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AGNES WILDERMAN
Born: Jan 16, 1933
Date of Passing: Sep 20, 2020
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AGNES WILDERMAN
January 16, 1933 - September 20, 2020
Her memory will be cherished by family: children, Jim (Jennifer), Joanne and Elizabeth (Laurence); grandchildren, Brittany (Shaun), Tessa, Kate (Calvin), Jessica (Sean), and Amanda; and great-grandchildren, Lyla, Everett, Carter, Charlotte and Amelia. She is also survived by one sister, Sarah, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill, son Ronald, son-in-law Wes, as well as 13 siblings.
Mom was born in Sand Beach, Saskatchewan, the fifth youngest of 15 children to Franz and Helena Goertzen. She married our father July 1954 and was a devoted mother to her four children. In midlife she pursued her passion for further education and the nursing profession when she obtained her GED, then LPN, then RN, graduating at the age of 50. She enjoyed working at the Municipal hospitals until her retirement at 62.
A gifted seamstress and knitter, Mom always had multiple projects on the go; from repairs to clothing for anyone who would ask, reupholstering furniture, to the most intricate embroidery designs, dressmaking and, of course, her Irish Knit and Cowichan sweaters we all have to treasure. She was giving of her time and talent in sewing as well, as for many years she sewed bags for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Grands 'n' More, made outfits for the neonatal ward, and most recently, made over 300 masks which she freely distributed to family, friends and neighbours.
Whatever she decided to do she strived for excellence.
Her greatest joy later in life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she cherished all the time she got to spend with them, whether it was watching them in sports and activities, baking cookies (a favourite), showing them how to sew and knit, or just playing on the floor.
Never one to back down from an adventure, Mom was hot air ballooning, white water rafting, mountain hiking and even ziplining in her 80s. Always ferociously independent, she lived life on her own terms and was busy and active to her last day.
We will miss her so much, and hold her close in our hearts forever.
Due to COVID restrictions a private family remembrance will be held.
If friends and family so desire, a donation may be made to Siloam Mission in her memory.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 03, 2020
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I have sat down a dozen times to write a tribute to one of my favorite aunties, but each time I choked up and couldn't go on. My heart goes out to all the family. I didn't get to know her until 2010 when she spent some nights with my dad at the hospital. I was grateful to accept her offer of care, especially since she had nurses training. It gave him great comfort to have her there, as he didn't want to be alone, suspecting he would not be coming out of the hospital. After that we started visiting more, and it was such a pleasure getting to know more about her. I feel like a true friendship was born. I always told her I admired her spunk and stubborness (which apparently is our shared DNA lol). In the last 10 years she has taught me so much about sewing, and even some baking. Many times she would call to tell me she had cinnibuns or pumpkin pie ready for pickup, and it was a great opportunity to spend the afternoon sharing coffee and conversation. In the recent months before her passing we had a few things planned, including visiting with another niece and her mom, but with the COVID restrictions that did not happen, along with many other outings we talked about, and a special sewing project that was planned for the week she passed. The last time we saw each other we felt we couldn't even hug. This brings sadness and tears every time I think of that day. I miss her every day, and still can't believe I can't stop in or text her anymore. Loved her so much... Sincerest sympathies to all the family, and all who knew and loved her... - Posted by: val (thiessen) on: Dec 13, 2020
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My thoughts and prayers are with you, the family, at this Sad time. My mother-in-law told me about Agnes coming to Tisdale to visit with her sewing machine in tow. They would quilt together. And Agnes drove all the way from Manitoba by herself. A very strong woman. My sympathies to her family! - Posted by: Beth Sawatzky (I was married to her nephew Ron Sawatzky) on: Oct 03, 2020
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Will miss this lady so much, her phone calls and visits, usually every spring. She was such an inspiration to me. - Posted by: Martha Cullum (Niece) on: Oct 03, 2020
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My condolences to "Mrs. Wilderman's Family". As a kid, she was always Mrs. Wilderman, the lady that made the best donuts in the world. I think her secret was deep frying them in tallow/lard then sprinkle with icing sugar.....yummmm.. Sorry for your loss. Ken Mudry - Posted by: Ken Mudry (Friend of the family) on: Oct 03, 2020
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To Agnes’s Family, We are so sad for you all. Our sympathies to each member of Agnes’s family. Agnes was a wonderful, giving person. We were fortunate to have received most recently masks from her. As she said “her contribution to the war effort against Covid”. Rest In Peace Agnes you have left amazing memories for your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sending love and hugs to all the family. Cheryl, Gerry, Lisa & Troy - Posted by: Saurette Family (Friend) on: Oct 03, 2020