Friday, March 19, 2021 at 12:00 a.m.
Drozdowski, Wilma
WILMA MARGRETHE DROZDOWSKI, beloved wife of the late Stanley Drozdowski, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the age of 94 years.
WILMA MARGRETHE DROZDOWSKI, beloved wife of the late Stanley Drozdowski, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the age of 94 years.
She is survived by her son, Lyle Drozdowski (Sue Meredith) of Lethbridge, Alberta, her granddaughter Kelsey Meyer (Rohn Meyer) and great grandson Conrad, and her grandson, Kevin Drozdowski (Ashley Yaremko), all of Calgary, Alberta. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins, in Canada and in Denmark.
She was predeceased by her husband, Stanley Drozdowski, and by her parents, Lars Peder Pedersen and Wilhelmine Kristine Pedersen (née Nielsen), of Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
Wilma was born January 18, 1927 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan as a first-generation Canadian. She was proud of her Danish-Canadian heritage and of her homestead upbringing in Neidpath, Saskatchewan. She was talented in horsemanship, and rode her Shetland pony, Rex, to school at the one-room schoolhouse near the community each day. Upon graduating high school from W. A. Beatty Collegiate in Swift Current, she attended and graduated from the Yorkton Hospital nursing program. She met her husband, Stan, at a New Year's Eve dance in 1947. After a long distance romance while she completed her nursing training in Yorkton, Stan and Wilma were married on October 18, 1950 at First United Church in Swift Current. Their son, Lyle, was born in 1951. Wilma lived in Swift Current until 2019. She worked as a registered nurse for about 40 years. She became the head nurse of the operating room at Swift Current Union Hospital, and then worked in long term care at the Palliser Hospital until her retirement. In 1986, she was recognized with an award from the Canadian Red Cross Society for her thirty years of volunteer service in coordinating blood donor clinics. In 1992, she was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada.
Wilma and Stan loved camping, fishing, square dancing, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends, whom they treasured. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother and a lifelong friend. She visited family in Denmark and enjoyed taking family visiting from Denmark on sightseeing trips in Canada. Wilma was a dedicated member of Grace United Church in Swift Current. In 2019, she moved to Lethbridge, and enjoyed meeting many new friends at her new home at the Seasons Lethbridge Gardens. She quickly became part of a new family there, enjoying book club, 4th floor exercises with the gals, coffee and card games. She always had a beautiful smile, and a warm heart. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Guestbook (7)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Wilma.
Wilma and I began to correspond after the death of my mother, Ellen Troelsen, in 2008. My mother and father were close friends with her and her parents, as they were among the few Danes living in Swift Current in the 50's and 60's. I have fond memories of celebrating Danish-style Christmas eves with them during my childhood. Wilma and I had not seen one another in at least 50 years but we kept in touch through Christmas letters. I will remember her fondly and miss that connection that she provided with long ago days in Saskatchewan. Heartfelt condolences to her family.
Knew Wilma for a short time during my time at Seasons Lethbridge and before moving to Calgary.She became a dear friend and I so enjoyed her company. She will be missed by all who knew her.
I first met Wilma in 1950 at the nursing graduation in Yorkton Saskatchewan. Wilma was one of 6 RN graduates, which included my sister Beatrice (Thomson) Haughian. I also remember Wilma when she worked at the Swift Current Hospital as a nurse in the operating room and also as a Red Cross Donor. I worked in the Laboratory at the Hospital. After our husbands died, Wilma, Beatrice and I often enjoyed dinner and lengthy visits at a restaurant or at my home. We also enjoyed taking some day trips to the communities around Swift Current. Wilma was a very intelligent, happy person and a good friend. I was honoured to be one of them. After she moved to Lethbridge, I frequently spoke to her on the phone. I remember how happy she was when she became a Great Grandmother, she was always so proud of her family. She will be missed by her family and her many friends. Love, Violet (Thomson) Caswell
Our thoughts are with you
Wilma's father and my Danish homesteaded together near Swift Current in 1912. After my father moved to the US and married I came along and learned about Wilma when I was a kid. One of my great experiences was visiting Wilma in the 1990's and the site of our parent's farms. I found her quite amazing and very generous. The obituary photo reveals her personality. How she must be missed by her family and friends. My brother and our five kids never met Wilma but knew of her. She was our link to Canada and will be missed very much even by those who knew her only by reputation. Our condolences to all concerned from the Andersen family in the US (NH, PA, TN, FL ME)
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Wilma. What a wonderful lady! I remember with fondness our many conversations and shared activities at Grace United Church. She will be missed. May she rest in peace! Mel Friesen
Lyle and Sue. I am so very sorry for your loss. We all miss Wilma here at 'the Gardens'. I'm glad we had the opportunity, if only for a short time, to enjoy her company. Warm blessings.