Willa Jean Holmes

September 24, 1917 – March 3, 2015

Following a brave battle with cancer, we announce the passing of an extraordinary woman, Willa Jean (Matheson) Holmes. Willa is pre-deceased by her loving husband Fred (1983).

Willa (Mom) and Fred enjoyed many vacations together and Mom continued her travelling adventures following Fred’s passing with trips across Canada, Europe, and to Alaska and Hawaii. After Dad passed, Mom attained her driver’s licence enabling her to begin life on her own.

Mom lived life to the fullest with style, dignity and grace, humouring her family and friends with her stories, wit and wisdom until the very end. Mom’s zest for life and her never ending optimism will be remembered by all the lives she touched.

Her fondness for slot machines and euchre games was well known. Her baking, especially her apple pies and oatmeal cookies, was legendary.

Mom will forever be remembered as loving, caring, kind and wise by her children Wendy (Leon), Walter (Lana), Mary Irene (Cliff) and Jim (Wendy), grandchildren Theresa, Jennifer, Stephanie, Derek, Lisa, Matthew, Laura and Ally, and great-grandchildren Meghan, Krista, Ewan, Ailey and Emily.

Willa was the oldest of six sisters, Donna, Betty and Julia. Pre-deceased by Irene and Wynne.

Mom asks you not weep for her but to remember her laugh, her smile, her vibrancy and the love she shared.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Hamilton (LHPC), South-West CCAC, University Hospital ER and Palliative care and London EMS for making Mom’s last few days as peaceful as possible.

When asked for some life advice by a nurse at UH, Mom’s simple answer was “Be happy and find someone to love”.

Love you Mom.

Visitation will take place at Needham Funeral Home, 520 Dundas Street on Sunday March 8th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday March 9th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The family will be having a private Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.