Obituary of Lottie Wihak

Lottie Ada (nee Virr) Wihak was born May 23, 1933 in Ottawa, Ontario. She passed away peacefully at Regina Pasqua Hospital on October 3, 2018 with family by her side. She was raised on a farm 56 km (35 miles) from Thunder Bay along with her sister Audrey and brother Raymond. Lottie's mother passed away when she was only 8 years old, and since her father worked at the paper mill in Thunder Bay her grandparents Lottie Mary and Alfred Edmund Virr moved in to help raise them. They had an indelible influence on Lottie's life of faith and service. She attended a one room school house up to grade 8. Following that, she was bussed into Thunder Bay to attend Selkirk High where she obtained her grade 12. Following high school she worked as a clerk-stenographer at Searle Elevators. In 1952, Lottie met Ernie "Spook" Wihak one evening while dancing at Chippewa Park near Thunder Bay. In 1956, after dating for 4 years, they were engaged to be married. They were married on August 27, 1956 in Thunder Bay. They relocated to Melville where Ernie was able to work with the CNR. They moved in with Ernie's ailing mother. They lived and raised their family in the original Wihak home. Reginald born (1958), Heather (1960), Noella (1961), Gregory (1970), and Donald (1972). All of her children attended St. Henry's Elementary and Junior High Schools and Melville Comprehensive School. Education, faith, community involvement and service was encouraged. Lottie and Ernie welcomed into the family Braden Mueller, Laura Ritchie, Monica Wasylciw, and Kim Konasavage. Lottie and Ernie knew the value of family travel to expand horizons, both figuratively and literally. They took family trips throughout North America, with a special trip to Disneyland in 1977. Other trips included Expo '67 with Ernie and Expo '86 with Ernie, Greg, Don, and her father. Following Ernie's retirement, Lottie and Ernie took trips to Kansas, Texas, and Arizona to visit with family/friends and then on to see Heather in B.C. In the years after Ernie's death, Lottie took her family to Disneyland and Disney World. She achieved her lifelong goal of visiting England to explore family history and took 5 cruises and several international trips with Heather. They also enjoyed relaxing at their cabin at Crooked Lake hosting family and friends. As well, Lottie enjoyed dances, parties, and other social gatherings with Ernie and their circle of friends. She enjoyed reading, sewing, quilting, crocheting, cake decorating, and gardening among other varied interests. Lottie was married to Ernie for 42 years before he passed away July 18, 1999 following a 4-year battle with thyroid cancer. Lottie was devastated following Ernie's passing and regained her footing with the support of family and dear friends. Lottie spent 6 winters in Victoria avoiding the hazards of winter and affording her the opportunity to visit with Heather and lifelong friends Doreen, Audrey, and Gerri. She was a clerk-stenographer at Searle Elevator in Thunder Bay for 5 years, St. Peter's Hospital receptionist for a year, clerk-stenographer for the CNR Superintendent for six years and relief work, commercial teacher at St. Henry's High School for a year and a half, and receptionist at City Hall. Lottie was deeply and devoutly involved in many faith-related organizations including Catholic Women's League for 58 years (Local, Diocesan, Regional, and Provincial President).She was a founding member of the "Family Resource Centre" now the Saul Cohen Centre in Melville. She was a founding member and Chair of St. Henry's Home and School Association. Served for 9 years as Parent Co-ordinator for the Confirmation Program. She was the first elected woman on St. Henry's Parish Council and served for 6 years. She was a volunteer clerk at the Parish Office for a number of years. She was a member of Saskatchewan Pro Life. She was a chairperson of the Melville Association of Christian Churches for 2 years and involved for 9 years. Lottie was a tireless and formidable force for a variety of organizations and causes volunteering for Girl Guides of Canada, 1990 Winter games, Donors Choice, Returning Officer for municipal elections, candidate in civic election, Hearing Officer for SGI for 13 years, coordinator of a local breast cancer survey, and treasurer of the Caleb Village Association. She was an active member of the Canadian Diabetic Association for over 30 years. She was a founding member of and a 10-year volunteer of the Melville Ambulance Association. She was an active member of the Melville District Quilters. She was a cake decorator and instructed classes through the community college. Lottie was never a person to sit on the sidelines if there was a problem. She stepped forward with her strong organizational and social skills to find a solution. She took on various leadership and support roles throughout her life. Lottie truly cared about people. She remembered people's names and valued the relationships that she created with them. Above all, her special interests were her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She leaves to celebrate and cherish her memory her children Reg (Laura), Heather, Noel (Braden), Greg (Monica), and Don (Kim). Her grandchildren Mike (Mona), Mat, Dylan, Isaac, Brenden, Arielle, Olivia, Sam, Ava and great-grandson Nikko. As well, her sister Audrey (Phil), half-brother Les (Tammy), half-sister Hazel, sisters-in-law Allie (Fred) and Eileen (Ken). Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and acquaintances. Lottie was pre-deceased by her loving husband Ernie, maternal grand parents John Albert Clapp and Ada Mabel Clapp; mother Mildred (Clapp), father Raymond, step-mother Mary, brothers-in-law William (Bill), Alexander (Al), Frederick (Fred), Joseph (Joe); sisters-in-law: Ruth, Katherine, and Ida; brother Raymond and step-brother James. Service Information Monday, October 8th, 2018 7:00pm, St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 10:00am, St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details St. Henry's Roman Catholic Parish Cemetery