September 4, 1934 – April 11, 2018

Wilkie, Margaret Jean In the early morning of April 11th, our Mom, Jean Wilkie, was peacefully released from her long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the support and love of her children. Mom was born on September 4th, 1934 in Kamloops to Albert and Mary Williams. She was raised in Barnhartvale, Chase and Kamloops. After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force for three years, stationed in Montreal and Vancouver, she happily returned to Kamloops. In 1956, she married our Dad, Bill Wilkie, and they began their family. Over the coming years this grew to a family of seven kids and she was proud of us all. Mom’s life was devoted to her family; she was always happiest when she was with her children and grandchildren. To the very end, she was more concerned about our needs then her own. She especially enjoyed making sure everyone had enough to eat. No one ever refused her. She was proud of her home which was always immaculate and welcoming. Mom was the ultimate parent, successfully raising seven children with an ease that we could only marvel at as we become parents ourselves. As a resourceful young mother, she developed a talent for turning almost anything into something both beautiful and useful. She sewed and knitted incredible clothes, sweaters and blankets and developed ingenious storage solutions in our early small homes. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved playing games with her kids, and was quick to put on a pot of coffee to enjoy a visit with family and friends. She worried about us, and encouraged, taught and loved us all every day of her life. She faced life’s challenges with honesty, ingenuity and hard work and, by example, taught us to do the same. Mom leaves 7 children to cherish her memory; Janet (Dan) Schneider, Sandra (Richard) Connelly, Cindie (Dave) Tommasini, Bill (Rosetta) Wilkie, Rhoda (Cole) Mayes, Darrell (Kendra) Wilkie and Heather Mitchell, as well as 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, with a new arrival expected any day. Grandsons Jordan and Tyler held a special place in Grandma’s heart. She is also survived by her sisters Betty (Cliff) Gronlund and Teri (Bob) Young and brother Bert (Lorraine) Williams, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her infant daughter Sherry Lynn (1959), her parents Albert (1973) and Mary (1979), husband Bill (2000), son in law Tom Mitchell (2011) and sister Marj Dureen (2012). We appreciate the care, compassion and support both Mom and our family received during her illness from her health care team in both Kamloops and Kelowna, and most recently our nurses, Blaine and Crystal and the wonderful staff at Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice. You helped light our path.

Your needs in life were simple, Your love for us was true, As long as we were happy You were happy too. You gave us all you had to give, Gifts, both great and small, But most of all you gave us love, The greatest gift of all.

Please join our family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 28th in the Tea Room, Schoening Funeral Service, 513 Seymour Street, Kamloops between 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn precious Lord. Take my hand and lead me home.

Condolences may be expressed at www.firstmemorialkamloops.com

• Date : 2018-04-11
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.