Lois Jeanette Wilkie

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Lois Wilkie announces her passing on Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 at the age of 59. She is no longer in pain and cancer cannot touch her in heaven. For three years she fought with courage and optimism, but a cure wasn’t to be. We miss her so much.

Lois was born July 22nd, 1961 in Meadow Lake, SK, the youngest of four children born the Peter and Christine Dyck of Rapid View, SK. Lois loved growing up on the farm, loved her dogs and cats, and all of the other animals that came with farm life. She was a shy little girl with the most beautiful brown eyes. At the age of 8, mom and dad took in foster children, and Lois gladly shared her parents and her home with them. As she was six years younger than her closest sibling, it may have been a blessing, but I’m sure it wasn’t always easy. One foster sister, Anita, became a good friend in their teen years. Mom’s big garden, plus all the housework and laundry kept Lois busy too. She attended the Baptist Church in Loon Lake with her family and every summer spent a week at Silver Birch Bible Camp there. After high school, Lois attended Nipawin Bible School with Anita for one school year and from there it was off to Saskatoon for employment. She had several different jobs and many of them involved sewing in one form or another. Even in her teens she was a seamstress.

North Battleford was the next chapter of her life. Here she met Tom Wilkie and his little son Tyler. Tom and Lois were married at the farm on July 6, 1985, and so began 35 wonderful years together. They made the perfect pair! Tom would tease her and she would punch him in the arm. HARD. Remember that? Their son Steven was born in 1986, and Lois loved being his mom. As Steven grew, his friends were always welcomed at their home. She was like a second mom to many.

Lois and Tom always enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was stargazing on the trampoline, camping, picnics with family, hunting trips, hiking out at Bernie and Sharon’s farm or exploring the river trails around town, Lois had energy for it all. She was always quick to agree to an adventure or a project with “O.K. let’s do it!” The waterfall in their backyard was a big project that they reaped the benefits from every summer. Helping with family reunions, building willow benches and chairs with Sharon, or riding horseback with Don “out west”, she was always gung ho.

When Steve and Cindy got married, Lois’s sewing machine went into overdrive. When granddaughter Payton came along, it seemed Lois sewed her a new outfit every week. She never lacked for outfits or cool Halloween costumes or beautiful Christmas dresses. Lois just loved being Payton’s grandma. Tom and Lois, Steve and Cindy and Payton spent a lot of time together making memories that will last.

Lois was the best Aunty ever. From sewing wedding dresses for Tom’s niece to Eye Spy quilts for great nieces and nephews, there are many who have benefited from her skills. She was always interested in the lives of her nieces and nephews. When Dad passed away, Lois took such good care of Mom, especially when Mom moved to North Battleford, taking her to appointments, on shopping trips or visits to the farm. She also took her on several trips to BC to see Grace or for weddings or to Alberta to see Don. When Mom was moved to the BDCC, Lois visited her faithfully and Mom was always so thankful for her daughter.

Lois loved to drive, from her first old Toyota truck to the old 68 Parisienne car, but mostly Lois loved to drive a truck. (I secretly think she would have done well on the race track). Her favorite occupation was always sewing, which led to her job at Fabricland, and inevitably her purchasing the franchise. All the beautiful colors of fabric to choose from just gave her a thrill and apparently she couldn’t resist bringing many meters home to be sewed up for friends and family. From quilts to bunny hugs to bathing suits, she sewed it all. Lois also loved to work with wood, from making little bird house Christmas tree ornaments to signs, etc. She was so artistic, painting them all so perfectly. They will always be treasured.

Tom and Lois became very close to Tom’s brother Larry and wife Linda, and for the last 8 years lived side by side every summer at the lake; relaxing, fishing, golfing and sitting around the fire at night. Steve, Cindy, and Payton often joined them there. Lois grew to love golfing, but most of all she just loved to get out of town to the lake; especially in the spring and fall before the crowds came. It truly was her happy place.

Lois was a generous, enthusiastic, optimistic person. She loved life and family. We will miss her terribly, her beautiful smile and shining eyes. She will be forever in our hearts.

Lois is survived by her devoted husband Tom, her son Steven (Cindy), granddaughter Payton, step-son Tyler, one brother Don (Naomi) Dyck, two sisters Grace (Dennis) Bock, Sharon (Bernie) Harms, numerous nieces and nephews, and favorite brother-in-law.

She was predeceased by her parents Peter & Christine Dyck, parents in law Gordon and Harriette Wilkie, and several of Tom’s siblings.

A Celebration of Lois’ life will be held on Saturday, March 20th, at 2:00 p.m. from the Territorial Alliance Church, with Pastor Keith Klippenstein officiating. We ask that Covid-19 protocols be respected, with masks being mandatory and maintaining social distancing. Please use the following link for the live streaming: https://www.facebook.com/Territorial-Drive-Alliance-Church-203253936444739/. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lois honor may be made to: Chemo Unit, care of BUH Foundation, Box 1358, North Battleford, SK, S9A 3L8. Condolences for the family may be left at www.SallowsandMcDonald.com. Wally Markewich has been entrusted with arrangements. 306.445.2418