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
I was so sorry to hear of Wilma’s passing. She was a great friend and co-worker with my mother, Doris. We kept in touch over the years and enjoyed our correspondence back and forth.
She was such a wonderful person and will be deeply missed. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Wilma was truly a wonderful mother, grandmother, friend, co-worker and
will always be remembered with fondness by those she met. Although we did not see her often we always will remember her kindness and the warmth and serenity she gave to all….love to all. Doug and Dolores
It was a privilege to have known & worked with Wilma at Ferry Avenue, Prince George. Our deepest sympathy goes to the family.
Dear Bette, my condolences to you and your family. Your Mother was certainly a wonderfull lady, what a great tribute to her. RIP.
Don and I were so very sorry to hear of Wilma’s passing. She was a very lovely lady and we know how very much you will miss her. We hope that the many wonderful memories of her will bring peace and comfort.
Your Wilma ! Such a joyful loving presence in all of your lives. This sure sings out here. Much love to you all.
We are privileged to have known Wilma over the years. Her humor and wisdom will forever be remembered as well as her singing and dance moves. She was an amazing woman. Love to all of her family.
We are so very blessed to have met wonderful Wilma.
She graced our lives and gave the world her special unique spirit leaving us all better for having known her.
Thank you for letting us in to your precious world, Wilma.
Brent & Brigitte
“Passed away peacefully at home”. A privilege reserved for that special person so well described in your touching Obituary. My sincere condolences to all of her family treasures… I have no doubt the joy you all brought to her during her life, but especially over her twilight years. Thoughts are with you all. Rest in peace, Mrs Oliver.
Blair and I extend our sincere condolences to all of you! I will always remember your Mom as such a lovely person – so stylish and witty with such a great laugh!