Hilda Kathleen Williamson

November 8, 1920 - November 21, 2024

In Loving Memory ~

Matriarch, Hilda Kathleen Williamson, age 104+years.

Born November 08th 1920 passed November 21st 2024

On November 21st, 2024, in the early morning hours, the Angels slipped in quietly to take another Angel home, to join with her late husband Eric who predeceased her in 2003.

Mom, (Hilda) will be sorely missed by her large and adoring family and friends. She was mom to Fred (predeceased) and wife Bonnie, Eric and wife Janice (formerly Barb W), David and wife Jan (predeceased) (formerly Barb R.) June and husband Bev, Stephen and wife Sandy (formerly Emilie Z), Bob and wife Lisa.

She was grandma, G.G. great grandma and adored by all her 18 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 3 great, great grandchildren.

We were so lucky to have her as a constant in our lives for so many decades and for her infectious and spontaneous giggle that has been passed down through generations.

She loved all children and at times whenever they walked in, she would smile clasp them by their hands and say, "oh what warm paddies you have."

Mom (Hilda) was born in the family farmhouse in Okotoks Alberta to the parents of Douglas and Gwen Ward, she was predeceased by 2 younger brothers Gordon and Allen Ward.

Dad and his family came to live and be part of the Armstrong/Spallumcheen community on Young Road in 1938, Mom followed and were married in 1941 and became dairy farmers. Days in the barn or the field were forever long, but they also always grew an incredibly large garden and when garden and fruit crops were ready, the call went out, family arrived pitched in and there was enough for all.

Whether just dropping in or a visit no matter what time of day, you never left moms home without being fed with mom's home cook meal, baked bread, a cake, a pie and at least a pail of assorted cookies and treats. The recipes were in her head, so a touch of this and a sprinkle or pinch of that it came together. She was an awesome cook, preserver/canner, whether that was over a wood burning stove or an electric stove.

Laundry went from a scrub board/cloths line to modern day computerized washer/dryer. Her phone from a local hand crank wall phone to anywhere international cell phone.

For mom whether it was preparing meals for the family, for a neighbour, or the haying crew, mom was always cooking. She was involved with her church and for over 55 + years helped prepare and serve meals at the Anglican church dining hall in the Centennial Hall at the IPE. She also grew flowers and loved her roses had numerous blue and red ribbon winning entrees of flowers, cooking and canning at the IPE.

She loved her huge garden; she worked tirelessly alongside dad, looking after family and home, helping with milking and farming chores, but mostly enjoyed her beef Herefords. Even after all that, she also found time to be a 4H Beef Club leader for 16 + years.

There were no keys to Hilda and Eric's home -the doors were just always open; a light was always on. Rarely a weekend went by when at least one bunch of grand children would be staying over. Tea was always on and anyone who dropped in better plan on staying for a meal.

They would literally give you the shirt off their back. Even those children seeking refuge, room was always found, there was no questions or judgement no matter how long they stayed.

For mom even towards the very end, no matter how she was feeling, if a child walked in, it picked her up, she would smile, it was a welcome to her heart.

In leaving, she was witness of and part of an era that will never be seen again, from riding several miles by horseback to a 1 room school with grades 1 to 8, to seeing space travel and A.I., and oh for her to have been part of, witness and experience this time in history, she was a true Matriarch.

A Celebration of Life for mom to be held from 1:00 to 3:00pm, April 19th, 2025, at the Anglican Church Parish Hall in Armstrong, B.C.