WILDA ARLENE KIRBYSON

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WILDA ARLENE KIRBYSON With deep feelings of sorrow, we said good-bye to our beloved sister, aunt and friend, Wilda Arlene Kirbyson on Sunday, February 19, 2006 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. She will be dearly missed. Wilda will be forever loved and remembered by her brothers, Earle and Keith Mitchell; sisters, Rena Coulter and Diane (Fred) Thorgilsson. She will also be greatly missed by her sister-in-law Ella Mitchell and many nieces and nephews in the Mitchell and Kirbyson families who thrived on her love and attention. Wilda was predeceased by her husband Fred (2003); her parents, Raymond and Annie Mitchell of Grandview; brother Laverne (2005); and brothers-in-law, Weir Brothers (1965) and Roy Coulter (2002). Wilda was the eldest child born to Annie and Ray on April 19, 1927 in Grandview, MB where she also received her education. After permit teaching for two years in Blackstone and Tamerisk, SD, she attended Teacher Training in Winnipeg in 1948. Her teaching career included schools in Grandview, Binscarth, Neepawa and Flin Flon. It was in Flin Flon that she met and married Fred in 1957. They continued to live and teach in Flin Flon until Fred's retirement in 1974, when they moved to Brandon. Wilda enrolled in a secretarial course at ACC and accepted employment at AFM. Many lifelong friendships were made in Brandon. She and Fred enjoyed line and square dance clubs, bridge and weekly dinners out. She was a proud member of the United Church and the Naomi Rebecca No. 6 where she served as Noble Grand. Wilda was very creative and enjoyed her hobbies of gardening, sewing and knitting. Together they travelled extensively and enjoyed many winter vacations in Hawaii, Florida and California. Wilda and Fred adopted and loved three dogs during their retirement. Tiffy, Chelsea and Scotty were a constant source of enjoyment to them. Wilda's enthusiasm, humour and infectious spirit made her a family favorite. She showed us how to live our lives with joy and love and how to accept death with grace and dignity. Wilda was a shining and guiding light for everyone. The ceremony to celebrate Wilda's life was held at Memories Chapel on Friday, February 24. Rev. Harvey Hurren and Rev. Trevor Rutley officiated. Interment followed in the Brandon Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Wilda to the Canadian Blood Services, 777 William Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z4 or to a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2006