Wilhelmina Willie Marie Gunia Wilson

Wilhelmina was predeceased by Sidney Wilson, her loving husband of 65 years; her brothers, Edwin “Pete” Gunia and Barney Gunia; sister, Phyllis Leck; son-in-law, Richard Regier; brother-in-law, James Strange and daughter-in-law, Lucille Campbell.

Wilhelmina is survived by her children: Connie Regier, Gary Wilson, Beverly Wilson; Dianne Cross, Debbie (Glenn) Tollefson, Karyn (Joel Ussery) Woodland and Darrelle (Simon Gunning) Wilson; her sister, Adele Strange; sister-in-law, Mary Gunia, brother-in-law, John Leck, grandchildren, Kathryn (Nick) Coroluick, Chuck (Sandra) Regier, Shannon (Darcy) Pindus, Gary (Natalie) Regier, Jennifer Wilson, Colleen Wilson, Kirsten (Scott Sentis) Cross, Brett (Vicki Vanstone) Cross, Anthony Cross, Miranda (Brad) Spencer, Tyler (Erin) Tollefson, Amy (Matt) Sanders, Camas Woodland, Matthew (Crystal Chapon) Gunning and Dylan (Tammy McMillin) Gunning; great grandchildren, Shauna Clarke, Megan Emmons, Courtney Edwardson, Braydon Regier, Alynn Regier, Brogan Regier, Jonah Regier, Caitlin Cross, Payton Spencer, Sydney Spencer, Hailey Sanders, Ryley Sanders and Sawyer Tollefson; great great grand-children, Liam Clarke and Edan Clarke as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Growing up in a close knit Polish family and community shaped Wilhelmina's life in many significant ways. She would often describe incidents from the past which were still so vivid. Her mother's wonderful cooking and the borders who ate with them in the evening and then played cards or told ghost stories into the night. The neighbours whose lives were intertwined and who helped each other especially during difficult times. The flowers her mother planted each year that filled the air with scent. The huge garden which the children watered by hand with little pails and when the chores were finally done they would run to the field to play ball. Community dances where she learned to dance by standing on her father's toes. Church was the center of the community and special holidays were celebrated with great enthusiasm. Christmas Eve brought back memories of frosty nights, sleigh bells, family dinners and the sound of Christmas Carols as the parish priest went from house to house gathering a few from each home as he made his way to the church.

Times were tough growing up and she learned to make something from whatever was available. She recounted stories of working for neighbours or for piano lessons. She never forgot those early years and how to stretch a dollar.

Wilhelmina moved to Weyburn when she was in her late teens to work at the Royal Hotel. She met Sid and they were married in 1937. They worked hard to raise a family of seven. Her memories of her home and family were never far away. She brought them all into this new phase of her life, the traditions, food, hospitality, friendship.

Weyburn and especially King St. became her community. The King St. families shared their lives and raised their children, knew everyone's talents and eccentricities, laughed at themselves and occasionally at each other's follies. These neighbours held a special place in her life; some became life-long friends that she cherished.

Wilhelmina was committed to her faith, her church, and her community. She was very proud to be a life member of St. Mary's Altar Society and the Legion. She spent countless hours catering and convening for both groups.

She loved to sew, knit, crochet, and quilt. No project was too difficult or daunting. Skating costumes, dresses, coats, sweaters, wedding gowns, quilts were often draped over a table or the bed. Something was always on the go. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, cards and scrabble and if she could beat you all the better! She was always up for a game of charades and for many years she enjoyed league bowling along with Sid.

Wilhelmina enjoyed some travel but she didn't like to be away from home for too long. The prairies were her home and she loved the flat expanses, besides if you were away too long you might miss visitors. She never tired of company and if you went to visit you were always sure of a warm welcome.

She was very proud of her family and extended family. People often remarked that she liked to tell them about how everyone in the family was and what they were doing. She had an amazing memory for details of just about anything. For decades she never forgot a birthday in a large extended family.

Wilhelmina enjoyed good health for most of her life but even when her health began to fail a visit or a phone call from family or friends made her day.

Wilhelmina died peacefully March 18. Even though she was not well for those last few days she tried, for as long as she was able, to join in conversations, wanted to know the news of what people were doing and was so content to be surrounded by others.

A Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 10:30 am from the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, SK with Father Gerry Bauche celebrating. Interment followed in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, SK. Prayers were said Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 7:00 pm from the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, SK. Eulogists were Kathryn Coroluick and Miranda Spencer and readers were Shauna Clarke, Matthew Gunning and Camas Woodland.

Donations may be made in memory of Willie to the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation.

Arrangements under the direction of Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, SK.