Wilma Joan O'Brien (nee Milley)

Published:Jan 10, 2013

Event Date:Jan 09, 2013

Classified Type: Obituaries & Death Notices

Location: Meaford

Wilma O'Brien

O'BRIEN, WILMA JOAN (née Milley) Born in Toronto, a daughter of the late Percy and Betty (née Hewitt) Milley, Wilma passed away peacefully following three weeks in palliative care at the Meaford Hospital and after a dignified struggle with a lengthy illness, on Thursday, January 3, 2013, at the age of 79. She will be dearly missed by her devoted husband, soul mate and faithful caregiver Jim. She is survived by her loving children: Laura Jennings (David), Daniel, Bill, and David (Kelly) O'Brien and will be fondly remembered by grandchildren: Emily and Calvin, Ella and Kayley. She was a dear sister and sister-in-law to Bob and Anne, Fred and Dorothy, Ken and Judy, and Madge (late Dave) Milley. Her memory will be cherished by her many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Throughout her life Wilma was a thoughtful caregiver. She graduated from the nursing program at Toronto General Hospital in 1956 and continued her service to others while working with her husband, Dr. Jim O'Brien, throughout the thirty eight years he practised dentistry. She cared not only for her own and extended family, but also for those in greater need as well. She was an area coordinator for Meals on Wheels, the Chair of fundraising for the Ladies Auxiliary of Etobicoke General Hospital, and for over twenty five years she supported children through the Foster Parent Plan program. Retirement years with Jim in the Thornbury-Clarksburg area were truly golden. An avid organizer, Wilma embraced her work as a social coordinator for the Beaver Valley Probus Club for five years and was on the Board of the Blue Mountain School of Painting. She was actively involved in the Georgian Bay art community. Wilma was a gifted artist who saw beauty in the world around her. After retiring to Thornbury, she spent many hours in her studio, painting and teaching. Some of her favourite subjects were the scenery from the Blue Mountains area and from the many places she and fellow life traveller, Jim, visited on their many adventures together. Wilma was also a very talented quilter. As the eldest in a family of five siblings, Wilma kept the promise to her mother 'to take care of the family'. She was the bond that held siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins together. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating Wilma's life will be conducted at Grace United Church, 140 Bruce St. S., Thornbury, ON on Sunday, January 13, at 2 o'clock. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Lora Bay Clubhouse following the service to share further remembrances of Wilma. The family thanks Dr. Stevens and staff at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, Dr. Sauriol of Thornbury, the compassionate nurses at Meaford Hospital, and the extraordinary home care team of Nurse Lorraine Garland and Personal Support Workers Linda Murray and Diane Johnston. In lieu of flowers and as your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or Plan Canada (previously Foster Parents Plan) would be appreciated and may be made through the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, THE VALLEY CHAPEL, PO Box 556, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0 (519-599-2718) to whom arrangements are entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca