July 12, 1921 – January 1, 2018

Wilma passed away peacefully at the Kamloops Seniors Village at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her husband Frank in 2006. She will be missed by her sons Brian (Donna) and Alan (Ruth) as well as her grandchildren Sam, Gia, Jordyn, Dallas and Curtis. She also leaves behind other extended family members.

Wilma was born in Kamloops and grew up on the McLeod ranch in Campbell Creek. She began school at Anderson Creek in a one room schoolhouse. Her family moved to the DalMar farm, (named for her father Dallas Johnston and mother Mary) east of Kamloops, which is now the Pineridge golf course . Over the years, they grew crops and raised livestock. Wilma rode her horse to attend the Barnhartvale school before moving to town to graduate from Kamloops Senior High School. 

Following high school, she moved to Vancouver to enrol in the Registered Nursing program at St. Paul’s Hospital. After graduation, she returned to Kamloops and married Frank in 1944, who was a member of the R.C.A.F.. Wilma and Frank moved back to the DalMar farm where Frank assisted Dallas in the farming operation and they raised their sons. 

Wilma volunteered with school functions, scout camps and various sports activities. She was a very involved and supportive mom. In addition to her family life, she took pride in being a nurse. Over the years she worked full time and on a casual relief basis at the Tranquille sanatorium and Royal Inland Hospital. She enjoyed attending the St. Paul’s nursing alumni reunions. 

Wilma and Frank had an active social life; playing cards with friends and square dancing at the Valleyview Hall. After selling the farm, they moved to Chase in 1972 where they built a log home by the 6th hole of the Sunshore Golf Course. Wilma spent many afternoons greeting golfers from the back deck as they passed by. They had numerous friends in Chase and were involved in the golf and curling clubs. They were fortunate to retire early and enjoyed many years of travel, including wintering in Arizona and California. There were memorable trips in their R.V. to eastern Canada and several trips to Alaska with friends and family. They also vacationed in Australia and New Zealand. In 1994 Wilma and Frank celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Pineridge golf course

In later years, Wilma and Frank moved to the Berwick in Kamloops, where they were closer to their family. After 11 years, Wilma moved to the Kamloops seniors village where she spent her final days. 

Wilma will be remembered for her famous chocolate cake and homemade breadsticks. She was a very talented seamstress, producing many baby blankets, quilts and clothing for her grandchildren. 

Many thanks to the staff of the Berwick and KSV for providing excellent care over the years.
A tribute to Wilma for family and friends will be held at a later date in the spring. 

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

 

 

• Date : 2018-01-01
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.