After 93 years of an indomitable presence, Alice died peacefully in Victoria, BC. on April 29, 2020. A complex, intellectual and intelligent woman, Alice left an impression on everyone she met. She was a strong, tough, caring, feisty and witty woman of conviction. Known for speaking her mind, Alice cared deeply about human and civil rights, the environment, and her children.
Born on a farm just outside of Watrous, Saskatchewan, Alice’s mother tragically died during her birth. She grew up with her aunt and uncle (Frank and Florence Wilkinson) in Saskatoon and her four cousins/brothers. She also spent much of her time on the farm with her father (William McNeish) and two beloved older sisters, now deceased. Alice (aka Allie) spoke frequently of her very happy childhood and her love for her two families.
In 1944, Alice moved to Toronto to study art. There, she met her “first” (as she loved to say) husband, Tom Spaulding, as well as many life-long friends. Alice worked as an animator for the National Film Board, an entomological and botanical artist for Ottawa’s experimental farm, and continued to paint, draw and sometimes teach art until several years before her death. After moving to Winnipeg in 1981 to be with her “second” husband and high school sweetheart, Bob Berry, Alice became a member of the Manitoba Society of Artists and the Winnipeg Sketch Club.
In 1994, right after moving to Victoria, Alice lost her beloved Bob. She remained in Victoria and became active in her new community. She adored tennis, was involved with her neighborhood block watch, the Gordon Head Gardening Club, various art groups, a hiking group, and eventually Goward House and the Monterey Centre. Alice loved music, theatre, art, travelling and visits with her children and grandchildren.
Alice will be deeply missed by her children: Betsy (Kathi), William (Lesley), Rebecca (Chad), Neil; her grandchildren: Hannah (Tim), Skye (Wes), Griffin; her brother Bob Wilkinson; and her many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mustard Seed, Victoria. https://mustardseed.ca/donate-to-the-mustard-seed
Messages and condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
16 Responses
My deepest condolences to Alice’s family and friends for your great loss. I first met Alice about 20 years ago through our mutual friend, Gail Flitton. We tap-danced together for a couple of years, enjoying coffees, lunches and even a few parades. Alice was creative, talented, sharp, vivacious and one of the most interesting people I have ever met. I remember her fondly.
Betsy, Neil, William and family, Please accept our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Alice held a special place in all our hearts. My husband , Ross, knew Alice from the Community Policing Blockwatch days when they were both area coordinators and where they likely both aired their strong convictions! For myself, Alice and I would often visit at the local theater productions such as the Belfry and the VOS which we both enjoyed very much. And, of course, our Mother, Pat Hedley, had a wonderful friendship with Alice for many years as well. We miss you, Alice.
So sorry to hear of Alice’s passing. I am an admirer of Alice’s strong personality and love of art.
I met her through passing in the neighborhood, she invited me to join the exercise group at Goward
House and she introduced to Gail Flitton who is a dear friend and we shared rides in Gail’s Car to
exercise. I also enjoyed meeting Betsy and Neil and Rebecca all very talented individuals. I am here
offering my sincere condolences to all of Alice’s children and grandchildren. What a wonderful
contribution of talent and creativity she made to our society here in Victoria and Canada as a whole.
My heartfelt condolences to Alice’s family and friends. I met her some years ago, when we were in the same tap dancing class. Alice had a wonderful, kind of sardonic, sense of humour. Anyone eager to tap dance in her eighties is my kind of gal. I still have her scone recipe, in which she scorns the usual precise mixing method for a far less fussy approach. It was a pleasure to know her even a little.
Our sincere condolences on your Mom’s passing. She definitely lived a long fulfilled life. I remember our visits in Watrous, Toronto, Winnipeg and Victoria. She was always an amazing hostess and welcomed us with open arms. Although we haven’t seen each other in a long time, I am fortunate to have met all my cousins and I treasure the memories.
From Maureen Reiter (Wilkinson). Daughter of Bill (William) Wilkinson and Mary Wilkinson.
My memories are of childhood mostly. As my Auntie Alice would venture to Victoria to visit Grandma Florence and Grandpa Frank.
Loved those visits as I got to know four cousins from a child perspective! The memories are vivid of Auntie Alice’s twinkle in her eye and the love of family! When my father passed Alice came to Vernon with other
members of the family from Victoria and that meant a lot to me! The stories that were shared was eye opening for me from an adult eyes and it all fell into place. Alice had to be tough being raised with four boys! I gathered from her at that time that she kept her stronghold with all those characters!! I love it as myself only having brothers I saw that she had to persevere as I did. Such an amazing woman with a life full of many adventures. Thank you Auntie Alice for being a part of my life! And to my cousins, even though we haven’t seen each other for years, I think of many good thoughts and family ties from a distance. My heart goes out to you all! Love Maureen.