Hilda Wilkie

Hildegard (Hilda) Mary Wilkie Aug. 29, 1931 to March 2, 2017

Many hearts were broken on March 2, 2017, when Hilda left us after suffering a stroke. Daughter Janice was by her side as she drew her last breath. Special to so many, all our lives were made richer with her in our world.
Hilda was mother to Janice, John (Jennifer), Jim (Kelly) grandmother (Nana) to Conor, Ronnie, Jack and Luke (forever her boys). Hilda was also sister to Bob, predeceased by parents Emile and Marie Brucker and brothers, Chuck, Don and sister Trudy.
She was also a special sister-in law, aunt, treasured family member, friend and respected co-worker to countless people throughout her journey on Earth.
After growing up in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Hilda moved to Vancouver in 1952, where she met and married John (Jack) Wilkie, June 25, 1954. Although they divorced in October 1974, they overcame this to become friends again and maintain a caring family.
Hilda worked at Woodward's department stores in several locations, including finishing up at Guildford as Head Cashier before working for Cosmopolitan Importers/Caesar Canning for several more years. At about the same time she was also working part time as an usher at the PNE enjoying meeting everyone and taking in the hockey games and events that took place at the Pacific Coliseum and Empire Stadium.
Her mother, Marie, instilled in Hilda the entrepreneurial spirit (Marie Brucker was at one time a well known local designer/dressmaker in the lower mainland and one time operating three shops simultaneously). Hilda was always looking for ways to improve and enhance the quality of life for her family. At one time she was making and selling Barbie clothes, all neatly packaged for sale. She also operated for more than 20 years her Fifth Avenue Jewellery business – anyone who knew Hilda, knew she loved her sparkle and always wore it with a flare and style that was legendary.
Later in life she discovered a love of travel (especially by cruise ship) when she started working at Canada Place Pier (brought into the industry by her daughter Janice), working for both Holland America Shore Operations and Royal Caribbean over the course of several years. She quickly became an important part of operations as a Pier/Hotel Ops Supervisor. Her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail along with a warm and compassionate personality endeared her to many.
In her youth and adult years, Hilda excelled at many sports, playing softball with the Winnipeg Tigerettes who were inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame and Museum in 2004. In Vancouver she continued playing softball (first base and outfield – Women's Senior A) on a team managed along with her husband, Jack – Texaco Starettes based out of Vancouver's South Memorial Park. The Texaco team played in the Canadian Women's Championships in 1966 & 1967. Hilda continued playing recreational softball into her 50s and was also proficient in curling, golf and bowling throughout the years.
Hilda went on to travel extensively alongside Janice as they explored the world by cruise ship for many years. Some great travels and adventures shared together. Finding herself at times in places she never expected: Russia three times, Paris three times. Visits to Budapest and parts of Croatia were particular favourites among her ocean cruises and river cruises that included visits to some unique and remote ports.
Most of all, Hilda enjoyed any time she could spend with family no matter where that may have been and only longed for more time together. She loved her children and grandchildren with the biggest of hearts.
She enjoyed taking in as many of the boy's (sons and grandsons) hockey, soccer and baseball games that she possibly could and followed the news of their achievements and adventures including travels with love and pride.
There were many wonderful friendships that endured over the years. These were all special to Hilda and gave her joy. She cherished you all and held you close in her heart.
The last year and a half took a toll on Hilda with a decided downturn in her health that caught us all by surprise.
We invite you to join us in Celebrating with Joy, Love, Laughter and Tears – Hilda's wonderful life and spirit – bring along your stories and photos as we all share a common bond and thread linking us all together - HILDA.
A Celebration/Memorial is planned for April 19, 2017, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Burquitlam Funeral Home, 625 North Road, Coquitlam.
Please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC or the Alzheimer Society of BC. Both of these touched and forever changed Hilda and the lives of her family; we miss her more than words can express.



When I look up to the sky now, I know you are looking down and sending your love. The angel that used to hug me and keep me safe on earth is now an angel in heaven. There are never enough hugs and I miss you – Love Janice