Obituary of Wilma Naomi McWhinney

May 3, 1933 – Orcadia, Saskatchewan

November 30, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Wilma Naomi McWhinney (nee Heckert) of Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the age of 90 years.  Wilma and her twin sister Ruth were born to parents Edmund and Ida Heckert on May 3rd, 1933, in Orcadia, Saskatchewan. Younger sister Miriam was born two years later.  In 1937 the Heckerts moved their family farm to settle near Minitonas, Manitoba, where Wilma was raised.

Wilma was true farm girl, fully involved in all aspects of farm life.  As such, her deep love of animals became a characteristic that truly defined her throughout her life. Her love of gardening was also formed in these years that she worked in the fields and in her mother’s vast garden.  At the age of 18, Wilma ventured to the big city of Winnipeg to pursue her education in accounting, typing and shorthand (what would now be considering ‘office administration’).  It was in Winnipeg that she caught the eye of her future husband, Hugh Bell McWhinney.  The couple’s budding romance had them move west to Calgary in 1958, where they married one year later.  Here in Calgary, they built their homestead, where they raised a family and spent the next 61 years together as husband and wife. 

Wilma was a gentle soul, who easily brought peace and joy to those around her until her final days.  She had a career with The Hudson Bay/Zellers Company that spanned over 30 years.  In her younger days, Wilma had a passion for sports and would often be heard yelling at the radio as she listened to hockey game broadcasts or sitting on the hill behind their home watching baseball games.  She was an awarded member of a bowling league and had an especially gifted talent for needle crafts and sewing.  Her children will always remember her as the most dedicated and meticulous house and book keeper, whose hard work always was reflected in their beautiful home and yard.  Wilma was a faithful daughter to her Lord and Saviour and carried that love for God with her through her entire 90 years of life.  In her final months, the only thing that Wilma truly responded to was the playing of her favourite hymns, which held such reverence inside her that they evoked a very primal and instinctual connection. So deep was this connection that in hearing one of her favourite hymns, she left this world being called home to the “Holy, Holy, Holy”.

Wilma was predeceased by her adoring husband Hugh in 2020, as well as her parents Edmund and Ida, her sisters Ruth and Miriam, Hugh’s parents, and his six siblings.  She will be terribly missed by her son Cory-Allan Cameron (his wife Nicole, and their children Liam, Sarah, Zoey and Sophie); and daughter Tanya-Marie Dawne (and her children Noah, Hailey and Damon).  Wilma had become a Great-Grandma this past April to Damon’s son, Jace Finley.  Wilma is also survived by several adoring nieces and nephews whom she cherished deeply, and her foster children Guy Jason Menary-Goodeye, Peter Bagu, Carole-Ann B, and Keith and Chris J.

The family would like to give deep thanks and gratitude to the staff of the Somerset unit of Bowview Manor, who provided the most impeccable and loving care for Wilma (and for our dad prior to his passing) for the last 8+ years.  Their genuine care has not only provided health and physical support, but truly given Wilma a home and family in which she spent the end of her life.  Words cannot express our gratitude and respect.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:25 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to BARC’s Rescue 272134 Range Road 291, Airdrie AB.  Telephone: 403-852-5357. https://www.barcsrescue.com

In living memory of Wilma, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.