Peacefully, with family by her side at Kingsway Lodge, St. Marys on Saturday, April 28, 2018 of St. Marys and formerly of Kirkton and Exeter at the age of 97. Wilma was born on the home farm in Kirkton, Ontario on January 9, 1921. After completing elementary school in Kirkton, Wilma worked for Blanshard Municipal as a telephone operator until 1964 when the system switched to dial phones. She then worked at the Kirkton Market and Post Office. Wilma was also organist at her beloved church, St. Paul’s Anglican, Kirkton. Although she often shared or alternated the role with other organists over the course of seventy-seven years, she was honoured to play at the church’s 150th anniversary in June, 2012, and the official closing in September of that same year. Wilma and her husband, Harold, were married in 1944, and lived on the home farm. In 1986, Wilma and Harold moved to Exeter, where they enjoyed many events in their new community, including the Seniors’ Games. They continued to have a close connection to Kirkton, returning every Sunday for church. Following Harold’s passing in 1991, Wilma remained in Exeter until 2003. She then moved to Fairhill apartments at Kingsway Lodge, St. Marys, where she made many new friends. Always an avid card player, Wilma quickly learned bridge, and for some years participated in the seniors’ games representing St. Marys. Wilma was predeceased by her devoted husband Harold, parents Miller and Mary Elizabeth “Mayme” (Blackler) McCurdy, sister-in-law Jean Hern, niece Helen Looby, Godchild and cousin Steven Blackler and dear friends, Jack and Elaine Switzer. Wilma is survived by her Godchild and cousin Wendy Aitken and husband, Ron, nieces Anna Hern-Mollard and Marion Weiberg, the McCurdy and Blackler cousins and the Switzer children: Ray Switzer (Rosilyn), Barbara Wallis (Gerald), Norma Payton (Jamie), Shirley Clemente (John), Donna Kuhun (Jeff), and Murray Switzer (Leslie).
Friends may call at the St. James Anglican Church, 65 Church St. S, St. Marys on Wednesday, May 2 from 9:30- 10:30, where the funeral service will be held at 11 AM with the Reverend Jenny Sharp officiating. Interment Kirkton Union Cemetery. Haskett Funeral Home, Exeter (519-235-1220) entrusted with arrangements.
Donations to the St. James Anglican Church or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Karen Insley Windsor
My sympathies to all the family in the loss of Wilma. She was a wonderful lady and will be remembered by many.
Arlene & Larry Shevolup
Hi to all of Wilma’s relatives, whom I have known (& grew up with) a lot of you for a number of years myself. My condolences to all of you. Wilma was an awesome person. She was included as much as possible in my family gatherings as though she was related. This being the family of Gordon & Evelyn Johns. She will be sorely missed by all of us. God Bless, Arlene (Johns) & Larry Shevolup
Jeff & Pam Lamond
Deepest sympathies to all of Wilma’s family. Memories come flooding back to me of her at the Kirkton Market…both her taking care of our typical school age purchases of all the goodies behind the counter, as well as helping Bill and Gwen in our later years with various tasks around the store. Her constant smile and giggle will remain with me always.
George and Sue Wilson
Anna, Marion and families, Wilma’s extended family, You have our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your Aunt Wilma. She was a friendly lady. Very musical. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue Wilson
Ray and Connie Venturin
We got to know Wilma during our time living in the great community of Kirkton and being members of St. Paul’s Anglican Church. She was a spirited, musical lady and we have fond memories of her.
Our sincere condolences to family members and other friends. Sorry we are unable to attend the funeral service.
Peter and Gloria McFalls
We are sorry for your loss. When in Exeter she was an avid carpet bowler. She loved nothing better than to play against my husband and if she won that just made her day. Such a great life she had.
murray shier
Condolences to Wilma’s family and friends. Its an end of an era for me. I enjoyed talking to Wilma about the past before I was around [there are not many left] I remember the school Christmas concert, Wilma would come in and play the piano for our practice. She had a nice big smile, better then the teachers lol I would always see Wilma’s and Harold’s Pontiac outside of the Anglican church. God bless.
Lynda Denham
Deepest sympathies
Ray and Judy Mills
Wilma was a good friend to our father and mother over many years. There were many games of cards played in my parent’s home or in Wilma’s home over the years. She enjoyed playing the electric keyboard at the Lion’s Youth centre for Senior’s dining as well. She was missed when she moved from Exeter to St. Mary’s and will be missed even more by friends and family now. Our deepest sympathy.
Iva Blair and the rest of her family
Jeff & Trudy Henry
Sending our sincere sympathies.
Dave & Deb Chappel
Deepest sympathy to all Wilma’s family and friends. She has left each of you with many special memories to treasure. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
David and Cathie Paul
Please accept our sincere sympathies on the passing of Wilma. She was certainly one of a kind and will be remembered by so many for so many reasons. With fond memories, David and Cathie Paul