Obituaries

Lilly Judith De Leon Pineda left us peacefully on October 13, 2025 at the age of 89. Family was so important to Lilly and so it was comforting to her that she was surrounded by family at the time of her passing.

Lilly is survived by children Lilly Bustillo, Georgina De Juarez, Veronica Linares-Krauss (Don), Ligia Linares (Tim), Omar Linares (Diana) and Yesenia Linares; 13 grandchildren Osmany, Lee, Erick, Yves, Izzar, Ali, Brittany, and Kelsie, Indhyra, Joey, Gabriel, Nicole, Emely (their father Johnny); 7 great-grandchildren Declan, Gracelyn, Selena, Drake, Kaylan, Jesse, and Taylor; as well as her great-great-grandchild August; and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her daughter Yvonne; her son-in-law Omar Ivan Bustillo; her partner Federico Linares; as well as many dear friends and comrades, both in El Salvador and in Canada.

Born on May 31, 1936 in San Salvador, El Salvador, Lilly grew up in a difficult time and in a country where inequality, injustice and poverty was part of the social fabric. It was through this environment that Lilly developed her incredible resilience, her fierce commitment to justice, her strong faith in God and her willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Through these struggles, she also learned of the importance of family and that regardless of the tough times we go through, how a loving word and a small gesture of kindness can make a big difference in another’s life and how those acts of kindness can spread. These values were passed on to her children who do not hesitate to help when someone is in need.

Lilly came to Canada in 1995 and quickly became a fixture in the Latin American community in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She was a teacher of the Spanish language and Central American cultures to children for many years. She was tirelessly involved in the Hispanic Folkfest Pavilion, a supporter of the Spanish language Catholic Community and the pinata maker for countless birthday celebrations in the community.

Lilly suffered a stroke in 2014 which limited her participation in the community events that she so cherished. She moved to Regina, Saskatchewan in 2021 to be cared for by her daughter Ligia. During that time, she enjoyed the simple things in life, like being with family, feeling the sun on her skin, and singing the songs that reminded her of better times.

A Celebration of Lilly's Life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 100 Argyle Street North, Regina, Saskatchewan. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at McMurchy Care Home who provided compassionate and loving support for Lilly during the time that she resided there.

Lilly will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to justice, her infectious smile and laugh, and the countless memories shared with all whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace and may her legacy of kindness continue to inspire us all.

Forever in our hearts.