warren Cleaver); her grandchildren: Palmer, Isabel, and Sloane Rallison; Alex and Eric McCulley; Elijah Davies; Finn, Max, and Liv Cleaver; her sister Laura (Jan Karlsson); nieces Kristina Karlsson (Deb Vickery), Karin (Greg Bosch), and her special great-grandnephews Travis and Landon. She is also survived by her circle of friends, colleagues, and family who loved her deeply. Her legacy of care, compassion, and strength will live on in all who were blessed to know her. She was predeceased by her parents Gorden and Clara Sutherland and her husband Al Rallison.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 20th at 2:30pm at St. Laurence Church in Calgary, where we will honor her spirit, her work, and the beautiful love she shared so generously.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted with Evans J. Strong Funeral Service