With loved ones at her bedside, Lois Evelyn Wilhelm was summoned to her eternal rest in the early morning hours of November 11, 2016 at the age of 88 years. Lois was born on February 23, 1928 in Estevan, SK to Percy and Evelyn Drader.
Lois received her Nursing Degree from the Regina General Hospital. On June 29, 1949, she married Arthur Wilhelm, and for the next several years skillfully balanced her career while raising 7 children. From 1961 – 1971 Lois worked at the Yorkton Regional Hospital where she loved working in the maternity ward. In 1971, Art found employment with Kaiser Resources. Lois retired from her nursing career and the couple settled in Fernie with their 4 youngest children.
Together Art and Lois built 3 motorhomes, each one a bit better that the one before. Many miles were put on those motorhomes they called “Arlow” (Art + Lois + Wilhelm), visiting family and friends along the way.
Following Art’s death in 1978, Lois once again returned to the work force, working for Fernie Homemakers, Canadian Mental Health and the Community Living Association in Lethbridge and Cranbrook. In 1986, Lois retired and moved to Creston where she lived until returning to her beloved Fernie in 1997.
Lois’ life centered around her large family; there was almost always some celebration or get together to look forward to. “GG” will be remembered for her cheeky sense of humour, her unique driftwood creations, her rock collection, famous apple pies and raisin bread, and her love of hockey and football. Try as they did, no one was ever able to dethrone the Queen of Scrabble!
Lois was inspired at an early age to live a Christian life. In her own words, her greatest inspiration was brought to light with the birth of her youngest child, Cora Lee, who was born with Downs Syndrome. She continued to live her life helping and caring for those less fortunate. She “attempted to do His will”. Her chosen epitaph: “Never, never worry!”
Lois’ legacy will continue to live on within the hearts of her family; her 7 children: Lyle (Donna) Wilhelm, Leo (Sue) Wilhelm, Wayne (June) Wilhelm, Rhonda (Ken) Clarke, Lynda (John) Gawryluk, Wes Wilhelm and Cora Lee (Chris) Snoeks; 18 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Vernon (Lyla) Drader, her sister Dorothy MacKenzie, and her “other” sisters, sisters-in-law Ann Leibrecht and Grace (Art) Dore, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Arthur, brothers Manford (Clara), Welland (Leila), and Clifford (Austena) Drader, her brother-in-law Murray MacKenzie and her sister-in-law Dorothy (Herman) Rhinas.
Should family & friends so desire, donations may be made towards a Trust Fund that will be established for Cora Lee.

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