WILMA OSIS

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WILMA OSIS On Tuesday, November 8, 2011, Wilma passed away at the Swan Valley Lodge, Swan River, MB, at the age of 98 years. Left to forever cherish Wilma's memory is her niece Donna (Serge) Richer of Swan River, and their daughter, Danielle of Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her husband, Peter in 1974; brother Arthur who died accidentally in 1950; sister, Martha Fisher in 2000, who lived with her family in Swan River; and great nephew, Serge Kevin Richer in 2011. Wilma was born on December 23, 1912. She was the only child born to Anna and John Weinberg who were from Riga, Latvia. Her dad died during the influenza epidemic in 1918. Her mother remarried, and Wilma became the oldest sister to two siblings. They were raised on a farm in Lee River. In 1930, Wilma married Peter Osis, a Latvian immigrant, and the young couple homesteaded in Bird River, MB. A few years later, they bought land at Lee River, MB, and began their journey of building the Lee River Falls Tourist Camp. Wilma became the proprietor of the business, while her husband remained an active prospector, hunter, and trapper. Lee River Falls Tourist camp became a popular, fun destination for many families from Winnipeg, as well as other parts of Canada, and the United States. The facility included cabins, boat and motor rentals, and trailer parking. She was the proprietor for 50 years until her retirement at the age of 73. Wilma was self educated. She spent countless hours studying everything from history to herbology. She was passionate about horses and delighted in going to the races whenever she could. Just as her mind, her hands were never idle, and she was an expert at cooking, sewing, and fine needlework. Also, Wilma and her husband found time in the winter months to visit places such as Florida, Arizona and Canadian cities as well. Being proud of her Latvian heritage, Wilma was fluent in spoken and written Latvian. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Lac du Bonnet since its beginning. When Wilma retired, she bought a home in Lac du Bonnet where she lived with her dear friend and companion, Marino Jacobson, for the next 14 years until his passing. In 1999, she moved to Swan River to be closer to her family. With the assistance of home care, she was able to maintain her own apartment for seven years before moving into care services at the Swan Valley Lodge in Swan River, MB. On Monday, November 14, 2011, Wilma's Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. in the Lutheran Church of The Cross, 253 McArthur Avenue, Lac du Bonnet, MB. Interment will follow in the Lee River Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Peter, and close to other family members.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 12, 2011