Obituary of Lesley Edith Christina Wilhelm

Lesley Edith Christina Wilhelm, resident of Dawson Creek, passed away on July 6, 2009, at the age of sixty-six. She was the first-born child of Leslie and Winifred Tackaberry, born in Brandon, Manitoba, on July 1, 1943. Three years later, Lesley and her family moved to Nanaimo, and she spent most of her childhood in the Vancouver area. After her schooling, she joined the secretarial branch of the Air Force for a few years. Lesley then chose another career path in banking, starting at the Northwest Trust. After years there, she moved to the Bank of Montreal, where she worked diligently for twenty-eight years. While working at the Northwest Trust, Lesley met Alex Wilhelm, which started their lifelong companionship. Within a year of meeting, Alex decided he would not live without her, and he proposed. On July 10, 1965, Alex and Lesley pledged their love to one another, and they stayed happily married for forty-four years. Two years after marriage, the couple welcomed their first addition to their family. On May 9, 1967, their first son, Don, was born. A year later, on September 20, 1968, the couple welcomed a set of twins to their developing family: son, Barry, and daughter, Barbara. In June of 1971, Lesley joined the Royal Purple, Dawson Creek Lodge #85. She continued to be a member until October 1977, when she took a leave of absence to raise her young family. She rejoined on April 2003; in total, she was a member for twelve years. Lesley also served as Honored Royal Lady for two years, from June 2006 to May 2008. She was an active member of the Dawson Creek Lodge faithfully attending meetings and out-of-town conferences. Lesley was a tireless worker who was always there when called upon to help with banquets, lunches, and other events. As well, Lesley was a devoted volunteer who helped cook and serve lunches at the senior hall every Monday. She joined in January 2006 and continued to be a dedicated participant until diagnosed with cancer in March 2009. Lesley found pleasure in helping people, and she became close friends and had many laughs with the other volunteers. Lesley enjoyed curling with the Dawson Creek Ladies Curling League. Many of those years, she enjoyed playing with Shirley Brown and others such as Bev Jones, Georgette Bourbeau, and the late Herta Fischer. These ladies had enjoyed participating in many bonspiels around the area. Our Grandmother was a strong persistent woman, who never complained. No matter what cards she was dealt, she kept her chin up and made the best of what she had! Grandma always greeted us with a giant smile and was always optimistic about things. She was a very maternal woman to us, who always went out of her way to make us happy, whether it would be cooking separate meals or helping us with crafts. She was a loving mother, adoring grandmother, and a caring friend; she will be missed! Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society 1000 - 105th avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2B9. Lesley was predeceased by father, Leslie Tackaberry (January 1982); and mother Winifred Tackaberry (July 2005). Lesley was survived by husband, Alex; children, Don, Barry (Sandy), and Barb (Jim) Moi; brother, Brian (Trish); sister, Sandy (Bud); grandchildren, Chantel, Derek, Matthew, Tyler, and Cole; and many nieces and nephews. Lesley was cremated and by her request no service was held.