Obituary of Hope Willford

1918 - 2010

It is with great sorrow that the family of Hope Billmark Willford announces her passing on Saturday December 4, 2010 at Joseph Creek Care Village after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Hope was 92, she was born April 4, 1918 the third child for Archibald Henry Playle and Martha Ellen Wallace at Baddarock, the Playle homestead at Patton's Lake just outside Cranbrook. Hope's parents had the Big Butte Dairy where she worked to tend the cows from an early age. The stories she would tell made us realize how difficult life was when she grew up. One happy story was about selling ice cream out at Lumberton where people would come out with their bowls and buy a dish of ice cream from the Ice Cream truck.

Hope met Gunnar in Cranbrook and they married October 9, 1937. They raised their children Eleanor and Gary here in Cranbrook. Hope was known for her love of cooking. She and Mrs. Laura Proctor ran the Mt. Baker School cafeteria shortly after the school opened. She was always cooking or baking for someone or some group. After Gunnar's early death Hope married Mel Willford in 1965. Mel passed away in 1982.

Hope was a founding member of the Scandinavian Sisters of the EK in 1945. She was also a member of the Maple Leaf Rebekah Lodge #19 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Cranbrook #19) for 60 years. Hope was very involved with the lodge and held the office of Noble Grand. Hope was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Cranbrook, #3023). Hope spent a great deal of her time visiting the shut in for all the organizations she was involved in.

Hope was predeceased by her first husband, Gunnar Billmark in 1963, her second husband Mel Willford, her sister Irene Englehardt, and her brother Norman Playle.

Hope is lovingly remembered by her children Eleanor Skailes and Gary (Judy) Billmark, her grandchildren Jacquie (Randy), Lara (Tony) and Todd (Jane) and her great grandchildren Aiden and Sophie Parchomchuk. As well, she is lovingly remembered by her step-son Jim (Shirley) Willford, Calgary,AB; Hope's step-grandchildren Jim Jr., Blake (Amber) , & Marla (Perc) Demman; and her step- great grandchildren Megan & Aidan Willford, Rhys Demman, & Forrest (Tashina) Demman.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the care provided to our mother by the staff at JCCV (Baker Pod).

The family of Hope Willford (Billmark) welcome friends and family to attend a graveside service at Westlawn Cemetery at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2011. A reception will follow at: 1479 - Southview Drive. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Hope may do so to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada (300 - 828 - 8th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1E2) or a donor of your choice.

Hope will be remembered for her delicious cooking and always being there to lend a helping hand.

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com