Lola Rose (née Bateman) Findlay
19 February 1922 – 17 November 2021
Lola Rose (née Bateman) Findlay graduated from earth-life to heaven November 17, 2021 at 99 years and almost 9 months of age. Born and raised on the Bateman farm NE of Vulcan, then living in town, Lola was truly a lifelong Vulcan resident. For grades 1-9, Lola attended the 2-room Snake Creek School (the building had been her parents’ original homestead), followed by high school education in Vulcan and by correspondence. Although small in stature, she was an industrious “goer and doer”.
As a 20-year old, Lola was hired by Lundy Findlay to fill the role of an apprentice at the Vulcan Advocate. A year later when all the other staff enlisted in WWII, Lola remained as a one-woman editor/producer of the weekly newspaper. She worked long hours, but never missed an issue.
In 1946 Lundy and Lola were married. She supported her husband’s many endeavors (Cadet Leader, Fire Chief, Mayor) while raising 5 children: Fay, Rose Ann, Ted, Jean, and Louise. Lola was the secretary/receptionist for J. Lundy Findlay Real Estate and Insurance, and also operated the Vulcan Eaton’s Catalogue Service.
Lola was a skilled First Aider, serving 23 years as an ambulance driver and attendant. She was a charter member of the Vulcan Lionettes, and delighted in helping to provide the entertaining Senior Citizen’s supper and program. Lola was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life, serving in many roles in the Champion Ward.
Lola’s real wealth in life was her family. She was predeceased by her parents (J.W. and Catherine Bateman), siblings (Leon, May, Cliff, Del, George and Glen), husband J. Lundy Findlay, daughter Rose Ann Hartley, and grandson Brent McKibbin. Being the mother of 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild (to date) is quite a posterity! It’s a good thing that Lola was an ever-ready host, able to serve a delicious meal even when visitors arrived unexpectedly.
Funeral service via Zoom. begining Friday November 26, 2021 at 12:50 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/97062768993?pwd=NUkwWXU1U1VnUk1FUU53YTM3aTFJdz09
Meeting ID: 970 6276 8993 Passcode: 317199
Friends are welcome to join the family at Vulcan Cemetery for the interment at 2:45 p.m. tune car radio to 103.3 FM to listen
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
My deepest condolences to the Findlay Family. Mrs. Findlay was my wonderful neighbour. Lilly and I would watch for her smile and happy wave at the window on our daily walks and so enjoyed our frequent visits too! We miss her. May she rest in peace. Glenda Markin
Thank you Glenda. Mom enjoyed seeing you and Lilly out for your walks, and friendly visits. Thank you for being a good neighbour and keeping an eye out for one another. Best wishes to you.
My sincere condolences to all of the Findlay family. 99 years and 9 months is quite remarkable! That’s a lot of time to accumulate some wonderful memories of your mom!
I remember Lola back in my Vulcan school days but more recently as Mom and Dad’s good neighbour next door. Lola and I had some lovely chats ‘over the fence’ when I was visiting at Mom and Dad’s. I will remember her fondly for those conversations, her cheerful disposition, and her many kindnesses, especially to Mom and Dad.
Lola was a proud mom who contributed much to her community. No doubt she will be missed by many.
Thank you for your kind words Lorna. Mom was blessed to have Arthur and Freda as neighbours. All of them were significant contributors to the community, each in their own way. They had big hearts and willing-to-serve souls. We miss Mom, but will endeavour to carry on her stalwart example of positivity, love and service with a cheerful countenance.
I’m so sorry to hear of Lola passing. My Heart and prayers go out to all the Findlay family and Vulcan residents. She certainly will be missed. Mrs. Findlay was such a big part of the community. I have wonderful childhood memories growing up with her children. I remember always looking up to her with High Respect, With that sparkle in her eyes, there was a kindness that she gave to the children. You knew you could ask her for advice.
Thanks for sharing your Mom with us.
With Sympathy, Sharon, Laura Gorzitza and families.
So nice to hear from you Sharon! Mom was truly a lifelong Vulcanite, and loved the community. The Gorzitza families played a significant role in our growing up lives. Mom knew each of you and cared about your well being. Hugs to you all, and an extra big one for your mom! [It was fun for mom (and me) to see Laura at Mom’s 95th birthday party] Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Take care.
To the Findlay Family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Lola through the Lionettes. She was the ever-ready bunny with unlimited energy and so willing to help with anything and everything. I so admired her positive attitude, her friendliness, and her willingness to help others. She entertained the Lionettes with many wonderful stories and she has left us with many wonderful memories. Her heart was open to everyone. She will be remembered and missed by many. Our sympathy to you on her passing but she has left behind a great legacy. She lived life well.
Sincerely,
Bud and Sharon Cockwill
Our family appreciates you and all the Lionettes for the opportunity Mom and other Charter members had to be recognized June 25, 2018. They (Lola, Rose, Freda) truly felt honoured and special. Mom never mentioned her story telling at the meetings, so now we wish we had been “flies on the wall” to hear them. Thank you for sharing your perspective on that part of her life with us. Our best to the Vulcan Lionette Club.
Deepest Sympathy to all the Findlay family,
Lola’s passing, though sweet for her, leaves an emptiness in her place for us. She always had a twinkle in her eye and a smile and story to share. As fixtures of Vulcan the Findlay’s are in so many of my growing up memories! Lola left all who met her a little better than they were. I always appreciated her stories of my parents and her family; such good friends.
love and hugs to all
Carol Appleton (Mitchell)
Thank you for sharing a few sweet memories of our mother. You described her and our situation beautifully. Your dad and mom are likewise in many of my growing up memories. One of the blessings of raising a family in a small town was having many watchful parenting eyes looking out for their children. Appreciate your friendship.
To all Lolas family, our deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great, great, grandmother she was one of the nicest, kindest ladies I have ever met. She was a great example of how we all should live our lives. She was always so kind and friendly to our family, and we appreciated it so much.
Gracemary Holthe and family
We appreciate your kind message Gracemary. Mom cared about you and your family. She did set a good example, with hopes that her “children” and their families would follow suit 😉 We miss her dearly, and will endeavour to do our best to fill her “unusually large shoes for a little lady” (figuratively speaking). Hugs to you and all your family.
Our deepest condolences to the Findlay family.
May Lola Rest In Peace knowing how loved she was by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Thanks Bev. For a woman who was born, raised and lived her entire life in or near Vulcan, she sure did know a lot of people (of all ages)! Although we dearly miss her, there is no doubt in our minds that there was/is a wonderful reunion happening with those who have gone before. I envision Rose Ann organizing a grand welcome gathering, Mom and Dad reunited again after 35 years apart, Mom’s siblings and parents all together again, more extended family and dear friends, socializing. Mom loved people and a party! Appreciate your kind message. Our best to you and George.
To Fay, Rose Ann, Ted, Jean and Louise, their spouces, children and grandchildren.
Thankyou Louise, for the note and Obituary telling us of your mother’s passing. The news was, strangely, not a suprise as she has been on my mind lately. But it brought back fond memories which date back to 1956 when a young family of four arrived, tired and bewildered, from England to their new home in Vulcan. Your mother met us, took us to our new home, helped us settle in and went on to welcome us into your family. She showed my mother “the ropes” of small town praire living, lent her a “shoulder “when needed and provided us with the happy busy family life
that we dearly missed.
Lola’s was tiny in stature but big in her generosity, energy, talent and spirit. Your mother “softened the landing” for this family of four with her humor and love, and for that we/I will forever be grateful and she will be forever remembered with love.
Thankyou Lola, Lundy and family.
Karen Smith for A. John Smith, Joan Smith and my brother, Martin.
Rest in Peace, Lola
Thank you for sharing those memories with us Karen. Your family’s arrival to Vulcan was prior to my birth, so I didn’t really know how our two families met. I do recall being chased by your father around our house, under the kitchen table, and all around. He was quick and nimble. Perhaps that’s where Mom got the idea (she chased her grandchildren and many of her great -grandchildren around and around, including under the kitchen table). Your whole family was very dear to Mom, and she delighted in newsy letters, postcards, visits or phonecalls from Joan and/or John after they moved away. Lifelong friends indeed. Much appreciation for your time and travel to attend Mom’s 95th birthday party! She was thrilled to see you and share a hug!! Take care.
Sorry for your loss, Lola was a great neighbor and friend.
Wishing you God’s peace and comfort , hold on to the precious memories.
Virginia Patterson
Thank you Virginia. Mom spoke of you often, and was delighted you were able to attend her 95th birthday party. We’re grateful that Mom was blessed with good neighbours, like you. So nice to feel like you live among friends. We hope you are doing well.
Sorry for loss, Lola was a great neighbor and friend.
Praying Gods peace and comfort !
Blessing
Virginia Patterson
Deepest sympathy to the Findlay Clan. I was privileged to spend time with Lola working on two different videos. She was an amazing woman. Vulcan was so lucky to call her their own. Her and Lundy certainly helped to make this a better place to live.
We are sooo grateful for your video story recording talent, and sincerely appreciate the time and interest you invested in Mom’s stories. They are priceless treasures for all her posterity! Dad and Mom were very invested in Vulcan and enjoyed people throughout the county. They loved their community! Vulcan is lucky to call you their own as well. Best wishes in your endeavours as you continue to strive to keep Vulcan County’s history alive.
Dear Findlay Family, thinking of you all and please know the loss of Lola will be felt by many. Lola was a caring neighbour to our family over the years. I knew Lola best as a Lionette member and she inspired many a Lionette over the years with her humour, dedication and long time service as a Charter Member from 1953! This is a loss to the Vulcan Community as well, Lola and Lundy will be remembered as contributing to Vulcan’s history with their community service. Your many wonderful memories will comfort you all I am sure.
Thank you for your kind comments dear neighbour, sweet friend and fun golf cart driver! Mom LOVED Lionettes and Dad LOVED Lions as it helped them connect with and be more involved with people in the community. Working and serving while having fun seemed to be their motto in life! We sure appreciated all the support Mom received from fellow Lionettes: from cheery “hellos” in the grocery store, to wearing silly costumes doing skits at Senior Citizen’s Night, to rides to/from the meetings in her later years, to being chauffeured around like royalty in a beautifully decorated golf cart for the town parade. She was truly blessed by people in her lifelong community.
So very sorry to lose our “Mom”! The world is definitely at a loss. The bonus is that we all knew how strong her faith was! Heaven is definitely in a much better condition now.
She instilled such a strong faith in her children and had every reason to be proud of each and every one of them.
My heart goes out to all of her family. I have a pretty good idea of how big a hole she is leaving in their hearts.
Yes Nancy, I envision Gertha and Lola chatting it up once again, sharing old times and catching up on each others “kids”. I vividly remember Gertha’s big grin as she greeted people on the street. When she smiled, her whole face lit up! Lola (your town mother) was definitely a woman of faith and devotion, through every stage of her life. Her belief in the Plan of Salvation, thanks to our Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ, was rock solid. Hope us “kids” measure up to the spunky examples of these two dynamic women!
Lola was a delight. She always had an interesting or funny story to tell about her childhood. Her sense of humour was so wonderful that we all enjoyed her.
She was interested in everything and everyone. She will be greatly missed!
Thank you for your kind comments Cathie. I know you have looked out for Mom over the years, and appreciate the kindnesses you and Jim have shown her. You are absolutely correct in saying Mom was interested in everyone and had a delightful sense of humour. She was always ready for some fun! We miss her already.
I am so sad to hear of Lola’s passing. She was like a second mother to me in my growing up years. She will be missed.
Thank you Aletta! Mom was so pleased to see you (one of “her” kids) at her 95th birthday party. Although we are happy Mom and Dad are together again, we miss them dearly. Rose Ann better be spoiling them 😉
My sympathy goes out to all the Findlay family on the loss of Lola – a most remarkable lady! From the time I was a child making my first visits to Vulcan I can remember Lundy and Lola … they were so active and involved in the community that they seemed to be everywhere at once! I knew Rose Ann and Ted through the office, and also through the church back in the days when the wonderful LDS Turkey Suppers were served in Champion. I remember Lola as always being pleasant, kind, and gracious … and certainly after almost 100 years in Vulcan part of the bedrock of the community! Marvin Maronda of Lomond
Thank you for sharing your kind thoughts Marvin! Mom and Dad seemed to know most of the Vulcan County, and enjoyed having a role in the various functions (parades, sports days or whatever). Mom was very involved in the annual Champion Ward turkey suppers, baking pumpkin pies and making chocolates along with the other festive meal items. They were a great team serving Vulcan and area, and will continue to be a force for good now that they are reunited.