Wilma Reinke

Surrounded by the love of her family, our dear sweet mother and Oma received her wings and journeyed to join her loving husband Alfred. It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Wilma Alma Reinke on February 13th, 2018 after a short illness.

Born November 30th, 1930 in Germany, Wilma married in 1950 and together with her husband Alfred immigrated to Canada in 1952 to begin their new life. In 1955 they began their family and soon had three children Alice, Trudy and Gerry. When Wilma went back to school for the Nurse’s Aide program this was challenging as English was her second language. After supper each evening, we would take turns quizzing our mom on medical terms and medical procedures. Upon graduation, she secured a job at Dawson Court where she worked for 22 years, initially as a Nurse’s Aide and then as an Adjuvant in the Recreation Department where she enriched the lives of the residents along with making lasting relationships with her colleagues. She shared her joy of gardening, needlepoint, knitting and crocheting with staff and residents. Residents would enjoy a yearly outing to her home on John Street Road for "Kaffe" and cake to view the spectacular flower and vegetable gardens that she would grow each year. Neighbors and friends often stopped in to learn her gardening secrets which she so eagerly shared. So many of us have enjoyed the beautiful handiwork, needlepoint, scarves, shawls, mitts, and sweaters that she would create. No need for a pattern, just show me a picture she would say! If you knew Wilma, you probably were a recipient of one of her creations which she was still gifting up to a few days before her illness.

Mom always put her family ahead of her needs and worked tirelessly to ensure their well being. For decades Sunday dinners have been filled with home cooking, laughter and good times. So many people have been nourished and comforted by Oma’s buns, perogies, cabbage rolls, turkey dinners, strawberry jam, and of course fluffy cake and those chocolate chip cookies! 

When Dad’s health began to fail, she unselfishly became his primary caregiver enabling him to stay in their home until his death in 2013. After knee replacement surgery at the age of 84, Oma decided to join the gym at St. Joseph’s Heritage-- rain, snow or cold would not stop her 5 days a week from walking over to the Heritage from her home to meet her Gym Buddies at 8:00 in the morning.

Oma's pride and joy were her two grandchildren Lindsay and Ashley who enjoyed time with their Oma, as the sounds of laughter could be heard as they cooked and baked together or enjoyed Oma's favourite pizza or Chinese food. Her last words were to them, telling them she loved them. Their love and support to Oma and to all of us during these past few days gave her so much joy--you have been amazing!

Mom loved travelling to Whitby to spend time with her grandchildren, to visit family in Germany and to spend warm days with dad in Hawaii. 

Mom enjoyed many good times with her long time friends Bev Davies, Irene Hunt and Kaarina Aksela and her friends Audrey, Fran, Val and Mary at Pinecrest Condominiums.

Wilma was predeceased by her husband Alfred in 2013, sister-in-law Marta and her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children Alice (Lorne Clark), Trudy (Pat Collins) Whitby, Gerry (Kathy), granddaughters Lindsay Collins (Toronto), and Ashley Collins (Whitby), as well as nieces and nephews in Canada, the United States and Germany. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Hassan, 2C nurses Chelsea, Melissa and Jody, stroke nurses Barry and Shelley, and Hospice nurses Sherri, Suzanne and Sarah for the loving care given to mom, and the compassion and guidance to us these past few days. Thank you to WestJet who worked so hard to get us home as quickly as possible so we could be with mom. Special thanks to the personal support workers Elizabeth and Kathy who have assisted mom over the years. Thank you to all of our friends and family for their love and support and nourishment during these very emotional past days. 

If friends so desire, donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Hospital-Hospice Unit or to Royal Bank Grandview Mall Account #03872-5172630 for the purchase of a Recumbant therapy bike for the Thunder Bay Physiotherapy Centre Gym where mom exercised each day.

Funeral services will take place on Friday, February 16, 2018 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Harbourview Funeral Centre, presided by Pastor Brian Falkenholt. Visitation for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service time. Interment will follow the reception at Riverside Cemetery.

Our mother taught us so many valuable lessons which we will carry with us forever. She taught us strength and tenacity when she faced health and life challenges as well as compassion and respect for others, all the while providing her tireless love and support to each and every one of us.