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The Story of Lilli Sorensen (née Nakskov)
Denmark
Lilli Nakskov was born (1906) and raised on Lolland, Denmark. She spent two years at Haslev Extended School (Haslev Højskole) where she also worked as a personal maid in the household of the principal, Forstander Thorlø.
At the school, she met Ingeman Sørensen, a student and former agricultural labourer. When the couple got engaged, Forstander Thorlø encouraged them to emigrate to Canada. He knew how difficult it was for young people to advance in Denmark and held special classes to prepare students planning to emigrate.
Canada
In 1928, Ingeman arrived in Standard, Alberta to work on Jens Rasmussen's farm. As it happened, Jens' son and daughter-in-law needed a "hired girl" to help around the house––Lilli was a logical choice. She arrived in 1929. But within a month, the crops had failed, throwing both Ingeman and Lilli out of work. The Great Depression had started.
Lilli went to Calgary to find work. Despite the times, wealthy families on Mount Royal still needed servants––maids, cooks, gardeners, and chauffeurs. And Danish servants were highly valued. Because of her previous experience, Lilli readily found a position. If she saved carefully, she and Ingeman could soon be married and buy a farm.
Lilli's experiences as a Mount Royal maid varied. But she was feisty, quite stubborn and had a great sense of humour. She could hold her own and was never afraid to leave an intolerable situation––there were still lots of other jobs on Mount Royal.
After two years as a Mount Royal Maid, Lilli married Ingeman. They moved to Tilley, Alberta, had a family and lived there for the rest of their lives. Lilli died in 2000.
Lilli loved to tell "Mount Royal Maid" stories and her children never tired of hearing them.
Adapted from the 2005 Heritage Book,
with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
Lilli's Mount Royal Maid Stories:
• Dana––Home Away from Home
• Mean Spirit
• Lilli Walks the Plank
• Little Jack
Teaser:
• Where will Lilli find a job?
