The community has lost a principal pioneer and memorable matriarch in the Aug. 10 passing of Lillian Cecil, Dowager Marchioness of Exeter, at age 90.
Lillian Jane Cecil, also known as Lady Exeter, was a cornerstone in 100 Mile House for decades. The community became her home in 1954, when the early township was just beginning to boom under the mentorship of her new husband, Lord Martin Cecil (known as its modern-day founder), who predeceased her in 1988.
Their daughter, Marina Cecil, recalls Lillian as a pioneering spirit, and a "mother to many people."
"My mother was a very energetic, enthusiastic, devoted woman, and very straightforward."
Sadly, Lillian was predeceased by two beloved daughters, Sharon Call, born from her first, wartime marriage to Gregory Call, and Marina's full sister, Janine Cecil, who died as an infant.
Marina explains Lillian's earlier life underwent a huge adjustment in 1954, when this strong and remarkable woman lost her (then) only daughter, Sharon, moved from Colorado to 100 Mile House, married Lord Martin Cecil, 7th Marquis of Exeter, and took in three orphaned children.
Also during that same pivotal summer, Martin was installed as the new leader of the Emissaries of Divine Light and established a local headquarters for the spiritual organization based in Loveland, Colorado.
This all happened very shortly after Sharon died at age 8 in a plane crash in San Francisco's Oakland Bay, along with Emissaries founders Lloyd and Kathy Meeker and others.
Lillian had previously joined the Emissaries group as a young woman, after she visited the Meekers with her mother and grandmother in 1948, and she and her mother decided to stay.
It was there she met Martin, and in 1950, Lillian visited him in 100 Mile House. She formed fast and longterm friendships with several pillars of the community, such as the Marks and Oshanek families, who were already
Martin's good friends.
Marina says Lillian was an "encompassing" matriarch who radiated a positive influence and changed the lives of many, she adds.
She greatly loved all of her children – including Marina, her step-son, Michael Cecil, and the three Meeker children she and Martin took in after their parents death (Nancy-Rose, Lloyd Junior and Helen) – who all dearly loved her in return.
Marina says Ross Marks managed Martin's ranch and businesses in 100 Mile House, and became Lillian's "rock" after her husband died, while his wife, Marcia Marks, lent much support as a dear friend and confidante.
She adds her mother had a vast reserve of strength and was a huge support for her daughter all of her life, including when Marina's own teenaged son, Dylan Castonguay, tragically died in a car crash in 2000.
Lillian also mourned the loss of her granddaughter, Angela Cecil, the daughter of Michael, and Nancy-Rose Cecil (Meeker), who died in 2008.
However, Marina notes Lillian always persevered, and nurtured a great passion for music, gardening and sports throughout her life.
She was very conscious of proper nutrition and ensured her family had healthy foods, including tending a greenhouse full of hothouse vegetables, as well as teaching others in both nutrition and natural childbirth.
As there was a large community garden for all the Emissary members to cultivate and share in its produce, Lillian's gardening efforts invariably led to abundant blooms that filled vases all around the home.
Marina notes her mother was an accomplished pianist who went on to become a composer, orchestra conductor and choir teacher in 100 Mile House, and led many community and holiday concerts over the years.
"Music was always her passion – always a big part of her world."
Marina adds Lillian also enjoyed many sports including cross-country skiing, tennis and cycling.
Noting travel was a huge part of Lillian's life, Marina says she always accompanied Martin in his Emissary work, but also made many trips with the children.
She notes her parents often flew in their own plane, as Martin was a pilot, who also built the original 100 Mile House Airport and donated the land to the community.
Marina recollects her parents often visited the Cecil family at its renowned, Elizabethan-era Burghley House in England, as well as making many trips to see Lillian's relatives in Wisconsin, Colorado and Virginia.
"Her suitcase was always packed."
