WILDMAN: Velma Wildman passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026 at Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, at the age of 87, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Velma was born January 7, 1938, in Speedwell, Saskatchewan. Her early life with her family was primitive and rustic, as her parents operated northern bush camps in the lumber business. These formative years shaped Velma into the strong and tenacious woman she would become. Velma was a successful business owner, operating her own tax preparation business in Lloydminster. She was known for her strength, her determination, and her love of laughter. She often put her family members’ needs before her own –– demonstrating a selfless devotion to those she loved most… She cared for family whenever needed and seemed to effortlessly prepare huge holiday dinners that brought everyone together. Velma was active in her community, volunteering at the Legacy Centre, 4-H, and participating in the Greenwood community group. A few of the hobbies she loved were reading, square dancing, line-dancing, water aerobics, sewing and gardening. Summer times were cherished at Turtle Lake, whether at the cabin or the trailer, creating lasting memories with her family. She was also famous for making the world’s best caramel popcorn and dill pickles — treats that will be fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to taste them! Through all of life’s challenges, Mom maintained her resilient spirit and her ability to find joy. Her beautiful smile lifted the spirits of family, friends and nursing staff who were with her through these last months. Velma is survived by her daughter Brenda (Glen) Pedersen; son Mark Wildman; son Brian (Heather) Wildman; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; her brother Maurice and sisters-in-law Merelyn and Jeannette. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Lee Wildman; daughter Leasa Kessir; grandchildren Laurel and Derek Pedersen; her parents; in-laws; and brother-in-law. As per Velma’s wishes there will be no funeral and a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations in Velma’s memory may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Border City Connects or the donor’s charity of choice in lieu of flowers. MEMORIES OF GRANDMA, WRITTEN BY SARAH (KESSIR) DOELL, WRITTEN JANUARY 7TH Today would’ve been Grandma’s 88th birthday. She didn’t quite make it to 88, as she passed on New Year’s Day. She was one of the classiest, strongest, and most capable women I have ever known — and she taught me so much growing up. Even as an adult, every time I was with her, she taught me something. There’s not a time I load my dishwasher that I don’t think of her. She would never go to bed without emptying the clean supper dishes and cleaning the kitchen spotlessly — “because the only thing you should do in the morning when you wake is turn the coffee pot on.” And her pot was always on. Her door was always open. Fresh bedding was always ready for company. Her shelves were always stocked with preserves from her garden, or in later years, the Farmers Markets. She served a fresh garden salad with every meal — and a meal was always ready. As a child, she made Christmas magical: homemade gifts, sewn Christmas gift bags, and an orange and candy canes in every stocking. She always had a bowl of her famous popcorn and her homemade Nuts’ n Bolts on the table — and it had to be filled over and over when the Kessir kids were there. I always picked out all the pretzels and ate them first. She decorated for Christmas like no one I’ve ever known, using the same special homemade decorations for probably fifty years. On the farm, her lane was lined with the prettiest coloured lanterns made from ice cream pails. It was the most welcoming sight to drive up to. She packed the best lunches for our trail rides with Grandpa, or long days out in the fields during harvest. She always sent a thermos of coffee and a pitcher of peach punch with our lunches. I spent my summers there growing up, and I remember being scared if Grandma didn’t pack our lunch because we’d be left to Grandpa’s “creativity” — a 50/50 chance of success. My favourite meal he made was baked beans and chopped wieners in tomato soup. He sure had some scary combinations that Grandma and I always laughed about later… especially the stinky tins of who-knows-what that came out of the saddle bags sometimes. We spent too many hours to count around the campfire at Turtle Lake, eating s’mores, Baba Ganesh with Cool Ranch Doritos, and laughing until tears streamed down our faces. She had strong opinions and wasn’t afraid to voice them. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren fiercely. Every time we pulled off her driveway, she had tear-stained cheeks. We’d leave with a car full of goodies for the drive home, and she’d wave Great-Grandpa Wildman’s (Teasing Grandpa’s) special wave and call out, “See you in the funny papers.” When we bought our business, she and I spent hours talking about owning franchises and running a business. We shared stories about staffing, business travel for AGMs, and balancing work and life. She was a force to be reckoned with in her tax business days. She was the hardest worker and always gave 110% effort — whether at the office, in her raspberry patch, in the kitchen, or at the sewing machine. Grandma would whistle or hum while she did her chores, and she always had a smile on her face. Even when she faced scary diagnoses from the doctors, she never complained. She always said someone else had it worse than her. She was such a strong woman. Even in her suffering, she was classy and poised. When we lost our mom at such a young age, Grandma was such a strength to my siblings and me. I had just started having my kids, and she was always available with a word of encouragement and advice. But she mostly led a quiet life by example — serving and giving as a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. She kept her home immaculately and was known and loved by her family, her neighbours, and anyone who knew her. Grandma will be missed dearly. We’re thankful for all the amazing memories she left us, and that she’s not suffering in pain any longer. I pray I can live my life by the lessons she taught me, and make her proud.
CARD OF THANKS Velma’s family wish to thank Dr. Kerlis for his care over the years, as well as the third-floor nursing staff for their exemplary care and compassion during her long hospital stay.
