With loved ones at her bedside, Marge Wilhelm (Wolgram) passed away peacefully at her home in Coaldale, Alberta on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at the age of 78 years.
Marge was born in Lampman, SK. On October 9, 1932. She attended both the Hillhall and Woodley Schools where she met and eventually married her childhood sweetheart, Elmer Wilhelm. Together Marge & Elmer provided a nurturing and loving home, not only to their own 7 children, but also for numerous foster children throughout the years. Marge’s first and foremost priority was always her church and her family.
In 1975, Marge & Elmer left Saskatchewan and headed west to Fernie, BC. Once again they found their foothold in their church community and established another group of friends.
The Wilhelm home was a welcome haven for anyone dropping by. Visitors entering their home were immediately made to feel comfortable by Marge, the consummate hostess. Marge quickly offered beverage, food, and wonderful conversation, which often resulted in people staying much longer than they might have originally intended. Happiest when entertaining, Marge loved nothing more than a houseful of company, giving her the opportunity to prepare delicious meals and tasty treats. It wasn’t uncommon for evenings to end following a late night playing Whist, Rummy or Canasta around the dinner table.
A woman of many talents, Marge could often be found cutting, coloring or perming someone’s hair, or sewing, quilting or crocheting things for a new baby or church function. Summers were spent berry picking, canning, tending to her meticulous flower and vegetable gardens, trips to Fairmont Hot Springs, and travelling back to Saskatchewan with grandkids in tow, visiting family and friends along their journey. Get-togethers were always important and anticipated functions; birthdays, anniversaries and weddings gave Elmer and Marge the chance to strut their stuff on the dance floor. They were a vision to behold, gliding effortlessly and never missing a beat.
In 2009 Marge and Elmer relocated to Coaldale, where they lived with their daughter Joannie and family. Through good times and hard times alike, Elmer and Marge remained selflessly devoted to each other; setting a wonderful example for their children, grandchildren and future generations. As Marge’s health declined, Elmer continued to be her constant supporter, staying by her side through the difficult journey. With faith unwavering, their love resilient to both age and illness, Marge has left a lifetime of memories to be forever cherished. Her legacy will continue to live on within the hearts of all who loved her.
Marge is lovingly survived by Elmer, her husband of 61 years; 7 children: Rick (Corinne) of Taber, AB, Terry (Chinara) of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Joan (Steve) of Coaldale, AB, Darlene (Paul) of Kitchener, ON, Lori (Bryan) and Joanne (Steven) of Weyburn, SK, and Tammy (Gary) of Ajax, ON; 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Also left to mourn her passing is her sister Edna (Gordon) Button, her brother Mervin (Kay) Wolgram, brothers-in-law Conrad Degenhardt and Jerry (Patty) Wilhelm, and her sister-in-law Erna Wilhelm as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents Emile and Eda Wolgram, her sister Irene Degenhardt, sisters-in-law Marion and Alice Wilhelm, and brothers-in-law Henry, Ernest and Clarence Wilhelm.
Visitation was held at Cherished Memories "Serenity Chapel" on Saturday, August 27th. Funeral Services were held at the Christ Church Anglican on Sunday, August 28th with Reverend Trevor, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coaldale Health Care Centre, Attention Merna Bergen, 2100-11th St., Coaldale, AB, T1M 1L2. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd., Fernie, British Columbia. The family would like to thank Dr. David Stewart and staff, Coaldale Community Home Services, WECARE, Greg Cowie, RMT and Folker Stanki for their wonderful care and devotion And a very special thanks to John and Lynda.