Wilda Isabel (Wiggins) HESLOP

The family sadly announces Mom’s passing on Saturday, June 8th, 2019.

She will be greatly missed but lovingly remembered by her children, Carol (Eric) Jensen, Allan Gillmann; step-children, Michael Heslop, Dave (Joanne) Heslop, Kelly (Wilma) Heslop; step-daughter-in law, Kelley Heslop (Pat - deceased) and Erica Dirks (Tom - deceased).

Between Mom and Jack they leave many fond memories for their numerous grand-children and great-grand-children.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Hans Gillmann and Jack (John) Heslop; step-daughter, Madeleine Haney (nee Heslop); step-son, Pat Heslop and step-grandson, Johnny Dirks.

Mom grew up during the depression and WWII.  She turned 20 on D-Day.  In spite of the difficult times, she had fond memories of those years.

Mom married her first husband Hans Gillmann while in her early twenties and together they raised Carol and Allan on a farm near Kitscoty, Alberta.

In 1965, she married Jack Heslop in Kelowna, BC.  Together, they raised Jack’s six children in Kelowna, Victoria and Nanaimo, BC.  Parksville became their home after the children left home.  It was during her years on Vancouver Island that the farm-girl became an avid fisherman.  Woe to anyone who tried to help her bring in “her” fish.

She loved to laugh, even if the joke was on her.  She made us all laugh with her subtle, playful humour.

Mom was a wonderful cook.  People dreamed about her many specialties.  She also enjoyed knitting and her family received many beautiful sweaters and her special knitted dolls.

Jack suffered a stoke in 1995 and in 2007 they moved from Parksville to Lakeside Gardens in Nanaimo.  Jack passed away on April 13th, 2007.  It was at Lakeside Gardens that Mom met many new friends who became very dear to her.  She spent many hours playing card games and despite her claims of being a poor shuffleboard player, she won the trophy three times.

Mom celebrated her 95th birthday with her family joining her in a feast provided by her step-daughters-in-law Wilma and Kelley.  The special treats included seafood chowder and four of her favourite pies.

Even though her voice was weak in her final days Mom’s last words were “I love you all”.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Lakeside Gardens and her many special friends who were gracious about letting her win so many games of cribbage, dominoes, canasta, shuffleboard, etc.

Many thanks also to the kind and caring staff at the Nanaimo General Hospital Palliative Care Unit where she spent her final days.

We hope you are at peace Mom.  We miss you terribly, but we will always treasure our time with you.  You were beautiful, courageous, gracious and kind.  You brought us much joy.  We love you….