December 31, 1930 – December 7, 2013

With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our best friend, wife and mother after a lengthy illness.  Wilma was predeceased by her infant son, John Douglas.  She leaves behind her loving husband, John of 56 years; her daughter, Debra (Robert) and grandchildren, Jordan (Nikki), Sean (Melissa), Jaimie and Emily; siblings, Albert, Pauline, Sidney, Leonard (Anna), sister-in-law, Joan, brother-in-law, Jimmy (Carol).  Born in St. Louis, Saskatchewan, daughter of Mary and Joseph Koponyas; sister to nine siblings.

After their move to B.C., she pursued nursing for 20 years then made a career change and retired after 20 years with The Tally Ho Travelodge.  She always found time to volunteer in the community and with her daughter’s activities.  The Red Cross and Mother’s March of Dimes were organizations near and dear to her.

Winnie was a second mom to many.  When her best friend Roberta died, she stepped in to watch over Roberta’s four children and loved all of them like her own.  John and Winnie had an open door invite to Cory, Dennis, Darrell and Bobby and continued to stay close to them especially after Roberta’s husband, Bob, passed away.

Winnie also adored her grandchildren and was present at each of their births.  She often would travel up to Nanaimo to take in the boys’ ball or hockey games or watch her granddaughters’ dance.  She tried to never miss their Christmas or band concerts.  Winnie and John were best friends and never without one another.  They enjoyed gardening, sitting for tea in their garden, camping and boating.  They often travelled with their motorhome on the island or up to see their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.  When the grandchildren got older, Winnie would take them to work and teach them skills they would need for adulthood.

Winnie had a bond with her daughter that was unique.  There was never a day that went by without the two spending time chatting on the phone or visiting over the weekend.  They cherished each others friendship and admired one another’s talents and differences.  They called each other Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Jones.  Winnie had a wonderful imagination and when Debbie was young, they would have tea parties, create crafts, paint and draw.  She would often walk Debbie and her friend, Sharon to school or take them bowling or to the movies.  Winnie enjoyed reading and encouraged Debbie to read well at a young age.  She read to her daily.  She continued to read to the grandchildren filling their home with books.  She had her favorite Words of Wisdom.  “You get more with sugar than you do with vinegar.”  “Live each day like it was your last.”  “Never go to bed angry.”  “Treat people the way in which you want to be treated.”  “Look for the best in yourself and others.”  Winnie also had an amazing sense of humour, wit and photographic memory.  She was our diamond in our gem garden.  She will also be sadly missed by her beloved dog, Diesel and her cat, Kitty Kat.

Love you forever!  Our hearts are breaking mom.  Spread your wings and fly.

A special thanks to her husband, John and Debra’s husband, Robert for their kind, compassionate care during this difficult time.  The family would also like to thank the nursing staff, 4A and 4B South, Victoria General Hospital, especially nurses, Jen, Clair, Ashley, Ingrid and Angela.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16th at Sequoia Gardens Memorial, 4665 Falaise Drive.  Condolences may be offered to the family below.

 

McCall Bros. Funeral Directors

www.mccallbros.com.

 

  • MIKE

    MAY GOD BLESS YOU AUNT WHINNE AMEN MAY PEACE BE WITH YOU AMEN. MAY MOTHER MARY BLESS YOU AMEN, MAY PEACE BE WITH YOU AMEN LOVE YOUR NEF. MIKE.

  • M IKE FARLEY

    MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR EVER AMEN

  • Tammy & Marte Marbella

    To John Lilley and Debbie and the rest of the family ;

    I am sorry to hear of your (wife) Mother’s passing. I remember Winnie as a smart and kind woman. I know that you have those qualities too and must have gotten them from her. Please know that you are in my thoughts, and prayers. I am glad to have known Winnie. I realize that you have lost a special person, and I like to believe that when we lose someone close to us they still live through us and give us strength. The time we have spent with those we’ve lost makes them part of us. Wish we could make it, but we will be there in spirit with our love and deepest of sympathies Marte & Tammy Marbella
    I leave you with this poem I had found when my auntie passed earlier this year.

    Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep
    I am not there, I do not sleep.
    I am a thousand winds that blow;
    I am the diamond glints on snow;
    I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
    I am the gentle Autumn’s rain.

    When you waken in the morning’s hush;
    I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight;
    I am the soft star that shines at night.
    Do not stand at my grave and cry;
    I am not there, I did not die.

    rest in peace mom lilley peace be with you ..

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