WILMA GAIL WINTER, beloved wife of Wayne Winter passed away in Lethbridge on September 30, 2009 at the age of 66. Besides her loving husband she is survived by her sons Hal, of Lethbridge and Glen (Kerry) of Medicine Hat and her two precious grandchildren Lindsay and Ben.
Wilma was the daughter of Miriam and George Santa. Her paternal grandmother delivered her the night of a great blizzard, January 22, 1943 in 117 District near Milk River.
She is survived by her siblings, Laurette (Darryl) Hutchings, Les (Clarice) Santa, Don (Pat) Santa, Janet (Ron) Sheen, Skip (Carol) Santa, Gary Santa, nieces and nephews, by her aunts Edna Santa and Julie (Santa) Nierenberg, as well as by her brothers-in-law Doug (Nancy) Winter and children and Jerry Winter.
Wilma obtained a Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, a Master of Education and a Doctorate of Education at the University of Oregon. She was a Founding Faculty Member of the University of Lethbridge and spent her career teaching in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. She was very proud to be the Head Coach of the U of L’s women’s basketball team when it won the Canadian Junior Women’s Championship. While at the U of L Wilma was honored to be nominated to the University Board of Governors and became the sitting Faculty member. For many years Wilma was the Chief Marshal of Convocation and retired as a Professor Emerita.
Wilma was well known in Lethbridge for her tireless work and leadership in many charitable endeavors. She was Chair of the Provincial Special Olympics Games, Co-Chair of the Provincial Senior Games, Chair of the Kiwanis Music and Speech Arts Festival. At her passing she was the President of the Lethbridge Duplicate Bridge Club, past Board member of the Lethbridge Country Club, the YWCA, and 1st Choice Credit Union. She was chosen as the YWCA Woman of Distinction in 2006 for her volunteerism and leadership skills. The Province of Alberta honored Wilma with the Alberta Centennial Medal for her community involvement in 2005.
Wilma was a long time golfing member of the Lethbridge Country Club. As a bridge player, she attained the level of a Silver Life Master Duplicate Bridge player from the American Contract Bridge League as well as an accredited Duplicate Bridge director. She was a voracious reader and an avid world traveler. Bon Voyage Wilma.
At the University of Lethbridge, her colleagues on campus are establishing a scholarship in Wilma's memory. More information on how to make a gift to this award is available by calling 403-329-2582.