SHIRLEY JEAN WILTON (BOND)

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SHIRLEY JEAN WILTON (nee BOND) On Thursday, February 10, 2005, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Shirley Wilton, aged 80 years, passed away peacefully at home. She is survived by Donald, her loving husband of 58 years; her children, son Bruce (Linda) and children, Stephen (Jan), Carolyn, Kimberly (Kyle) and son Caleb: and Richard: son Fred (Pat) and children, Brianne and Loreena; daughter Barb (Ken) Stevens and children, Teri Lynn and Christopher; and daughter Beth. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Beverly Bond; brother and sister-in-law, Arklos and Irene Wilton; dear friend Margaret Morris of Edmonton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends in Canada and the USA. She was predeceased by her parents Fred and Clare Bond; parents-in-law, William and Velma Wilton; her brother Dave Bond; sister-in-law and husband Mildred and Alex Matheson and her daughter-in-law Doris Wilton. Shirley was born on December 6, 1924 in Winnipeg, MB. She grew up on Jessie Avenue and attended La Verendrye, Earl Grey and Kelvin High Schools in the days when girls and boys were taught in separate classrooms and wore uniforms. She graduated with a Degree in Home Economics in 1946 from the University of Manitoba. She met her future husband while at the University and they were married in May 1946. The first seven years of married life were spent in Minnedosa where their first three children were born. Don and Shirley moved to Winnipeg in 1953 where their fourth child was born. Shirley was a homemaker, a best friend to her husband Donald, and a wonderful mother and role model for her children. She judged baking and sewing events at rural fairs across Manitoba. She was a member of the Annie A. Bond Guild of the Winnipeg Children's Hospital and served her turn in executive offices. She was presented with an honorary life membership in 2003. She was a member of St. Andrew's River Heights United Church, active on the executive of her UCW unit and the Church UCW. She taught Sunday School, was a member of the church board, and assisted with Guides and Scouts. She was a natural leader. Don and Shirley and their family spent many wonderful summers at the their cottage on Clearwater Bay, Lake of Woods where she could relax and enjoy reading, swimming and playing cards. In their later years, they spent time travelling to Victoria, the southern U.S.A., the British Isles and Europe. Shirley, in her spare time, researched the Wilton Family tree which was printed for the 100th anniversary of the Wilton family farm at Roland in 1979. Thanks to Dr. Prenevault and the staff of Home Care who allowed Shirley to remain at home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 22 at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 933 Summerside in Fort Richmond. Service will be officiated by Rev. Millie Malavsky and Shirley's nephew, Rev. Eric Matheson. Interment will be held Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Roland Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. If friends and family so desire, donations may be made in Shirley's memory, to the Children's Hospital Research Foundation or to a charity of your choice. You were always there When we needed you, No task too great or small. With a loving heart and a willing hand, For us you did it all. Thanks for the years you gave us, And for the times we shared. We only pray when you left us, You knew how much we cared. We love you Mom

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2005