April 7, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wilma Theresa Grant (née Bednaz) on April 7, 2022 at Campbell River General Hospital. Born in the small community of Brooksby, Saskatchewan in 1930, Wilma never forgot her prairie roots, or the suffering she witnessed of those affected by the Great Depression. Indeed, she carried this sense of compassion into her nursing career, with her first years spent flying to many remote First Nations communities in order to offer essential medical care. By the time she eventually settled in Campbell River (after stops in Alert Bay and Prince Rupert, and with an RCMP husband and three kids now in tow) she had shifted her career into home care nursing, serving those with prolonged or terminal illnesses. Through it all, Wilma never lost her sense of kindness and empathy, and was an enduring source of comfort and friendship to those at a time when they were at their most vulnerable.
An avid traveller who never lost her thirst for adventure, Wilma made remarkable solo trips in the 1950's, not only sunning on little known beaches in Antigua, but pulling pints in old English country pubs, and visiting the ruins and fountains of Ancient Rome. Following retirement, over 20 winters were spent exploring México, Belize and Guatemala with her husband and their beloved Shih-Tzu, Lucky. One of Wilma's last travel experiences came at the age of 85, when she toured Japan and was greatly moved by a visit to Nagasaki, a place she recalled first hearing about on a radio broadcast exactly 70 years earlier.
Wilma's other great passions were painting (especially watercolours), gardening and landscape work both at home and with friends at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, cooking and baking, and watching all manner of sports, from curling to her beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders. But it was as a mother and wife that Wilma excelled most, dedicating so much of herself in order to raise three children who would become university graduates, and nurturing a marriage that would last for over 50 years. Wilma was predeceased by husband Barrie in 2013, and is survived by daughter Cathy, sons Murray and Glen, daughter in law Vaida Kiaulakyte with grandson Patrick, son in law Damon Vignale, sisters Emily Lett and Rochelle Kramer of Regina, brother in law Duncan Grant of Ontario, and many more nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. With her warmth and kindness, she touched so many.
A prayer service will be held on Wednesday April 13 at 6PM at Elk Falls Crematorium, 6400 Gold River Highway, with a service to follow on Thursday April 14 at 10AM, to take place at St. Patrick's Parish, 34 South Alder Street.
In lieu of flowers, any donations to those fleeing the tragic developments taking place in Ukraine would be much appreciated, and most in keeping with Wilma's generous and beautiful spirit.