At Wingham & District Hospital on Monday, May 12, 2025, Wilma Higgins of Belgrave passed away at the age of 90.
Loving wife of Ross Higgins of 64 years. Devoted mom of Bruce Higgins and Donna (John) Barger. Cherished grandma of Laura Higgins, Ashley Higgins (Brock McLean) and Shelby Higgins, and Nick Barger (Marissa Johnson) and Jason Barger (Kassidy Eastman), and great-grandma of George and Roy McLean. Sister-in-law of Leona Johnston and Mildred McDonald. Predeceased by her parents Sandy & Annie Johnston, brother John Johnston, nephew Kevin Johnston, brothers-in-law Lloyd McDonald and Charlie and Norman Higgins and sisters-in-law Dorothy Higgins, Carrie McLeod (Rod), Ferrol Farrier (Carman), and Edna Pletch (Tom).
As long-time members of the Wheelin’ Dealers square dance club, Wilma and Ross travelled across Canada from coast-to-coast dancing and making lifelong friendships along the way. Ever the Farmer’s Wife, Wilma made sure all of the men in the fields were fed, and then, spent her fair share of time in the tractor and the barn too. She was also active with the Women’s Institute, UCW, and took joy in providing childcare to some of the neighbours. Never a dull moment at the Higgins home. Wilma was always so proud of her family and friends. She took her camera everywhere to capture many memories. There was often an album’s worth of photos and newspaper clipping displayed on her fridge. Wilma and Ross never missed an event for their grandkids. Every hockey game, baseball game, broomball game, recital, or concert, Grandma and Grandpa were always there. Every summer, Wilma had a huge garden – with lots of strawberries and tomatoes. Her flower beds were full of bright colourful blooms. But it was her red and yellow dahlias that always took top prize when the grandkids entered them in the Belgrave School Fair. She loved hummingbirds and enjoyed sitting outside and watching them visit her feeders. Every August, Wilma would get a few bushels of peaches to can. The grandkids rarely left grandma’s house without a jar of peaches. There was always someone to visit. Most Sunday afternoons, Wilma and Ross were on the road off to visit family and friends.
Visitation will be held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Monday, May 19th, 2025 from 11:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 pm. Reception will follow at the Belgrave Community Centre. Interment will take place at Brandon Cemetery, Belgrave.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Belgrave Community Centre or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Online condolences at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com