WILHELMINA (WILLY) CARLETON

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WILHELMINA (WILLY) CARLETON

(nee VAN SCHIE)

May 28, 1946 - January 31, 2024

Willy was born at home in Nieuw Vennep, the Netherlands on May 28, 1946. She was the youngest of eight children (five girls and three boys) born to Jacobus and Johanna van Schie. She passed on January 31, 2024, at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, where she had been for just under two weeks.
Willy’s first memorable adventure in life, began in May 1953, when she travelled by ship from the Netherlands with her parents and siblings, to Canada. She celebrated her seventh birthday on the ship. After docking in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the family travelled by train to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they were greeted by her older brothers, John and Neil and the farmer from St. Eustache, Manitoba, who had sponsored her family into Canada. The first year in Canada was challenging for Willy and her family living and working on a mixed farm in the prairies. Willy’s first schooling in Canada was in St. Eustache, where she attended with her sisters, Thea and Kathy, while her other siblings had to work to help their family.
In 1954, Willy moved with her family from St. Eustache to the Rural Municipality of West St. Paul, where they lived in the historic Winnipeg Electric Railway Company Middlechurch substation, while she attended West St. Paul school.
About a year later, Willy’s family purchased a mink farm north of West St. Paul on highway 9, in St. Andrews, Manitoba, where many memorable family gatherings were held over the years. During these formative years, Willy attended St. Andrews school and then the Selkirk Collegiate, in Selkirk, MB. Willy loved learning and continued her education in May 1965, at the University of Manitoba, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in May 1967.
In search of adventure and employment, Willy moved to Saskatoon in 1968, where she secured a position with the Saskatchewan Department of Social Services in the financial assistance program, providing financing for families in need. Willy thrived in her position as she loved helping and working with people. She not only obtained skills and training in the social services field, but also met her husband, Ed, who worked in the same field. After dating a few years, which included many trips between Saskatoon and Prince Albert, where Ed had made a career move to, Willy and Ed were married June 5, 1971, in Prince Albert, SK.
Willy and Ed enjoyed travelling and visited both the east and west coasts of Canada to visit family and friends’ numerous times. They also visited throughout most of the USA. They travelled to Europe, visiting most of Willy’s relatives in the Netherlands and drove through Europe, down to Italy and up to the Scandinavian countries.
In 1974, Willy and Ed moved to Manitoba so that Willy could be closer to her parents, siblings and their families, while she furthered her career and education in social services, and Ed continued his career with the Correctional Service Canada. In 1976, Willy was accepted into the Bachelor of Social Work program. After residing in a Winnipeg apartment for a short time, they purchased property in West St. Paul to build their forever family home, where they created memories and hosted many family gatherings. Willy received her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1978 from the University of Manitoba, achieving top marks, receiving the notation of ‘Dean’s Honour List.’
Willy loved learning. The same year that she received her undergrad social work degree, she started the Master program in Social Work, while working.
She worked with the John Howard and Elizabeth Fry Society until these social services agencies separated in 1983. When these agencies separated, Willy chose to work with the John Howard Society of Manitoba, a social services agency that provides education and supports to individuals in conflict with the law. Willy was the Director of Client Services and a valued member of the management team for many years. She was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the corrections process in Manitoba.
During her tenure at the John Howard Society, Willy always supervised practicum students from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Social Work, as well as students from the Department of Sociology and the University of Winnipeg. Willy was passionate about her students, encouraging them to search for excellence and to use their talents and benefits for the benefit of others. Many students were inspired by Willy to continue in the field. Willy received her Master of Social Work degree in 1985 from the University of Manitoba.
Willy’s door was always open to staff, students and clients who needed someone to listen and encourage them, as they dealt with both personal and professional issues. Colleagues at the agency knew Willy as a very practical, down-to-earth person, evaluating and critiquing new and existing programs in an effort to ensure effective program delivery. Willy also assisted in organizing many Christmas parties for staff and client families over the years, where many left with small gifts and large happy memories. In addition to her practical side, Willy also had a very creative side. At the John Howard Society, she served as the facilitator for the Manitoba chapter of The Prison Arts Foundation, encouraging the creative talents of prisoners from all correctional institutions in the province.
Willy was a kind, supportive and thoughtful person who cared and respected others, both in her career and personal life.
In 1985, Willy and Ed adopted their infant son, Geoffrey, whom they cherished, nurtured and loved unconditionally. Willy was an excellent mother to Geoff and a loving wife to Ed, her husband of 50 years. She was devoted to ensuring Geoff had the supports to succeed in having a good life. As a family, they took both day trips and annual holidays - they would often go on the Prairie Dog Central train, boat trips, to the beach, sporting events, small town fairs and other local activities. In addition, they travelled to the west coast visiting family and to the east coast to see the tall ships in Halifax.
When Willy’s husband, Ed, had a stroke in 2002, she took leave from work and became his devoted caregiver. She officially retired from her position with the John Howard Society in March 2005.
As Ed’s health had become more stable, Willy had another adventure on her mind. Despite already having three degrees, Willy’s thirst for knowledge never waned. Her creative side had been recognized while working in her first career as a social worker. To fulfil her dream of becoming an artist, she went back to university in 2005, at age 59. Willy received her Bachelor of Fine Arts - Honours degree in 2010, graduating from the University of Manitoba, with First Class Honours (Dean’s Honour List), achieving top marks.
Willy enjoyed a successful career as an artist, specializing in fibre artwork. Her unique art won awards not only at local Manitoba art shows, but also on the International stage, where her ‘Delicate Balance’ submission was accepted to the World of Threads Festival held in Oakville, Ontario, in 2014. Willy was ecstatic to attend this prestigious show and meet with fellow artists from all over the world. Many local art shows with Willy’s artwork were also featured in gallery articles.
Throughout her life, Willy was humble, caring, kind, and generous to all. She was always thinking of others, before herself. Willy was genuinely interested in the lives of others, always keeping in touch with many family members and friends. Her outgoing personality and positive fun-loving nature made her the life of many gatherings! For many years, Willy always ensured her extended family, friends and neighbours received a gift at Christmas. She enjoyed bringing joy to others, especially young children and was delighted to hear from both adults and children when they called to thank her for their gifts. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Willy was predeceased by her loving husband, Edward Carleton; her parents, Jacobus and Johanna van Schie; her brothers, Neil and John; her sisters, Anita van der Meer and Kathy van Santen. Left to cherish her memory are her son Geoffrey Carleton; her brother Eric; her sisters, Nellie Bakker and Thea Borsboom; as well as her many nieces and nephews and their families.
A funeral mass followed by a Celebration of Life, will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Emile Catholic Church, 556 St. Anne’s Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Willy’s was a life well lived - she exemplified how to Live, Love and Laugh!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 09, 2024