Wilma Eleanor Wilhelmina Howell

Wilma was born on August 31, 1940 in Lucky Lake Hospital to Lempi and John Johnson. Her sister, Sonia, was born one year later in July 1941. Wilma grew up in the Birsay area. Her mother was a teacher in the Birsay/RockPoint area while John farmed nearby. Wilma became her dad’s helper on the farm at a very young age, learning to drive and operate equipment at the age of seven.

Wilma and Glen met in high school and married in 1961. They initially lived on the Howell farm, west of where the Gardiner Dam is now (in front of Sandy Shores in the Coteau Creek). Then in the late 1950’s/early 1960’s, the government expropriated their land to form part of what is now known as Gardiner Dam. Wilma and Glen bought a farm yard near Birsay and made the move in 1965. They often recalled how the dam water had risen so quickly, just under the cab of their 3-ton truck as they were moving their last load across the bridge to their new farm.

Bruce and Tracey were born at the original Howell homestead. After their move to the new farm site, Curtis was born. Life was busy as they worked to establish their farm with three small children — and while dad, Glen, was still working as a welder/heavy equipment operator at the dam. They were busy but good years. They always had the coffee pot on and made time for neighbours who would frequently pop in for coffee and a visit.

Mom was the heart and soul of the family. She always saw the bright side of things and had a wonderful sense of humour. She loved to help others and always had time for people. She loved her family dearly and cherished family get-togethers. She and Glen had a special kind of love. They would often hold hands and tell each other they loved one another right to the end. She also dearly loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would ask about family members regularly to see what everyone had been up to - or if there was any news. She would delight in their successes and try to comfort them when they were feeling down. Wilma will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Wilma was predeceased by her parents, John and Lempi Johnson; and sister, Sonia. She leaves to mourn her husband, Glen, who is currently residing at Kyle Health Centre; her son, Bruce (John); daughter, Tracey (Jody); son, Curtis; and Twyla (Keagan’s mom); her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Shane (Michelle); Ryan (Morgan); Courtney (Shaun); Brody; Ashley (Gavin); and Keagan; and great grandchildren: Charlee, Georgia, Brixton, Benson, Carter, and Jackson; and numerous other friends and relatives.

She has asked that there be no funeral service, rather a small family memorial which will be held at a later date.