Wilmering, Jill – Passed peacefully at Dryden Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, Nov 23, 2022. Preceded by her father Dr. David Cowan and her mother Stella Cowan. Wife of Hal Wilmering, Sister of Michael, Mother of David (Sandy) and Robin (Dan). Grandmother of Noelle (Jacob), Matthew (Ali), Erin (Chris), Tori (Kristian) and Noah. Special friend of Buddy, Lola, Lucy, Denali and all dogs she met.
Jill was born in the Falklands Islands where her father’s ship was stationed. They returned to Great Britain and later moved to Canada and Mom became a Canadian citizen in 1957.
Jill moved to Dryden in 1960 to take a teaching position at the high school where she worked her entire career. Her specialty was teaching Latin, English, but later transferred to counseling where she touched the lives of countless youth. She retired from the high school as head of the counselling department.
She met Hal in Dryden and were married on August 18th, 1962. Mom loved all the pleasures that Northern Ontario has to offer – fishing, snowmobiling, camping, and even bowling! As she grew older, she spent more of her time indoors. She loved all sorts of crafts including knitting, sewing, ceramics and folk-art painting.
Mom also loved cooking and made countless delicious recipes and always included new recipes for us to try. Our taste buds loved it, and our waist lines did not.
Mom was passionate about helping others throughout her life. Her whole career was in service to others, and it did not end when the school bell rang at the end of the day. She was engaged and empathetic with all communities and everyone in her life. From being a super engaged Nana with Matthew and Tori, to visiting people in Patricia Gardens, to answering any call for help in the middle of the night.
Mom was always very organized and had the expectation that you would be as well. Even when she was in the hospital near the end, she was organizing things for Dad for the winter.
Condolences(15)-
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Barb Jorritsma says
November 25, 2022 at 6:31 pmTo Hal, Dave, Robin and extended family members we extend our heartfelt condolences on the news of Jill’s passing. Hugs to you all at this difficult time.
Love, Gregg, Barb and Tristan Jorritsma
Erin says
December 1, 2022 at 10:58 pmThank you so much – from all of us.
Helen & Tom says
November 25, 2022 at 7:11 pmDavid, Robin and families. We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have fond memories of her – from babysitting the two of you, to her being my guidance councillor, to her fixing broken ceramic pieces that were dear to me. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Erin Wilmering says
December 1, 2022 at 10:59 pmThank you. I have lots of memories of her fixing various things, including many dog toys!
Robbie Pettapiece says
November 25, 2022 at 7:17 pmI’m so sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. She was my coordinator when I first came to Dryden as a Special Ed teacher and she remained so until she retired and I was very glad she did. I really appreciated her both as a department head and as a person. I still have the ceramic eagle she made. It is a cherished piece that has survived 3 moves.
Erin Wilmering says
December 1, 2022 at 11:00 pmThank you – from all of us.
Debbie Rutter says
November 25, 2022 at 8:21 pmOur heart felt condolences on the passing of Mrs. Jill Wilmering. I will never forget the help she gave me after missing the first few months of grade 9 bc I was pregnant. She brought my high school work to me so that I would not miss a thing. Her counseling made an impact on me, along with yours, dear Mr. Wilmering. I had the pleasure of babysitting David & Robin & you made me feel like part of the family at that time. Some memories you just can never forget. She was truly benevolent. So sorry to hear of your loss. Bryan & Debbie Rutter (nee McLay).
Erin Wilmering says
December 1, 2022 at 11:01 pmThank you so much for sharing a story of how my nana made an impact on you. It’s been so incredible to hear about how many lives she touched.
Ricki Brown says
November 26, 2022 at 4:18 amCherish those precious memories….
Ricki Parkin Brown
Ted M says
November 27, 2022 at 2:18 pmTo the David and family i pass my deepest condolences to hear of the passing of your mom.
I was blessed by having Jill in my life as I grew up with Dave and she will be surely missed by all.
God bless
Ted
Erin Wilmering says
December 1, 2022 at 11:02 pmThank you – from the Wilmering gang.
Nigel Easton says
November 28, 2022 at 4:15 amHal I’m so sorry to hear of Jill’s passing it must leave you with a huge hole in your life and heart. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you, David & Robin.
Big hugs from a long way away.
Nigel.
Irene Skene says
November 29, 2022 at 3:22 pmDear Hal, David, Robin & families…
The world has lost a very special lady. Take comfort in the knowledge that her kindness, compassion and spirit will be her lasting legacy for those who had the honour of knowing her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult of times.
Blessings…
Andrew and Irene Skene
Howard Partnoy says
November 29, 2022 at 6:55 pmHal, I mourn the loss of Jill: your wife, life partner, outdoors companion, and your rock. Since I met you both all those years ago it’s always been Hal and Jill to me. You shared wonderful times as a couple and as a family. Jill was a warm, caring, thoughtful soul. It was my privilege to have known her. Hal, Robin, David, and the rest of the family, always keep those good memories alive and she will live within you. Deepest condolences from Johanna and I.
Howie
Cheryl Victor says
December 1, 2022 at 5:11 pmMy sincerest condolences to the Wilmering family as you mourn your loss. Jill had a warm friendly personality and an obvious dedication to the students at DHS.
Thinking of you and sending my sympathies
Cheryl Victor
In lieu of flowers, donations to Dryden Regional Mental Health & Addiction Services (807-223-6678), the Second Chance Pet Network (http://secondchancepetnetwork.ca), or the charity of your choice, would be gratefully appreciated.
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