It is with heartfelt sorrow that the family of Alice Wilson share the news of her passing peacefully on Tuesday May 23rd, 2023 at the age of 85.
Devoted mother of Andrew (Carla) and Penny (Graeme) and cherished Nanny to Ben (Marina), Katie (Kaelen), Sam (Mariah) and Alicia (Oliver), Alice loved her children and grandchildren fiercely. She often told her grandchildren that if anyone gave them grief, they should tell them their Nanny was nine feet tall with fangs that went down to her belly button that she sharpened on telephone poles. She was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Myles and Levi.
Alice was born in Sheffield, England on September 14th, 1937 – the 5th born of six siblings. She met and married her husband, Peter Wilson, and at age 24, three months after giving birth to Andrew, Alice and Peter moved to Calcutta, India to set up a home for their young family. Shortly after giving birth to her second child, Penny, Alice displayed her fearless independence when she flew solo with both children from India to England and back to introduce Penny to family.
After seven years in India, Alice and the family returned to England, only to stay for one year before Peter was transferred by his employer to Canada. Rather than taking a flight from England to Canada, Alice and family voyaged for two weeks across the Atlantic on the Empress of Canada, arriving to Montreal in the middle of the October Crisis in 1970. The family settled in Burlington after spending a year in Point Claire.
Andrew and Penny kept Alice busy. She was always on the way to soccer games, the tennis club, the farm, and anywhere else Andrew and Penny needed to be for extracurricular activities. But Alice embraced the busy schedule. She loved running the junior tennis program at the Burlington Tennis Club, for many years helping children learn tennis and the importance of good manners.
Alice was an active woman and enjoyed being outdoors. She could often be found playing tennis and golf, hiking, biking, picnicking, and gardening (one of her favorite hobbies). Alice was always up for anything. She once agreed to go canoeing with her son-in-law and his boisterous young Labrador despite being very afraid of boating. Alice adored spending time with her children and grandchildren and never said no to an adventure.
Alice had an enormous circle of friends in Burlington. The “Burlington Ladies” had many dinners, celebrations, golf retreats and tennis matches, and vibrant social events together. They were a joyful, supportive and fun-loving group and Alice loved them very much. Friends described her as a spirited, selfless lady who cared deeply about her friends and family.
Later in life, Alice enjoyed many winters in Florida with her companion Denis and, true to form, made many new friends. Down South, Alice kept active with tennis, golf, and lawn bowling.
In 2018, Alice moved to Woods Park Care Home in Barrie to be closer to family. The staff at Woods Park loved Alice. In fact, she was somewhat legendary there. Everyone knew Alice. Once again, she made new friends and was involved in every activity available. She was loved and cared for with such kindness and was often described as the life of the party. We are truly grateful for the love, care, and support of all the Woods Park staff.
She passed peacefully and on her own terms, surrounded by her family. She was deeply loved and will be missed.
Godspeed Alice. Until we all meet again.
A celebration of life for Alice will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County.