Peacefully, with Glen and loved ones by her side Wilmy passed after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

 

Wilmy was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Estevan, SK on Nov 27th, 1958.

 

Survived by her loving husband Glen, her mother, Theresia van Dam, three brothers Henri and Janey Van Dam (nephew Aaron, Nieces Averi and Aimee), Jack and Lydia Van Dam (nephew Eric & Lauren Van Dam, nephew Nicholas and Morgan Van Dam), Leo and Kathryn van Dam along with Leo’s children, nieces, Randi and Ryan Pilon, and Robyn and Zane Okaja) as well as many great nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law James Letwin, sister-in-law Karen Letwin and brother-in-law Jeff Levack, plus her many friends from the Gull Lake community, the Royal Bank and numerous other friends.

 

Wilmy was predeceased by her father Henri van Dam (1977), step-father Mick Howarth (2018) and her mother and father-in-law Rick (2007) & Rose Letwin (2011) and her brother-in-law Allan Letwin (2003).

 

While in Estevan, Wilmy attended St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church where she was baptized, confirmed and had her first communion. 

 

Wilmy enjoyed many childhood hobbies including figure skating and Brownie’s.

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Wilmy moved to Winnipeg with her family in June, 1969.  She attended the Van Belleghem Elementary School and was part of the first graduating class at J.H. Bruns High School in 1977 where she was elected President of the student council. 

 

Wilmy completed her post-secondary education graduating from a secretarial course at Red River Community College in 1980.   Wilmy’s first job after graduation was with the Royal Bank of Canada, where she worked for her entire career.

 

Wilmy met the love of her life, Glen at age 14.  From that day, the two were inseparable and they married in 1982 and made Gull Lake their full time home in the nineteen- nineties.

 

Wilmy was a loving Aunt to her many nieces and nephews.  She was a “hugger” extraordinaire, as all who knew and loved her can attest.

 

She cherished her cats Bobbie and Maxie and spent many years giving them lots of love.

 

Wilmy loved life at the lake and made a lasting impact on the community she called home. She and Glen founded the Citizens on Patrol Program at Gull Lake and their promotion of safety brought them in contact with the entire Gull Lake community. 

 

For years, she and Glen ran the annual Fall Social on behalf of the Gull Lake Ratepayers Association. She was respected and loved by all who came in contact with her.

 

The family home at Gull Lake was a gathering spot for countless friends and family and the community at large, all of whom felt the warmth and hospitality of their home.

 

Wilmy was very artistic and creative, showing her many talents while she tirelessly decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs, painting, sewing, macramé twisting and rug hooking to name but a few of her hobbies.  She loved jewellery and clothes and had an eye for fashion.

 

Full of adventure, Wilmy enjoyed target shooting, riding her dirt bike, ATV, snowmobile and motorcycle and loved boating at the lake.

 

Wilmy enjoyed travelling to visit her relatives in the Netherlands, from the first time she visited them when she was 4 years old.  She developed a very special bond with them.  

 

Wilmy fought a hard battle with cancer, always with a smile and positive outlook.  She valued her care givers and her many new found friends at Cancer Care.  Her courage and dignity were an inspiration to all.

 

A private celebration of life will be held with immediate family.

 

Cards can be sent to Wilmy’s mother Theresia Van Dam at 83 Cormorant Bay, Winnipeg, R2J 2V8.

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Rest in Peace Wilmy, you will forever be  in our hearts.