Philomene Willers

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving mother, Philomena (Phil) Willers.

Mom (Oma) passed away at Sidney Care Home where she spent the past year. Under their exceptional care Mom was able to pass away peacefully surrounded by family and friends. She has gone to join the love of her life, Antonius (Ton), who passed away just over a year ago after celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Left behind to carry on her beautiful memory are her three children; Harold (Mary), Yolanda (Brian), and Michael (Bonnie). Mom (Oma) was also loved dearly by 9 grand-children and 11 great-grand-children.

Mom was born December 20th, 1935 in Gravenhage Netherlands. She married the love of her life July 6th, 1957. Immediately after their wedding they boarded a freighter, the S.S. Waterman, that was carrying the last group of sponsored Dutch immigrants to Canada. After arriving at Pier 21 Halifax, they boarded a train to Vancouver B.C. where their first two children (Harold and Yolanda) were born. In June 1961 they made the move to Vancouver Island. They moved to their home in Cordova Bay in 1966 and a year later Michael was born. Their Cordova Bay home became their forever home and there they remained to raise their family.

Mom worked in accounting for Kelly Douglas, Hudson Bay and Sears. Her heart and soul was in raising her children and she was fully committed in volunteering and driving them to their numerous athletic and school events. For many years she was the Treasurer of the Victoria Track and Field Club.

In her retirement Mom opened her doors to their beautiful island paradise. Friends, neighbours and family would be made welcome and treated to her homemade apple sauce and Oliebollen. Retirement also allowed Mom more time to knit and sew. Known for her fine work her knitted baby outfits were works of art that have been passed down through generations.

Mom enjoyed playing Rummikub, especially when she could lay down the last tile with a proud smile on her face, showing us all who was the boss. Mom will be best remembered for her sense of humour, her kindness, her soft gentle heart and the love that she gave so freely.

Mom was predeceased by her father Frederic August Maximiliaan Vogels (1978), her mother Louisa Maria Lauwerentia Vogel-Luykx (1997), her brother Lodevijke Alexander Vogels (1943), her sister Rina Amanda Mathilda Kottelaar-Vogels (21 August 2017) and the love of her life, Antonius Maria Willers (5 August 2017).

A celebration of her life will be held at 10 am on November 24th, 2018 at First Memorial 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C.. There will be light refreshments to follow and friends and family are welcome to stop by the house during the day.

Thank you for the beautiful childhood Mom, we love you.