WINIFREDE KATHLEEN WILLS

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WINIFREDE KATHLEEN WILLS January 20, 1908 - May 31, 2011 Winnie was born in England and immigrated to Canada as a young woman, making Winnipeg her home. England always remained dear to her and she returned many times to visit friends and places fondly remembered from her youth. Win worked for many years at Manitoba Breweries until her retirement. She was a private secretary who did her job with precision and utmost attention to detail. She was a long standing and loyal employee. She was a lifelong member of Chapter H in PEO where she enjoyed social times and made many lifelong friendships. On her 100th birthday she was made an honourary member of PEO. For 70 years she was a true and dear friend of Muriel Wheeler. She helped Em raise her girls, Cheryl (Moody) and Teddi (Sweatman). Auntie Win was a constant in their lives. She went on outings, trips, attended school and choir concerts, and influenced, guided, taught and sometimes even scolded the girls. She was an integral part of four generations of the Wheeler family; all who loved her. After retirement Winnie took on another full time job, one she loved. Helping to raise Sara and Lisa Perry was most important to her and became a huge part of Winnie's life. She loved her little girls , influenced their formative years and tended to them with adoration. Sharing family life with Keith and Mary Perry was truly a blessing to her. Lisa's frequent phone calls and visits to Winnipeg in the past few years meant the world to Winnie. Her own family- Norah, Harvey, Ethel and John hosted regular Sunday roast beef dinners over the decades, which she would rarely miss. It was a wonderful way of keeping up with everyone. Ginny and Jim Brousseau were very attentive dear friends to Win. Jack and Elsie Hignell also played an important part in Win's life. Winnie was known for her attention to detail. She was an amazing seamstress, knitter and cook. She could make patterns, adjust anything to fit perfectly, and cook or bake a masterpiece. She was willing to teach and share her expertise. She always looked like the Queen perfect hair, tailored outfit, tasteful jewelry, nails polished, and wearing heels well into her nineties! What a Lady! She loved to laugh, tell tales and enjoyed life to the fullest. She is survived by her niece, Norah Anderson, grandnephews: John (Ruth) Anderson, and Tom Cook, and grandniece Pat (Alan) Roberts. The family would like to thank Teddi and Wynn Sweatman for all they have done for Winnie over the years, especially the past few which were difficult. She felt like part of their family too. There will be a Come and Go Tea Party to celebrate Win's life as she didn't want a service. It will be Wednesday, June 8 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 240 Waverley St. Winnie was an animal lover, gifts in her memory could be made to the Humane Society at 45 Hurst Way, or Chapter H of the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) of Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2011