WILMA KATE MARY MOATS (TURNER)

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WILMA KATE MARY MOATS (nee TURNER) April 16, 1922 November 26, 2011 On Saturday, November 26, 2011, Wilma Kate Mary Moats passed away at Riverview Health Centre at the age of 89. Left to forever cherish her memory are her children, Richard Moats of Regina, Jennifer Shaw-Read (Barry) of Ottawa, and Jill Moats (Eldon) of Winnipeg; her grandchildren, Chad Moats (Darlene) of Kamloops, Dara Moats of Montreal, Kristen Shaw (Brook) and Tim Shaw of Ottawa, Sandra Klowak and Andrew Klowak of Winnipeg; great-grandchildren, Nate and Liam Moats of Kamloops; sisters-in-law Marjorie Turner and Isabella Moats; and several nieces and nephews in England and Canada. Wilma was predeceased by her husband, Rev. Harvey Moats; brother, Raymond Turner; sister, Margaret Turner; parents, Kate and William Turner; nephew Andrew Turner; brother-in-law, Leroy Moats; sisters-in-law, Helen Richardson and Bernice Grant; and dear friend, Frank Harper. Wilma was born and raised in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England. Wilma was trained as a Montessori school teacher. In 1946, she married Harvey and came to Canada as a War Bride. She and Harvey lived in many places throughout Canada: Saskatoon, North Portal, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Fort Frances, Kelowna and Kimberley. Over the years Wilma worked as a nursery and primary school teacher and in adult education. She also had numerous volunteer jobs and was a foster mother for many years as well. She will be fondly remembered by her foster children, her former students and friends. Wilma will always be remembered for her kindness, compassion, humour and joie de vivre. She was a remarkably intelligent woman, noted for her inquiring mind and thoughtful search for answers to life's most profound mysteries. Gardening, bird watching and writing poetry were among the many activities from which she derived great enjoyment. Her greatest joy was being a mother, grandmother and foster-mother. The family would like to thank the staff of Thorvaldson's Care Centre and Riverview Health Centre for the exceptional care that Wilma received over the years. Memorial donations can be made to Oxfam Canada. A memorial celebration of Wilma's life is to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30, at Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street. Reception to follow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 29, 2011