ARLA DESILETS (WILSON)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ARLA DESILETS (nee WILSON) On July 13, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Boniface Hospital I passed away. I am survived by my husband Léo, and my children - daughter Lori and son-in-law Frank Amedick, grand-children Chad and Allison; daughter Louise and son-in-law Bertrand Dambrine, grandson Benoit; and my son Leo. I was predeceased by Lynn my eldest daughter in May 1995. I was born Arla Wyonna Wilson on September 4, 1934 in the Misericordia Hospital, youngest child of Dorothy Louise (nee Johnston) and Thomas Lester Wilson of Sanford, MB; sister of Lois Weiss, Dennis Wilson and Ormand Caverly. My brothers predeceased me. I grew up with Dennis, but unfortunately I never knew Ormand. Happily I located his family in 1994. When I was five we moved from Sanford to the city. We lived on Kennedy Street in downtown Winnipeg. Although life was not easy it certainly helped to develop' my character, set my moral standards, and that. I attended Isbister, General Wolfe and Gordon Bell High School. I worked for Western Canada Insurance Underwriters Assoc. and Westeel Products Ltd. In 1955 I married the love' of my life' Léo Desilets. In 1969, as my family grew, I took part time work at the Granite Curling Club, then later at Moore Business Form and Western Canada Lottery. We camped each summer at the Big Whiteshell Lake and in 1978 bought a cabin there. We enjoyed the camping, but we went on to enjoy the cabin even more, work and all. We swam, water skied, fished and had bonfires. In the winters we fished, snow machined and appreciated the quietness of the park. I had lots of little hobbies over the years, i.e. sewing; researching the families histories; reading; did a bit of crocheting my goal to make an afghan for each grandchild. Another goal was to be a computer nerd, surf the net and all that stuff. Eventually gardening took my interest, but a green thumb I did not have!! I just kept on trying, though, to get those' herbs and flowers to grow. It was fun. Being born under the sign of Virgo I never ran out of things to do. I really enjoyed travelling and got to visit some of the great Canadian and US cities when I accompanied Léo on his business trips. And also a few exotic islands. Then we saw even more of our countries camping with our Gold Wing', coast to coast, north to south. This eventually turned into 5th wheel motoring. It was all good times. And going to Europe in 1992 to visit Louise was a huge thrill along with another trip in 1996. But my real love was my children; Lori, Louise and Leo. "You were great kids and I loved you dearly. My life's bonus was sharing in your adult' years. How special that was to me." And how special it was to have Frank and Bertrand in my life. Having grandchildren helped complete my life', and I wanted to live long enough for them to remember me. "I am so happy to have known you Chad, Allison and Benoit. I wish for you lives with meaning, contentment and satisfaction of who you are. I loved you guys more than words can say." I am thankful for my husband, Léo, that we were able to walk together for such a long time. He said it was only for 99 years when we were wed. Boy, did I get fooled!!!! I am only joking' when I say it seemed so much longer. What I wanted from life I'm not sure. Peace, I suppose. Serenity. A sense of what I was meant to be. Contentment with who I was. I attained a degree of this but it was badly shaken when Lynn left us in 1995. My regret in life was not knowing how to help her and I missed her so. My dad had taught me to always' be able to hold my head up and this somehow gave me strength to get through and not burden others with my grief. I pray that I am with Lynn as you are reading this. And that I will see you all again one day but not too soon as I want you all to have a long healthy life. My memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. Refreshments will be available following my service. Private family Interment will follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) so a cure can be found for my granddaughter; or to the Manitoba Lung Association to help fund research into lung disease. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
Publish Date: Jul 16, 2013

ARLA DESILETS (nee WILSON) On Saturday, July 13, 2013 our beloved wife, mother and friend passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 78 years. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. A longer obituary will follow in Tuesday's edition. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086
Publish Date: Jul 15, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2013