WILMA STEWART

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WILMA STEWART Peacefully, in her sleep, after a lengthy illness with Alzheimer's; it is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Wilma on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at the Charleswood Care Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 81 years. Remaining to forever cherish Wilma's memory are her husband Gordon of 61 years of marriage; daughter Linda Surma and husband Dennis; son Dave and wife Val, son Jim and wife Cindy; daughter Dawn Rivard and husband John, daughter Denise Borys and husband Brad; grandchildren, Kyle Surma, Darren Surma (Dana), Tammy Funk, Shelly Simoens (Patrick), Micheal Stewart (Caroline), Patrick Stewart, Chris Stewart (Mireille), Kailah and Shane Rivard, Tyson and Chantal Borys; greatgrandchildren, Murray Funk, Adaria Stewart-Young, Avery and Jack Simoens and Sienna Surma; brother Frank Young (Muriel) of Dundee, Scotland as well as numerous nieces and nephews, in Scotland, Canada, England and the USA. She was predeceased by her son Murray and brothers, Jim and Robert Young. Born in Dundee, Scotland, Wilma served in the Second World War as a telephone operator where she met and married Gordon. Coming to Canada as a war bride, landing at Pier 21 in Halifax June 21, 1946 and then on to Manitoba to a new life of many challenges including mosquitoes and initially outhouses and no electricity. She spent much of her married life as a farm wife. Eventually the family moved to Winnipeg. Wilma volunteered for a number of years at Stevenson Jr. High and Assiniboine School where some of her children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren attend school. She enjoyed crosswords, painting, cooking, reading and watching movies. She was extremely proud when her daughter Dawn and grandson Darren both mastered the bagpipes. You couldn't divert her attention the moment she heard the pipes. When her health began to fail Wilma moved into the Charleswood Care Center for the last year. The family gives a special thanks to nurses and staff. On Tuesday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m., Wilma's funeral service will be held in the Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba, with Rev. Don McIntyre, presider. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 29, 2007