Matilda Lillian Williams (nee Harms)

March 9, 1934 - May 1, 2025

In loving memory ~

Matilda Lillian Williams passed away peacefully at her Nanaimo Seniors Village home on May 1, 2025. Matilda is together again with her predeceased parents, Bill and Elizabeth Harms, sisters Leona and Linda, and brother Ed.

Matilda, affectionately called Til or Tillie, is survived by her cherished husband Parker, sons Glen (Penny), Gary (Camille), Don (Heather), daughter Gale (Zoltan), grandchildren Kim, Robyn (Drew), Ethen and Leah, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Matilda was born March 9, 1934 in Renata, BC. Renata was a small isolated fruit growing community located on the shores of Arrow Lake whose primary access to the rest of the world was the steamship paddlewheeler Minto. Memories of her early life growing up in Renata gave mom much comfort and joy in her later years.

In 1946, Matilda's parents moved the family from Renata to Yellow Point on Vancouver Island, to provide more opportunities for their children. Mom attended school in Cedar and Ladysmith. Of course one of those opportunities came later when Matilda met and was courted by Parker at dances at the Speedway Hall in Cedar. They married in 1953 and at the time of Matilda's passing their marriage was 72 years strong. They raised their first two children, Glen and Gary to toddler ages in a one room cabin in Yellow Point. Then they moved to Nanaimo and grew the family to six with the arrivals of Don and Gale. After Parker's retirement, Matilda and Parker spent a decade living on Protection Island, often hosting their grandchildren. They moved back to Nanaimo city in 2000.

In addition to supporting her husband and children in their endeavours, Matilda was active in several local organizations and causes such as the Girl Guides, Air Cadets, Arthritis Society, Protection Island Lions Club, Protection Island Museum and the Colliery Dam Preservation Society. While her children attended Dufferin Crescent Elementary School, Matilda was a very active parent volunteer. When Matilda saw a need, or a wrong that needed to be made right she would jump in and get to work on it.

One of Matilda's favourite past times was to knit baby sweaters for family and friends. In addition to taking several trips overseas, Matilda and Parker spent much time in their camper van exploring new areas, snow birding, and visiting friends and relatives.

"We are all stories in the end, remembered by the adventures we had,

the achievements we made and the people we loved"

The family expresses their gratitude to the care givers at Nanaimo Seniors Village. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial donation to a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life for Matilda will be held at the Church of the Nazarene, 2150 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo, on Saturday May 10 at 1 pm.