It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dearly beloved aunt, Major (ret'd) Lillian Barraud, at the age of 93.
Born in Calgary, the daughter of Swiss immigrants, Lillian took her own path, joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in one of their first intakes of women into the regular forces in the early 1950s. She served proudly in the military with a career spanning her role as a Fighter Control Operator at the RCAF’s Alert Radar Station in Bagotville, to a posting in Canadian Forces Base Baden–Söllingen during the Cold War, and finishing as the sole female military Foreign Liaison Officer in the Western world at the time. Her work as a trailblazer in Canada’s armed forces earned her the Military Medal of Merit, and our grandmother proudly accompanied her to Rideau Hall to accept the honour.
Auntie Lil was committed to her military family, but she was also committed to us, her three nieces, three great-nephews and one great-niece. She played an important part in our lives as the example of an independent woman, ahead of her time and with a great sense of exploration and fun. She travelled to more than 40 countries, from Africa to Asia to Europe and was always up for an adventure. She also took the time to care for her family, being there for each of us when we needed her.
Our dear aunt is no longer with us, but her sense of humour will stay with us forever. We want to thank the staff at Waterford Retirement Community for their excellent care for our aunt. A service will be held by the graveside in June.