Died peacefully in Guelph, Ontario on October 3, 2024, in her 81st year, surrounded in the love and warmth of her family. Wilhelmina, known affectionately as “Willie”, was predeceased by George, her loving husband of 48 years. Together, they were blessed with four wonderful children Jennifer (Todd Harrison), Robert, James (Sandra), and Thomas (Andrea Rowe). Proud Oma of Talia (Chris) Faber, Chloe Harrison (Andrew Flannery), Cameron Amos, Amelia Amos, and Nicholas Rowe. Tante Willie to Caroline Hughes, Marcel Mulder, Tim and Jeremy Brand, Brian, David, and Richard Thomas. Dear sister of the late Renie (Bert) Brand and the late Wijtze (Florence) Mulder. Dear sister-in-law of Jean (Doug) Thomas. Willie was predeceased by her beloved parents, Pieter and Johanna Mulder. Born on August 31, 1944, in the picturesque countryside of Sneek, Friesland, in the Netherlands, Willie was a beacon of warmth and kindness throughout her life. Growing up in the shadows of WW2, Willie learned the value of a hard earned dollar, the preciousness of fresh food, the value of her community and friends, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Willie immigrated to Canada in 1957 with her mother, father, and sister from Sneek to Stratford, Ontario as they followed her brother, Wiijtze, who raved about Canada. She cherished her time growing up in Sneek and reminisced about her childhood on a recent return trip this past July with her family. Willie, a graduate of the Victorian Order of Nurses in London, Ontario, made a career working in the neuro trauma unit at the former Wellesley Hospital. When Wellesley was closed, she moved to work at St. Mike’s Hospital in Toronto from where she retired in 2004. She loved and cherished her career and the high energy and ever changing needs of patients that she saw while at work. Willie valued her family and her friendships, whether it was chatting on the phone with her sister or learning new songs at the Fergus Seniors Centre and Knox Presbyterian Church in Elora where she was a long time active member. She loved singing in the choir with her good friends and the sense of community that Knox fostered. The choir reminded Willie of playing her mandolin and singing as a child, the youngest member of a traveling band around the Netherlands where she spread her love of music. Willie was also well versed on the piano, later becoming certified as an instructor at the Ontario Conservatory of music. Her warm smile and genuine interest in others made everyone feel valued and loved. She had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and her home was always open to those in need of comfort or companionship. Willie was also an avid gardener, finding peace and purpose in tending to her beloved flowers and plants. Her garden was a vibrant reflection of her personality—full of colour, life, and beauty. Friends and neighbours often admired her green thumb and were grateful for the fresh vegetables and stunning blooms she generously shared. She was also well known for her huge smile as she biked down the trail in Elora. Willie was never idle for long. Her final days were spent at Hospice Wellington where she enjoyed the many visitors, the songs and the music and the comfort given to her by the nursing team. There are no words to describe the exemplary care that hospice provided both to Willie and her family. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare workers who cared for Willie, especially those at Hospice Wellington. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice Wellington, Aboyne Rural Hospice, or the Canadian Cancer Society. Visitation will be held at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David Street South, Fergus on Saturday, October 12th from 10:30am until 11:30am, with a service in the chapel at 11:30am. Following the service, guests are invited upstairs to the Wellington Room for a time of fellowship and refreshments. Elevator access is available.
www.grahamgiddyfh.com