Gertrude Wilma (Merrell) Oliver of Victoria, BC passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2021. She was the youngest of seven children born on September 18, 1928 at home to Clarence and Nellie (Helen Cruise) Merrell in Dauphin, Manitoba. Wilma was predeceased by her siblings and by her husband and high school sweetheart, Patrick Oliver in 1987 after 39 years of marriage.
Wilma was the beloved mother of Wendy (Bill) Gook, Bette Cameron and Gerry (Les) Erickson and she was the adored grandmother and great-grandmother of six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom were very important in her life. Wilma was the light in her three daughters’ lives and she loved them beyond all else. Mom embodied the importance and value of commitment, patience, unconditional love, honesty, understanding, acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, laughter, caring, generosity, peace, kindness and music (our home was filled with her singing, she knew so many songs). She always encouraged us to strive to do our very best in all circumstances while at the same time made us understand that we are all only human so we will slip up and make mistakes but when that happens to take full responsibility and do our very best to make amends. They have so many special memories growing up in Victoria and Prince George which continued throughout Wilma’s life when she visited them in all the various places, they lived… our homes and our families were always blessed when Mom was with us.
Mom never wasted a moment… she was always there for us and her grandchildren too. It’s still a marvel to us how she not only managed to do all she did, but the manner in which she did it seemed effortless. Her work ethic was truly astonishing! And we were always so proud of our mother. She never took anything for granted, never assumed life should be easy, and never failed to provide for us. Mom’s life was not without its many challenges throughout her 92 years… starting with her mom’s passing when she was only 14 and her dad’s passing when she was 18, she embraced life head on with resilience, determination and grace. We never heard her complain about anything.
Wilma is also survived by her devoted partner of 22 years, Melvin Burr, and by his loving children Carolyn (Dick) Wilkinson, Grant (Sue) Burr, Jacquie Boyer, Judy Burr and their families. She had so many fond memories of their life in Salmon Arm spent golfing, swimming, dancing, skating, entertaining visitors, working around their home and canning preserves from the large garden Mel planted every year. They also travelled the world and occupied their winters with annual golf trips down south, always making new friends or reconnecting with old friends and reuniting with their families there.
For the last ten years of Wilma’s life, Les and Gerry provided a loving home for her creating wonderful memories of family gatherings, celebrations, reunions, trips… so many happy times where Wilma was always in her element sharing her wit, charm, hearty laugh, love and beautiful spirit. And how she loved to sing and dance!
She also became an avid reader, loved her quiet time, avoided technology, always had a knitting project on the go for someone in the family, listened to different genres of music, got hooked on sudoku and crosswords and she loved watching sports. Wilma told her daughters before she passed away that every night in bed, she recited to herself The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23, The Lord is my Shepherd and that not only was it good for her spirit, it was good for her brain because she never forgot one word.
Mel and Wilma continued their friendship communicating regularly by phone and they visited each other and respective families often over the last ten years.
Wilma had a loving and caring relationship with her many nieces and nephews with whom she stayed in close touch with over the years.
Dear, beautiful Wilma was a great lady, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, partner, friend and human being. She lived her life with gratitude in her heart and she cherished all of her family and friends. She was a rare treasure and we will all miss her forever.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
14 Responses
It is with sorrow to hear of Wilma passing and my condolences to all her family I knew Wilma from working for BC Tel for a number of years. She always had such a lovely smile. She will be fondly missed. Rest in peace lovely Lady.
Joy and I loved every minute we got to spend in Wilma’s company over the years. She was the kindest aunt I could have ever asked for. We both loved her laugh and generous spirit and will always remember those things so fondly. How wonderful it was that Wilma was surrounded by loving family to the end. We do hope that you are all holding up.
We miss you all.
Much love Pat and Joy
Dear Wilma,
I’m sorry I didn’t see you before you left. If I had I would have told you how amazing you are and what a positive influence you’ve had on my life. I would have told you that every time I saw you, I saw the love shining through your eyes as you brought me in for a hug. I would have told you how grateful I am for your three beautiful daughters – who are my friends! And I know they will continue to embrace me and guide me and love me because that’s what they learned from you. I would have told you what an honour and privilege it is to know you. You will always hold a very special place in my heart. I can still hear your laugh. Rest now, Wilma. Love you lots. Jane.
Wilma welcomed myself and my daughter into her life like a grandmother would. She was always busy, but never too busy to stop and put some joy in your life. Her family is a testament of her love and compassion. She always will be remembered with fondness and gratitude. I will be looking for you on the other side.