December 20, 1936 – February 24, 2025 

Nella Maria (Mary) Wilk, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on the evening of February 24, 2025, at Kamloops, British Columbia. Born to Emilio and Maria De Cicco on December 20, 1936, in Grimaldi, Province of Cosenza Italy. Mom immigrated to Canada in the mid 1950’s, arriving in Kamloops to live with her Zio Rosalbino and Zia Maria Rende, and their family. She was a truly remarkable lady whose presence, love and kindness touched many lives. She will be truly missed, but her enduring spirit will live forever. 

She is survived by her children; John (Jacqueline), Ken (Karen), Rose (Terry), and Wade, all of Kamloops. Also left to cherish her memory are her six grandchildren and their spouses; Brandon (Jessica), Lindsay (Toby), Tyler (Darcy), Justin (Jessica), Laura (Sammy), Alyssa (Ty), and her great grandchildren, Hudson, Kipton, Lennon, Logan, Daryl, Mabel, and Rayleigh. Also left to mourn mom’s passing is her brother, Pino De Cicco and his family in Valenza, Piemonte, Italy, 

Mom’s greatest joy in her life was her family. It all started when she met and married the handsome and charming Josef Wilk, on April 26, 1958, and together they raised four children: John, Ken, Rose, and Wade. They worked hard and persevered to build a life together making sacrifices for the benefit of their family. In the early years mom managed home life, along with raising four children, while dad worked out of town to support his young family. When her children got older, Mary worked as a seamstress at the Tranquille School facility until its closure. Mary was an outstanding cook, who was always creating tasty meals and desserts for family and friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed her walks with her neighbour and friend Ann Krehel, gardening, crocheting, and quilting. She was a devoted and supportive mother, always proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Throughout her life, Mary held a strong and unwavering belief in her Catholic faith. Until she was no longer physically able to do so, she would always be in attendance for Sunday mass. As well, she was a dedicated lifelong member of the Catholic Women’s League, volunteering and assisting in parish activities. 

Death ends a life, not a relationship. 

All the love you created is still there. 

All the memories are still there. 

You live on in the hearts of everyone 

you have touched and nurtured while 

you were here. 

The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to the doctors and nurses on 6th Floor North at Royal Inland Hospital, and to the amazing staff at Overlander Extended Care for their compassionate and devoted care during the past three and a half years. We are also grateful to Dr. Miranda Du Preeze for her ongoing care of mom. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with The Reverend Father Fred Weisbeck, celebrant. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, 311 Columbia St., Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2T1.

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Wilk family.

• Date : 2025-02-24
• Location : Kamloops