LOUISE ISABEL TRIMBLE WILLIS

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LOUISE ISABEL TRIMBLE WILLIS Louise Willis passed away peacefully at home on the morning of May 28, 2002. Born in Milltown, NB on December 27, 1910, she was the eldest of four daughters of Horace and Ethel Trimble. She and her three sisters grew up in a home full of music that led to Louise studying for her Bachelors of Music at Mount Allison Ladies College. She met Errick Willis, Member of Parliament for Boissevain, MB, while at a reception for King George V in Ottawa in 1928, and after a 13 year, long-distance romance, the couple were married in Calais, Maine in 1941. Her life shifted to Winnipeg where she gave birth to three children, Anna Jane 1942, Dick 1944 and Skip 1948. She dedicated her considerable energy to her husbands political career, culminating in her term as Chatelaine at Government House from 1960 to 1965, a position that she filled with charm and grace. She was also deeply involved in the community serving as the President of the IODE, the Middlechurch Home, the Melville Wood Guild and Meals on Wheels. She also served on the Board of the International Music Camp at the Peace Garden and was the first woman appointed to the Board of Governors and subsequently as a Life Governor of Trinity College School. In 1966 the University of Manitoba recognized her public service with an Honourary LLD. Louise was predeceased by her husband Errick; her sisters, Ruth, Sarah and Anne and her son Dick. She is survived by her daughter Anna Jane and her son Skip; Dicks widow Hollie; her son-in-law Jim and her daughter-in-law Kelly. She was always Nana to her grandchildren, Stacy, Libby (Colin), Kate (Jamie), Travis and Scott. She taught us all the importance of family and filled our lives with love. She will be greatly missed. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 3 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Georges Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St., Winnipeg, MB, R3M 3C3 with the Reverend Tony Harwood-Jones officiating. A reception will follow immediately in the Parish Hall. A private family burial will be arranged later. In lieu of flowers friends may send donations in Louises name to St Georges Church. Life means all that it has ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is no unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interlude. Somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2002