Wilma LLOYD-DAVIES

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LLOYD-DAVIES: Wilma Mina Alice Lloyd-Davies (née Coffey) December 6, 1926 – June 3, 2009. Wilma, with her daughters by her side, passed away at the Assiniboine Centre, in Brandon, Manitoba. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, the Very Reverend Canon Richard Lloyd-Davies, husband of 51 years, daughters; Kathy Cote (Bill Cote), Shirley Lloyd- Davies (Kelly Crosson), Patty Snider (Darcy Snider), Maureen Lloyd- Davies; grandchildren, Tom and Bryce Cote, Cody and Teal Crosson, Courtney and Tristan Snider, Richard, Alex and Nina Switzer; great grandchild; Cole Crosson; sister, Marjorie Ireland; sisters by choice, Janet Lambert and Mef Simpson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Wilma Mina Alice Coffey was born in Nelson, B.C., December 6, 1926. The family moved to Vancouver when Wilma was 8 and at age 11, Wilma worked weekends and holidays at Woolworths. She attended Kitsilano High School in Vancouver and Pitman Business College. After graduation from Pitman, Wilma worked at Standard Brands Ltd., Terminal City Club and McDermotts and remained in Vancouver until she joined the Air Force in 1949. Wilma completed her basic training in St. Jean, Quebec and eventually was stationed in Aylmer, Ontario. Wilma left the Air Force in 1953 and returned to Vancouver and worked for Royal Typewriter Co. Wilma attended Holy Trinity Church in Kitsilano where she met the love of her life at this church, a handsome, young, Welsh, Sunday school teacher named Richard Lloyd- Davies. Wilma and Lloyd worked together on various projects within the church for six years. They were married on May 1, 1958. The Clergyman at Holy Trinity recommended Lloyd to the Bishop as a possible candidate for the Ministry. Lloyd was accepted as a postulate candidate and spent three years studying theology at Emmanuel College in Saskatoon. Wilma and Lloyd ran a boarding house in Saskatoon while Lloyd took his theological training. Their first child, Kathleen Lilian, was born in Saskatoon. Lloyd was ordained into the Diaconate and sent as Deacon to minister in the towns of Wilkie, Scoll and Kerrobert, in Saskatchewan. Shirley Anne and Patricia Jean were born in Wilkie. Lloyd and Wilma’s second parish was at Lytton, British Columbia. It was not unusual for Wilma to care for children in need, they fostered one little boy named Joey for over a year. Wilma dabbled in art during this time and established Lytton’s first art club. In 1970, after five years in Lytton they moved to Ashcroft, British Columbia. Their last child, Maureen, was born during their Ashcroft ministry. Wilma established an art club in Ashcroft, which is still thriving today. The family spent seven years in Ashcroft and during this time Lloyd exchanged parishes for nine months with a cousin in England. Wilma took art lessons in England and this substantially advanced her artistic talent. They managed to find time while they were there to travel to many parts of Wales, Ireland and England. They traveled home by ship to the East Coast and then by train right across Canada back to Ashcroft. This was an experience the whole family will never forget. In 1972, Lloyd and family left the active Ministry and the family moved to Kaleden, B.C. They opened an Antique Shop and Gallery. Wilma taught art lessons and ran the gallery. In 1975, Lloyd decided to go back into active full time ministry, sold the antique shop and moved to Brandon, Manitoba. Wilma was a very active member of the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, taking and teaching art classes. She opened a gift shop called Small House Gallery with 3 of her dearest friends, Janet Lambert, Mef Simpson and Madeline Perry (deceased). In 1982, Wilma and Lloyd moved to Neepawa and ministered at St. James Parish and in Gladstone. Wilma was the curator of the Manitoba Holiday Festival of the Arts in Neepawa for several years and was a founding member of the Margaret Lawrence House. In 1991, Lloyd and Wilma retired to Alexander where they lived for twelve years. Lloyd and Wilma then moved to Brandon, then to Elgin for a year and a half and finally back to Brandon. Through all these years, Wilma continued to teach and take art lessons. She was nominated for Woman of Distinction twice. She had many art shows in Brandon, Winnipeg and surrounding area. She taught her last class at the age of 80 and continued to paint until she entered hospital. She never once said no if asked to donate a piece of her work to a good cause and was a great supporter of other artists. Wilma even donated a painting while she was in Palliative Care to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation Gala Dinner. Wilma was very proud of her 9 grand children and one great grandchild. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same. Thank you Wilma for leaving footprints. Your legacy will live on through your many beautiful paintings. Thank you to the doctors and staff of the Brandon Regional Health Regional Centre and Assiniboine Centre for the excellent care they provided. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, 403-13th Street, on Saturday, June 6, 2009 (today) at 2:00 p.m. with The Very Rev. Robin Walker officiating. Urn placement will follow in the St. Matthew’s Cathedral Columbarium. In memory of Wilma, donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, “Western Manitoba Cancer Care Facility,” 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 06, 2009