WILMA KAY HUMPHRYS (GRANT)

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WILMA KAY HUMPHRYS (nee GRANT) Died peacefully at the Peter D. Clark Centre in Ottawa on Sunday, March 9, 2008. She was the beloved wife to the late Richard Humphrys and was predeceased by her brother Donald Grant and sister Isabel Moxon. Survived by sisters-in-law Rae Grant, Ruth Humphrys and Barbara Humphreys (Douglas) and by nieces Elspeth and Gwyneth, nephews David, Donald, Alexander, Peter and Brian. Wilma was born in Winnipeg, May 31, 1916. After attending public and high schools in Winnipeg she entered the University of Manitoba graduating in 1938 with the degree of Bachelor of Architecture, one of the few women architects in Canada at that time. Following graduation she worked in Winnipeg and in 1944 joined the Department of Veterans Affairs in Ottawa, designing a series of low cost houses for returning veterans. Many of these small graceful houses still dot a number of the original Veterans Land Act subdivisions in different parts of the country. In 1942 she married Richard F. Humphrys also a University of Manitoba graduate, an actuary who later became Superintendent of Insurance for the Government of Canada. They enjoyed a happy marriage in Ottawa for the next 63 years. Upon retiring from active architectural practice she devoted her time as a volunteer for many organizations especially the Canadian Save the Children Fund. Known as Billie in her younger years she was an excellent swimmer, avid bridge player, concert goer, watercolor artist and devoted aunt. Friends are welcome to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Wednesday, March 12, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Condolences / Donations / Tributes at: mcgarryfamily.ca 613-233-1143

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 11, 2008