HILDA MARY KERKHAM

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HILDA MARY KERKHAM 1913 - 2015 Hilda Mary Oram Kerkham was born November 27, 1913 in Markham, ON, to Frank and Eveline (Babb/Brown) Oram. As a young girl, she moved with her parents and sisters to Winnipeg, where she received her education. Slight and pretty, Hilda excelled at gymnastics and dance, and spent many happy summers at Lake Brereton and the Anglican Summer Camp on Lake of the Woods. She was a lifelong member of St. Matthew's Anglican Church, which centered her life while growing up on Banning Street. Hilda first worked with the Manitoba Cancer Relief and Research Institute. When the Manitoba Division of the Canadian Cancer Society was formed in 1952, she became Education Officer, a position she held until retirement. During her working life, she was an active member of the Business and Professional Women's Club, a Life Member of the Manitoba Provincial Council of Women, and was particularly proud to have been a founding member of the Health Committee established to lobby for the banning of smoking in public places. After retirement, she remained an active volunteer with the former Seniors' Transport. Golf was a passion for Hilda. She was honoured with a Life Membership at the Winnipeg Canoe Club and was also a past member of Rossmere Golf and Country Club. When no longer physically able to play, Hilda continued to watch golf tournaments on TV. Blessed with amazing physical and mental health, Hilda read avidly, created artistically and knit beautifully for family and various charities, even after her 100th birthday! She relished playing Scrabble with nephew Glenn (especially when she beat him...) and niece Merle shared countless books with her once Hilda's eyesight precluded reading on her own. On March 7, 2015, Hilda slipped quietly from this life with her loving niece at her side, having shortly before enjoyed a wonderful week of activities with her devoted nephew and much loved great-grandnephew, Jayden. She died as she had lived: with dignity and acceptance. Hilda was predeceased by her beloved husband "Kerk"; her sisters, Winifred Oram and Evelyn Duncan; and her grandnephew Jeff Duncan. Left to treasure her memory are her nephew Glenn Duncan (Noreen); and her niece Merle Andrew (Sam); as well as grandnieces and nephews, Andrea (Scott), Duncan (Michelle), Kiera (Geoff), Leah (Eric) and Evan (Kathy). Hilda also cherished her eight great-grandnieces and nephews. The family would like to express thanks to the excellent staff at Lions Personal Care for their compassionate support of Hilda over the past two years. In accordance with Hilda's wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a private committal of ashes.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2015