Nov 11, 1927 – January 29, 2021
With great sadness we announce the passing of Lila (Rita) Stokes (Lowden). Much loved wife of 67 years to Art Stokes. Mother to Pat (Steve Smith), London Ontario, Mike Stokes (Linda), Gravenhurst, Ontario, Marian (Kevin Mulligan), Calgary Alberta, and Chris Stokes (Donna), Sudbury Ontario. Grandmother to Kim, Stacey, Christi, Ted, Rebecca, Jon, Lucas and Kera and Great grandmother to James, Camille and Lee. Lila was one of five children born to Henry and Rita Lowden in Hamilton, Ontario. After graduating from university, she attended nursing school in Windsor and began her career as a nurse. She met her husband, Art Stokes and the couple moved to London Ontario. Lila enjoyed her nursing career and continued to do so part time as she raised her 4 children. Over the years, Lila worked as a mother to her own children and kept her door open to those who needed a place to be safe. She continued to nurse with VON and after the family moved to Brampton Ontario she went back to school and became a full-time teacher. Lila taught in Brampton and Sudbury. After Lila retired from teaching, she and Art spent over 30 years volunteering at Sudbury’s Inner-City Home until 2020. She regularly volunteered at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church as well. Lila had a full and interesting life. She rarely sat still. She was a lifelong learner, taking classes, traveling with Art, enjoying handcrafts such as smocking, sewing and knitting. Art and Lila enjoyed many years of camping and outdoor life. Lila’s quiet strength defined her. She was efficient, compassionate, and kind. She will be missed by many.
