Sally Eleanor Lionais (nee Hildebrandt), beloved wife of Charles (Chuck) Lionais, CDR (ret’d) lost her valiant struggle with PSP (Progessive Supranuclear Palsy) on October 30, 2025.
Sally was born in Winnipeg, MB, October 5, 1945, daughter of Albert and Elsie (Klaprat) Hildebrandt, both from Oldenburg, MB. She spent her childhood on the family owned farm at Oldenburg with three sisters; Alice (Irvin (deceased)) Honke, Beausejour, MB, Shirley (Harvey) Knopf, (both deceased), of Kelowna, BC, and twin sister Sandra (Ron) Turchyn, Thunder Bay, ON. Sally is survived by her children; Tammy (Kim) Rowan, Winnipeg, Leon (Darlene) Herzog, Selkirk, MB, and Leah (Neil (deceased)) Dilworth, Winnipeg. She is also survived by her step-children; Michael (Shannon) Lionais, Ottawa, ON, Patrick (Jenna Bennet) Lionais, Ottawa, Alec Stuart, Winnipeg, and Rebecca Stuart, Toronto, ON.
In Winnipeg, MB, there are seven grandchildren; Kevin (Dawn Marie), Rebekka (Julie), Sarah (Troy), Rylee, Audrey, Matthew, Alyx, and one great-grandchild, Luca. In Ottawa, Sally leaves step-grandchildren Sebastian and Aislin Rose. There are also many surviving cousins, nieces and nephews.
Sally married Ken Herzog of Seven Sisters, MB at the age of 18 in 1963. They divorced in 1975 and she raised her children as a single mom. She met her second husband, Dr. Richard (Rick) Stuart, a Historian with Parks Canada, through the Manitoba Naturalists Society. They moved to Ottawa with Rick’s job, where they lived happily for ten years. Both loved the outdoors and spent much time hiking, climbing, canoeing, camping and Nordic skiing. Sally lost Rick to cancer in 2005 and suffered the loss greatly. She had taken the Fine Woodworking course at Algonquin College and immersed herself in woodworking and other hobbies. Sally was an excellent gardener. She loved her flowers and shrubs and was justly proud of her gardens. Reflecting her love of woodworking and gardening, she worked at both Artistic Landscape Designs and Nursery and Lee Valley Tools in Ottawa. Sally’s love of gardening and belief in personal fitness was passed down to her daughters.
At the urging of Chuck Lionais, a frequent client of Lee Valley Tools, Sally joined the Ottawa Valley Woodturners Club. After a few years, they found out that each had lost their spouse to cancer about four years earlier (Denise and Rick). They were made for each other and married about ten months later. They continued their many outdoors activities, enjoying time in their extensive workshop and gardens, renovating and of course, travelling. Sally took up Alpine skiing and returned to golf. She really enjoyed the annual ski trips when they met up with a coach full of Cape Breton skiers, visiting the various ski hills of Quebec and the Northern States. Another favourite was wilderness canoe camping. She took up fishing and became quite proficient at it.
Sally was noted for her beautiful smile, sense of humour, love of life and the outdoors, and her friendly, caring nature. She was loved by all and will be sadly missed. She was a real gem!
Livre de visiteurs
Earl and Judy Doyle
Nancy Stuart
Dear Chuck, Our sincere condolences on the loss of Sally, a wonderful woman, wife, mother and grandmother. You journeyed faithfully with her during her illness, she is now at peace. I remember in 2009 the 6 months we lived in Ottawa and shared lots of fun times together and was able to attend your wedding before we left. A beautiful occasion. She will be missed by many, but leaves fond memories behind. Peace and blessings Nancy
Antoine Lafreniere
May God be your guiding light
Patrick Donnely
Take care God Bless RIP
Siobhan Doyle and family
Sincere condolences to you, Chuck, your extended family, and Sally’s extended family. Sally was a lovely person and her loss will be felt for many years to come. May you benefit from joyful memories in the celebration of her long life.
Bek
Sally gave me many good childhood memories when she would come visit. Trips to the zoo, the beach, snow ball fights in the backyard, and my first time on a plane, when we traveled back to Ottawa with her and spent a week exploring the city with her.(in 2007 and 2010.) A common sight to signal grandma was coming back to Winnipeg for a visit was when mom would come home with a fresh box of butter pecan tarts from gun's bakery ("This isn't a treat for the kids, this is grandma's afternoon snack." Mom would often say.) I wish I could have visited her more in my adult years but I treasure the early childhood memories I have with her. Thanks grandma, I'll miss you ❤️
Marie and Glenn Sentner
So many happy, joyful memories of great times with Sally. She was one special lady. Let your happy memories carry you through the days ahead. Much love and deepest sympathy for you and all the family. ❤️
Marilyn Turner
Dear Chuck: I watched the service yesterday with tears in my eyes. I’m remembering all the good times, especially the family cruise and your visits to Nova Scotia. So much laughter and love. My deepest sympathy.
Love, Marilyn
Richard and Sheila Dooley
Dear Chuck, our deepest sympathies to you and all of Sally’s family.
Jeanne-Isabelle Dolbec
Dear Chuck, You are a very strong and courageous man. Loosing 2 loves is a more than challenging time, mainly after support them through sickness . Wish I was closer to offer support. Know that I am there if you need. All my deepest sympathies
Dear Chuck and all of Sally’s family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences at the loss of such a lovely person. Earl got to know Sally through the wood turning classes he would attend when he visited Ottawa. I met her after that when we visited Michael and Shannon. She thought a brave battle, and now may she rest in peace with the Lord.