Community leaders are reacting to the death of Lily Fielding, who was 103 when she passed away Sept. 8 at her home. Here are some of the statements:
As mayor, I join the community of Greater Sudbury in mourning the passing of Lily Fielding.
Lily’s legacy of philanthropic initiatives for the arts, education, health care and the environment including the gifting of the incredible Kivi Park to the public have had a profound impact across on our community and the people who live here in so many ways.
I want to thank Lily for all of her generosity and efforts towards making our community a better place to live which I know will be celebrated by many for generations to come.
On behalf of city council, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Lily Fielding.
Mayor Brian Bigger, City of Greater Sudbury
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Lily Fielding at the venerable age of 103. Through her generosity and philanthropy, she impacted so many people and causes. Mrs. Fielding has also been one of the most generous donors in the history of Health Sciences North, the Northern Cancer Foundation and of Laurentian University.
I offer my most sincere condolences to her family. I have always admired how they have taken such great care of her these past few years. Her presence at announcements over the years reminded everyone of the meaning of giving back to the community. Mrs. Fielding was a true inspiration. She leaves an exceptional legacy to Northern Ontario, Kivi Park being the latest of so many examples.
Flags at Health Sciences North will fly at half-mast in her honour on Sunday, Sept. 15 and on Monday, Sept. 16.
Dominic Giroux, CEO, Health Sciences North
This week our city lost a true community leader.
Many have never met her but she has touched many of our lives through her generosity.
Mrs Lily Fielding has given generously to many institutions and organizations over the years, but no single donation has had as great an impact to the residents of our community as Kivi Park. I believe the gift of Kivi Park is a reflection of her ethos, and her affection for the community she lived in her entire life.
At a 2016 event celebrating her centenary, Mrs Fielding stated in response to good wishes, “I’m just a farm girl”.
You may have considered yourself a “just a farm girl”, but I will remember you as a woman who never forgot that she was a “farm girl” and that the entire community, like a farm, is a place to be tended and nurtured.
Ward 9 Coun. Deb McIntosh, who worked with Lily Fielding to develop Kivi Park
