Wilma Grace Awde

Today we stand here broken-hearted to honour our beloved mother, our friend and guide. She grew up sometimes on farms but mostly in East City. She was a devoted daughter and loving sister. As an adult she worked at Westclox until she was expecting Carolee. Later she took her designer eye to Sears paint department for 25 years.

She took great pride in her appearance, always well dressed and well accessorized. She loved to shop for clothes and was always watchful for a bargain.

Even though she was shy, she volunteered all her life. She pushed herself to do hard things, and succeeded. She even sold Mary Kay. She had an inner strength we admire and seek to emulate. She had a strong faith and strong opinions. She was a private person and very independent. We are so grateful that she was in her own home until her last 3 days.

She was active throughout her life, always very busy with the church, enjoying family camping and cottage life. Her interests included crafts, cards, golf, puzzles and Probus. We especially remember square dance camps and her bowling excellence. She also enjoyed theatre both locally and on bus trips, several times to major country music venues in the United States.

Mom and Dad were well traveled, and after she lost him she continued to travel with her friends. They were married for 41 years and adored each other. She bore her widowhood with grace and dignity for 22 years. She kept her social ties with longstanding and long distance friends. She lit up a room with her smile. She was a loving and generous support for extended family and especially for us.

Family was of first importance to Mom. She has been a good friend to each of her grandchildren, and delighted in Lori's grandchildren. In our last conversations with her she was concerned for our well-being. She was a huge support to each of us in our own motherhood. We will miss her.

Steven’s Eulogy Speech:

When the death of my grandmother was announced to me on Saturday morning, there struck a deep and somber note in my life, a note which resounded amongst all our hearts and halted time to an abrupt ambiguity.

I often dread to reminisce about the events in which I was the cause of strife and suffering in her life - for even at my best, she was tremendously greater still. Yet for all my imperfections, she saw in me what I could too often not see in myself. She saw me with optimism and supported me immeasurably through emotional strife, educational fluster, and confectionary indulgence.

Most prevalent in my mind now are the ways in which she supported me artistically. Taking me to the theatre to see Les Miserables, attending any exhibition my work may have snuck into, or the countless thanksgiving weekends on which she took me from studio to studio across the Haliburton Highlands.

It is with abundant thanksgiving that I therefore echo this sentiment of Vincent Van Gough -

“I feel there is nothing more truly artistic than to love… what is done in love is done well”

Just as she loved, my grandmother was unfathomably loved by all who were blessed by her company. She was the symbol of selflessness, archetype of affection, and embodiment of what we often hope to be. My Grandmother gave tremendously, with no expectance of compensation, though it brought her great joy to lend aid in any way that she could - especially if it meant she got to drive around.

Through this, I have come to realise that of all those who have impacted my life, there may well be none more deserving than she, to have earned my deepest, sincerest, and eternally steadfast respect.

It is for countless reasons that her passing has left us in a sorrowful melancholy - yet it is for these countless reasons that we cherish her and honour the magnificent life that was Wilma Grace Awde

Kelley Humber with Bryan, Steven and Caitlin Eulogy Speech:

Our Grandmother has always been central to our lives, in some ways she was our third parent, she was a part of everything, and absolutely loved being a part of our lives. We will always cherish the role she played in our lives.

Our Grandmother baked banana chocolate chip muffins non-stop. She would drop them off in the mornings when she came over to help get us off to school. She came most mornings, even when we were in high school. Sometimes she was literally what got us out of bed.

She hosted Christmas, and Thanksgivings at the cottage. She used to buy Halloween candy in early October, proceed to eat two boxes of Halloween chocolate herself, and then buy some more a few days before Halloween for the children who would come to her door. She could wash dishes in scalding water, and take pans out of the oven with her bare hands. She used to call the “sink” the “zink”; she used to call us “tager”, “doll”, and “a handful”.

Our Grandmother was a listener, and a sympathizer, she cared about us deeply, she was a hug and a shoulder to cry on. She thought we were funny, she would try not to smile, but her eyes would still sparkle when we said something tongue and cheek.

One time, when we were all younger, Grandma took us to this petting zoo, in God knows where, we petted the animals, we had a great time, when we went to leave, as we drove away this pony began to follow us, we insisted we stop and keep it as a pet, Grandma promised us that if it followed us all the way to the highway then we could keep it. So the four of us climbed into the back seat of her minivan and peered out the back window hoping to acquire a pony that day. But when we started getting too close to the highway, Grandma not wanting to bring four children and a pony back to my parents, she went into what some would call “lead-foot Wilma mode” and we surpassed the pace any pony could keep up with. Our Grandmother could remove weird stains from karate uniforms, silky dress tops, and table-runners. She could chase bears away with brooms, and she could look you straight in the eye and tell you she forgets how to play euchre, and still beat you at it. She would let us drive through the backroads at the cottage with the trunk door open and our feet dangling out. She would let us come over to her house after school and eat pie with her at four in the afternoon. She would never let us leave without waving goodbye from the front window of her house.

She taught us how to be patient, loyal, and generous. She shaped our lives more than we can ever know.

Not only was she our Grandmother, but she was a mother and in law to our parents.

She loved our father dearly, she thought his cooking was always amazing, he could convince her to try almost anything. She trusted his advice and cared about his opinion. About this time last year our dad was very sick, anytime any of us talked to her, he was always the first thing she asked about. To help him recover and lift his spirits, every time she came over she would bring him deviled eggs. Deviled eggs for him were like banana chocolate chip muffins for us.

I know I’m going to miss a lot of who my Grandmother was, but one thing I might miss the most is her as my mother’s mother. They were this amazing team, who poured out love to us and to each other. I loved watching their relationship work the way it did, they supported each other and encouraged each other, they shared laughter, burdens, tears and joys. I can remember many times when I would be sitting across from Grandma at her kitchen table, and we would be talking about everything going on at our house, and she would look out the window and say, “I haven’t a clue how Cheri does it all”. But the thing is it was because of my Grandma. She was central to it all, for my mother, for my family, and for all of us here today.

She has only been gone for five days, so I can’t really say we’ve figured out how to do any of it without her, and as much as I don’t like the prospects of having to do life without her, I know that we were very blessed to have known her and be so loved by her, and she left us behind with many family members and friends to show this love to, and I think that’s pretty great as well.

Caitlin's Memories:

My grandma was a strong woman, she faced challenges with determination and lived through many difficult times still sharing her beautiful smile with the world. She and I shared love of Reese’s peanut butter cups and peanut butter cookies, and interest in local history, with regular visits to the Fourth Line Theatre together and backroads tours of the Haliburton Highlands.

She was a shoulder to cry on, a listener, and someone to laugh with, sometimes laughing so hard I would fall out of my chair making her laugh even harder. We shared stories and chats about life at her kitchen table, in the front room of the cottage early in the morning, or in her car as she helped me get from point a to point b. Whether I was living nearby or far away, she always loved to spend time with you, even if it was just a phone call. She always knew all the latest news even though she claimed she didn’t.

My grandma cared for people, loved deeply, and would never let you leave hungry. She always helped others, sacrificing her time and resources to make things happen. She was beautiful, elegant, stylish, and full of wisdom.

I will never forget the way she called us tager, her incredible tolerance for hot dish water, and her warm smile. Most of all, I will never forget the way she wouldn’t let you forget you were loved.

Chris' Memories:

Spending time with Grandma and food are closely linked in my mind and most of my memories centre around meals shared together. I was blessed when I was in high school to be able to go to her house regularly for lunch and for us to spend regular quality time together. I recall that at special occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving she would go out of her way to make lemon meringue pie because she knew this was a favourite, even though it was more effort than other deserts and we would have been more than happy with something from the store. I will always associate home baking with her kitchen.

I remember when I wanted to join the skiing club at Adam Scott, Grandma gave me my first paid job - shovelling her driveway all winter. This was a controversy because my mom and dad didn't think this was the kind of thing that a grandchild should be paid for but just do as a matter of course. Looking back I am touched by her many small acts of generosity like this thinly disguised gift.

I also remember that we were at Halls Lake for my 25th birthday and Liz had bought me a bottle of Crown Royal, and when she gave it to me, Grandma looked over and with a very disappointed expression said: "Christopher, I never knew you were a drinker."

My favourite memory of time at the cottage on Halls Lake is playing Canasta with Elizabeth and Grandma on a rainy day in the summer. I also really enjoyed the times that we would do puzzles collaboratively over a weekend.

I am grateful that she was able to see Nancy and I married in Peterborough and was very happy when she introduced Nancy to Mrs. Clark at the cottage as her new granddaughter.

Mark's Memories:

For me when I think back of all my memories with Grandma the ones that come forth most are......

1) My very earliest memories of my beloved Awde grandparents is a family vacation to Disney World Florida.... we were boarding a ride and Grandpa and Grandma arrived at the ride seat just in front of mine and Grandpa being the gentlemen he was stepped aside to let Grandma sit first. Grandma went to sit down and the seam of pants split, she was instantly mortified and herself and Grandpa were high tailing it outta there, Grandma embarrassed and Grandpa quietly chuckling to himself. During the same trip Grandma took me to watch a Teenage Mutant Turtles show/play, after the show we waited in line for what seems like forever so that I could get Michelangelo autograph (cuz he was my favorite) just as a reached the very front of the line and my turn was next they shut down the autograph session and Michelangelo turned to walk away... Grandma wasn’t having that shit as she reached over of security barrier and grabbed Michelangelo by the shell and pulled his ass back.. to no luck tho as we still didn’t get the autograph.

2) I’ll fast forward a few years now to my teenage years, here is where I now start remember more of my conversation with my grandmother.. I’ll quickly start by saying I wasn’t the best teenager, hung around with bad kids, got in trouble and fights etc etc... tho throughout these teenage years Grandma and I developed an extremely open dialogue. At this point my grandfather had been passed away for a few years... both of us had things we needed off our chests and wanted a judgment free zone to express those thoughts and feelings. I know she provided me with a much needed “safe zone” and I believe I provided her with same comfort... We could both express ourselves freely and neither of us ever judged the other. She provided me with a open ear and loving heart in some of my most needed years.

3) For my last thoughts I’ll fast forward even further in my life to when my wife (Melissa) and I started our family... Parents always say that “kids never truly understand what it’s like until they are a parent too”... I think that saying applies to so much more.... it wasn’t until I was a parent that I truly began to appreciate everything not only my parents went through to provide myself and my sisters a comfortable life but what my grandparents must have gone through during tougher times to provide a comfortable life for our parents.

I am truly blessed to have my grandmother in my life for as long as I did. Am also very grateful she was able to meet (and approved of) my wife and meet my two children Mia and Mason.

Grandma I will always love you and never stop missing you.

Love : The Rose Clan

Elizabeth's Memories:

Grandma and I used to go on drives; To pick berries as a child, around the Haliburton Highlands as a teen and to Campbellford as an adult. After strawberry picking we would also do a marathon jam session. The long hours beside an oven, I now enjoy baking- I have never been able to match Grandma's jam. My favorite memory of her is a week we spent together at Halls Lake. We went for a drive around Stanhope township, showing me the family homesteads and her history. We stopped at the cemetery and museum. The museum had a photo book; As we were flipping through it Grandma saw a photo of her father and every page after she told stories: this is... they lived... this one time...

It will come as no surprise to anyone that Wilma had a sweet tooth. We made regular visits to Campbellford to stock up on chocolate & cheese. Even if she wasn't with me, I always got a bag of something for her. Something for her to snack on as she read in her chair. Grandma also loved fall colours. There was a trip to Kanata during the fall that we made several stops at the rest areas to admire the colours. I remember arriving at Aunt Lori & Uncle Phil's and as soon as we got out of the car she exclaimed "Oh wow, look at that one!" She happily posed for a photo.

We learned Canasta at Halls Lake. Grandma was so annoyed with me when I "pulled a Neil" and laid out with a canasta. It is a pastime that I enjoyed at my own family cottage and still enjoy with my brother & mother. When I was a child I remember visits to Santa's Village. On one occasion it was slow and she rode the Reindeer ride with me thirteen times in a row. We never had to get off, we just kept going around.

I not sure when we became friends, but she wasn't just my grandmother, she was my friend. We went to plays together, out to dinner, or just hung out in the same room reading our books. We shared stories of travel and enjoyed each other's photos. Every time I told her I was going somewhere alone, there was a mini lecture about being safe. But she never discouraged me from going, even though you could tell she wanted to say "don't go".

Ashley's Memories:

When I think of my grandmother, my heart is happy because I have lovely memories of our time spent together, both as a child and as an adult.

Thinking back to my childhood and time I spent at 937 Philip Street, I have fond memories of: Pirate peanut butter cookies, riding trikes in the driveway, Estee Lauder perfumes in a neat configuration on the bathroom counter that I would test when adults weren't watching, lemon meringue pie, playing walkie talkie with Mark, Grandma & Grandpa on their home intercom system, visits from Santa on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning anxiously sitting at the top of the basement stairs eagerly waiting for the adults to make their coffee so we could go downstairs and see what Santa brought, listening & watching the cuckoo clock chime & dance, the way Grandma cut sandwiches into triangles, the Mountain Ash tree in the front yard that I use to climb as a child, her unique sayings of "hokey toot" and "gussied up" that I have never heard anyone but her utter, bath time in the whirlpool tub with ALL the bubbles, being allowed to use grandma's fancy and now vintage bath oil beads during bath time that were beautifully arranged on the bathroom counter in a crystal bowl, watching the Sound of Music on VHS, pineapple dessert, Christmas dinners with the Sadler, Humber & Rose families, Christmas menu items that only Grandma made that you could always count on to grace the table - five cup salad, jello with fruit, watching her apply lipstick from her assortment stashed in the bathroom cabinet.

Thinking back to my childhood and time I spent at the cottage on Halls Lake, I have fond memories of: planting flowers with Grandma, building the stone castle on the front lawn with Grandma & Grandpa for my Barbies, day trips to Algonquin park to visit the logging museum, garage sale hunting, driving to West Guilford for ice cream, walks to Mud Lake, visiting the dump and hoping to see a bear, visiting the log chute, driving around the lake and listening to Grandma's storytelling of our family history, Christmas at the cottage, Thanksgivings at the cottage, picking raspberries with Grandma for dessert that night, Grandma relaxing in the lake on her foam and aluminum lawn lounge float chair, learning her home remedy of putting vinegar on sunburns to take the sting away (which works!), giving Rebecca a make-over when she was about 10 years old and Grandma asking if she too could have a make-over to hide all of her wrinkles! Rebecca & I then took delight in applying foundation and powder, eye shadow, eye-liner, mascara, blush and lipstick to Grandma. She was amused with us and claimed she looked 10 years younger!

I also have fond memories of travelling with Grandma, especially to Florida and visiting Disney World where she just about mangled a ninja turtle for Mark so he could get an autograph.

The highlight of my time with Grandma was when I had the opportunity to live with her while attending Trent University. As a young adult, I had the chance to get to know her as a person and not only as my grandmother. I learned to cook family recipes alongside her, had chats with her on her bed while going through her jewelry listening to her memories of where certain pieces came from and where they were travelling when Grandpa bought this broach for her. I heard family stories from when my mom was a little girl and how Grandma still had guilt about the day she lost her on the way to Queen Elizabeth school. We spent time sitting on the floor looking through photo albums with me learning our family history and seeing relatives I didn't have the chance to meet, introducing her to reality TV and our favourite reality show at the time- Survivor, eating dinner together almost every evening and her insisting I have milk with my supper! She was so thoughtful and always made sure my favourite foods were in the house. When I moved in with her, she learned that grapefruit was a favourite of mine. From that day on, grapefruit would appear in the fridge, cut and segmented, with sugar sprinkled on top ready for me to eat for breakfast before class. She did this for the year I lived with her.

I'm so happy she met my children! We have a lovely picture of her with all three of the boys sitting in front of her garden in Peterborough hanging in their room. From time to time, we look at the picture and I'll tell them a memory of mine with her or we'll get out their baby photo albums and look at pictures of them with GG. Sometimes, we just look at the picture during bedtime routine and tell GG goodnight and how much we love her. Although they didn't have the chance to know her well, I will make sure they know their GG and how much she loved them. The beautiful hand knit sweaters and jackets she bought them as gifts will be items that are saved and passed down the generations.

We are all so lucky to have had such a beautiful Grandma & GG. Whenever I'm out in the garden or walking with the children and happen to see a hummingbird fly by, it'll be a heart warming thought to think it's Grandma stopping by to say hello!!

Everlasting Moments Biography:

Wilma was born on April 26, 1933 at Nichol's Hospital in Peterborough, Ontario. She was the daughter of Arnold Victor Hewitt, and Zetta Margaret McCall. She had a younger brother, Reg, and for a time a foster sister, Dorothy. Raised in Peterborough, Ontario, she was brought up to be modest, quiet, trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be observent, conscientious, responsible and punctual. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

Wilma worked hard at everything she did. She did not talk much about her childhood. Her mother felt they moved too much, from the farm in Douro to Roger St to Hewitt Drive (house and road bulit by Arnold) and after Wilma was married her parents relocated to the house on London St where Arnold improved and sold that and other properties, and finally to the lovely property at the front of the McCall farmland on Sherbrooke St where Jackson Creek ran through and Arnold built a centennial project log cabin. This is the property with fond memories for Wilma's daughters. Zetta's determination to not move again may have influenced Wilma, who also had no desire to leave her first and only home as a married woman. She was the last original owner on the street when she passed.

Neil's childhood is equally little known. His older brother Don was a twin whose brother died at birth. Don had cognitive compromise from the birth and behaviour issues as an adult. Neil was in hospital for several months as a child with thyroid disease. While a teenager, the family took in cousin Annie Laurie Cameron when her parents were killed in a car accident. He struggled with French in grade 13 but was admitted to the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. His sister Jean became a nurse, and married an itinerant Englishman who encouraged everyone to travel.

Wilma and Neil were introduced by his childhood friend Fred Gardiner who was dating her cousin Doreen Russell. On June 16, 1956 Wilma married Francis Neil Awde at Grace United Church of Peterborough Ontario. They were totally committed to each other. They married after Neil graduated as a pharmacist from the University of Toronto, but chose to live in quieter Peterborough, Wilma's home town. Together they valued family and created many opportunities for the extended family to come together. They were a team getting a big family meal prepared and hosted. Wilma loved to bake and always had an outstanding new dessert, but could never re-create Kathleen's cream pie. Lunch on cold winter days was grilled cheese sandwiches or chicken noodle soup with maple syrup and fresh buttered bread for desert. The team wasn't as good at housecleaning. Neil hated the vacuum being out but it didn't have a convenient home and vacuuming was always a work in progress between pet hair and Lori's allergies. It was a chore he took on when he retired, carefully having the nap of the carpet all one way. After he retired he insisted on coffee breaks, breaking Wilma's momentum. These minor frustrations never became an issue in their peaceful devotion to each other.

Most folks would say that Wilma was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Wilma was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Wilma best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Wilma kept. While growing up, some of her best friends were Barbara Reid Moorby, Jean Hill Hawthorne, Dorothy Brekin Dunbar, Carolee Ferguson Huffman, Grace Tully Dixon. Later in life, she became friends with Shirley Kay, Barb Ferguson, Louise Goody, Shirley Dean, Louise Baldree, Bunny Carr, Elsie Gardiner, Annie MacDonald, and Jean Humber. Her sisters-in-law Jean Berry and Evelyn Hewitt counted her as a friend too. Many of the Philip Street neighbours were also members of Northminster United Church and parents of children of similar age. Enduring friendships developed. As a group they tried square dancing and then camping combining interests at "Dance and Camps", expanding the circle of friendships and providing opportunities for travel.

Wilma went to formal work early in her life at Westclox, and ended up unexpectedly at Sears, where she shone. She went with Lori to apply for a sales position because Lori wanted a part time job, filled in an application too so that it wasn't obvious that Lori's mother was there, and only Wilma was hired. She was employed for 25 years at Sears as a paint and paper consultant. During that time, Wilma excelled in advising customers about decorating choices. Cheri encouraged them to board Kawartha Lake Bible School students after Lori and Carolee were married, which they did for several years, again forming some longlasting friendships.

Wilma was a great mother to her children. She was a full time homemaker for most of their childhood. She seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Wilma was blessed with three children, Carolee, Lori and Cheri, who gave her nine grandchildren, Christopher Sadler, Elizabeth Sadler, Ashley Rose Austin, Mark Rose, Rebecca Rose, Caitlin Humber, Kelley Humber, Steven Humber, Bryan Humber, and five great grandchildren: Nolan, Carson and Grayson Austin, Mia and Mason Rose. Her primary occupation was a mother. She had moments of anxiety when Carolee fell down the stairs and needed stitches, Lori tricycled all the way to Queen Elizabeth school when sent to meet Carolee at the bend and was briefly lost, Cheri crashed her bike and had a serious leg injury. She coped with Lori's allergies, Carolee's back brace and the year the girls came down one at a time with measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox. Her support of her children during childhood was foundational to their success. As mothers themselves her girls benefited from her example and her practical help. Wilma was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Wilma had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems.

Wilma had a series of Cocker Spaniels - Blackie, Ginger, Sandy and Buffy, who were her good friends. Briefly there were cats in the house, when a cat from the market had kittens. She was heavily pregnant with her youngest, Cheri, and had to crawl behind boards to clean up after the kittens so that the contractors would work. She learned to like cats again with the Sadler cats, but was more fond of her many Rose and Humber grand-puppies. Wilma was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

Her favorite pursuits were reading, handicrafts, sewing and knitting, travel, camping and cottaging, square and line dancing, theatre and bus trips, bridge and bid euchre, church work and entertaining. Wilma was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her books and her view. She was always glad to have company and put thought and effort into excellent menus for gatherings. Wilma was a hard worker, a woman of action, never afraid to get her hands dirty to get a job done. She was like that with sports. As a young woman Wilma played baseball, and was an outstanding pitcher. With Neil, she enjoyed square dancing and round dancing. Wilma made their square dance outfits herself. She excelled at bowling, winning many trophies. With her girlfriends, she learned line dancing and took up golf as a senior. She enjoyed watching figure skating on TV and her grandchildren on the field and at the rink. In retirement, she found new pleasure in bridge and bid euchre. Wilma continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. She stayed in her own home her whole adult life.

Favorite vacations were at the cottage on Hall's Lake, and family or square dance camping. Pulling a house trailer Wilma and Neil took their girls to the East Coast one year, the West Coast another and around Ontario the year in between. She enjoyed international travel, with Neil and later with friends, and loved Switzerland, Hawaii, Australia, Ireland, and Portugal. Neil and Wilma were able to join groups going to Europe, once with the church led by minister Bill Wells, and once in a square dance group lead by caller Dempsey. They also traveled twice to Hawaii and twice to Walt Disney World.

Wilma left a list of her travels, often with Shirley Kay, after she was widowed.

1998 Germany, Switzerland & Czech Republic in March with Roses

1998 Alaska in June with Baldrees and Shirley

1999 Portugal with Carrs and Shirley

1999 Branson, Missouri in November with Jean Humber and Goodys

2000 Portugal with Deans, Shirley, Jean H, Shirley Seymour

2000 Timber Train in September

2001 Portugal and Gibraltar with Shirley, Florence, Jean H and Jim

2002 Mackinaw and Frankenmouth Michigan

2003 Australia with Shirley

2003 Nashville Tennessee with Shirley and Goodys

2004 North Conway

2004 Myrtle Beach NC March with Deans, Baldrees and Shirley

2005 Daytona Beach Florida and Caribbean cruise in March

2006 Magog, Quebec

2006 Hawaii in June with Shirley

2006 Mediterranean Cruise in October with Shirley

2007 Holland in April with Shirley

2008 Spain and Tangiers in March

2008 Newfoundland in August with Deans and Shirley

2008 Pigeon Forge in October with Shirley and Gerry

2009 Branson in November with Grace, Eileen and Ann

2011 Myrtle Beach NC possibly in 2010 and 2012 too

2013 Florida

2014 Pigeon Forge and Nashville in November

2015 Florida- Bradentor

An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, her faith was important to Wilma. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a charter member of Northminster United church, active for 61 years, serving on the pastoral care committee until her last 2 months of life. During that time, she was a youth group leader, UCW member working on teas, fundraising dinners and bazaars, and a long time member of the pastoral care committee. Wilma was also active in the community. She was responsible and liked working to achieve results rather than just chattering about possibilities. Wilma was a member of several community groups. She enjoyed Probus and Activity Haven. Politically, Wilma was conservative and often a scrutineer during elections.

Doing things to help others seemed to come naturally to Wilma. She never set out to gain individual recognition, but the praise and accolades given her for her many and varied efforts throughout her life were well deserved. You could always count on Wilma. If ever you needed something or someone to help, she was there. Among the tributes sent at her passing were comments that she had been a great support during a difficult time from several people, all kept private. She found it hard to accept the generosity she showed others. When Northminster Church rallied to take her to Neil's bedside in Sunnybrook Hospital, she was uncomfortable accepting rides and anxious that she was putting people out. She was the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She will be missed.

Wilma passed away on April 13, 2019 at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. She died unexpectedly of an infection. She is survived by her daughters and their families, many good friends and extended family. Services were held at Edmison Heights Bible Chapel. Wilma was laid to rest in Rosemount Memorial Gardens, beside her beloved Neil.

* * * * * * * * * *

AWDE, Wilma Grace

Now with her adoring husband Neil (1997), peacefully after a brief illness entered into rest in her 86th year on April 13, 2019. Loving and cherished mother of Carolee, Lori (Phil Rose) and Cheri (Scott Humber). Proud Grandma of Christopher (Nancy) and Elizabeth Sadler; Ashley (Dave Austin), Mark (Melissa) and Rebecca Rose (Dane Armitage); and Caitlin, Kelley, Steven and Bryan Humber. Beloved GG of Nolan, Carson, Grayson, Mia and Mason, in whose company she lit up. Predeceased by her parents Arnold and Zetta (nee McCall) Hewitt and her brother Reg. Mourned by sisters-in-law Evelyn Hewitt and Jean Berry; and all of her extended family and many friends. She will be sadly missed by her cousin Grace Dixon and best friend Shirley Kay.

The family will receive friends at the Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre, 356 Rubidge Street on Wednesday, April 17th from 2-4 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Edmison Heights Bible Chapel, 939 Hilliard Street on Thursday, April 18 at 11 am. Interment at Rosemount Memorial Gardens. In honour of Wilma, donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by her family. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockkaye.com