Obituary of Wilma Joyce Gilbert

GILBERT: Wilma Joyce Gilbert (nee Cox) passed away at Hillcrest Place on December 17, 2017 at the age of 85 years. Wilma, the daughter of Alf and Daisy Cox, was raised in the Gorrie district on the outskirts of Brandon. She loved to talk about the fun times she had, growing up on the farm with her brothers and sisters. At a young age she met and married Clarence Gilbert. Together they raised two children, son Fred and daughter Beverley. Wilma had many interests in life. She enjoyed bowling, gardening, and shuffleboard. Sewing gave mom so much pleasure; she could whip up a dress, make a horse blanket or mend a piece of harness. She was always handy at doing just about anything. Mom's house was always open to anyone needing a place to stay. You could never leave without lunch or a meal and of course her homemade pickles - something that everyone loved. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Contributing her time and knowledge to many organizations made the following clubs stronger, Manitoba Horse Breeders, Brandon Light Horse, Western Hackney Association, and Manitoba Light Horse. Wilma was a proud member of these organizations for several years. She was also a member of the Manitoba Great Western Harness Racing Association, Brandon Club, ANAF and Sokol Hall. Wilma taught 4-H and loved working with all the young people. Wilma always liked her time at the farm, doing chores, helping make lunches for the field and doing whatever was needed. Showing horses at various shows throughout Canada and the US and having such success was something Wilma was very proud of. Mom kept everything organized and polished, she always made sure that every pony was turned out to perfection. She loved watching Fred play hockey and Bev figure skate and curl. Together, Fred and Bev raced stalk cars which always made her nervous. No matter, what she was always in the bleachers cheering them on. Grandchildren were always so special to mom. She always tried to take part in everything they did. Wendy and Jamie-Dee riding and driving the horses and ponies and Derek playing hockey. Wendy, Derek and Jamie-Dee always said Grandma had a way of making them feel "special." Her great grandchildren, Jessica and Shelby, Trace and Parker were her treasures…she loved bragging about them to everyone. Jessica with her quarter horse, community service work and basketball. Shelby with her sparkly eyes and her pony Willy as well as her hockey. Trace and Parker with their hunting, driving ponies, playing hockey and football. Colouring, making cut outs, baking and playing cards was something she loved to do with both grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as having sleepovers. Wilma enjoyed playing cards with her family, but the games played in the motor home at country fairs were always the most interesting. Her favourite expression to Mark and Dallas Mennie and the late Andrew Mooney was always "KEEP YOUR CARDS CLOSE to THE VEST" which always made them laugh. Mom will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Fred (Alice) Gilbert, Bev (Allan) Haverstock; grandchildren Wendy (Chad) Armstrong, Derek Gilbert, Jamie-Dee (Daryl) Brown; great grandchildren Trace and Parker Armstrong, Jessica and Shelby Brown. Brothers Mac (Betty), Reg (Bernie) and Wayne (Barb). Sisters-in-law Dawn, Pat, Enid, and Angel; Brother-in-law Alex Gilbert plus many nieces and nephews. Wilma was predeceased by husband Clarence (2011), parents Alf and Daisy, step-father Charlie Sanderson, parents-in-law Fred and Kate, sisters DoneIda (Mel) Karnes, Gloria (John) Munro, Margaret Graham and brothers Ken and Jim. Sister-in-law Florence, Brothers-in-law More (Ann), Stan (Isobel) and Donald. Wilma was also predeceased by nieces and nephews. Mom holds a special place in so many hearts and for that we, her family, feel blessed. The service celebrating Wilma's life was held December 22, 2017 at Central United Church with Rev. Chris Arthur officiating. Interment was at The Brandon Cemetery.