To the family
My name is lda Hilson when Vida was at the nanor when l was volunteer there
Doing the bingo Vida use to come she was such a nice lady l always enjoyed talking, to
Her lam think of you all
Ida Hilson
Vida Winnifred Digulla passed away at the Northview Nursing Home on May 16, 2022 at the age of 97.
Vida was born March 24, 1925 to Ruby and Levis Porteous in Beauchamp Township. She attended Beauchamp #2 country school and often shared memories of her days there.
Vida continued her education in Englehart High. Upon graduation her first job was in Kirkland Lake as a mothers helper for the family of the owners of Seymours Mens Wear. Her work there left her with a wide knowledge of kosher cooking which she used for years after. From there Vida moved back to Englehart where she worked in Irelands drygoods store until her marriage to Walter Digulla On June 12, 1945. Vida returned to work as a pastry cook in the dining room of the then busy Eldon Hotel.
Vida and Walter later moved to Wabewawa where they built their new home on the south half of the Digulla farm. It was here they raised their two daughters Bonnie Olive and Anna Lee. Vida worked as a seamstress and for years took in sewing for many local residents. She was active in the Home and School Committee, the Lutheran Ladies Aid group, Chamberlain Recreation Committee and the Horticultural Society. She loved nothing more than having children, grandchildren, friends and neighbours come to visit. She always had time to sit with a cup of tea and visit.
Vida remained in their home following Walters passing in 1985. It was during these later years that her interest in gardening increased and she spent hours working out in her yard and flower beds. It was her gardens that she missed the most when she moved to Northdale Manor in her later years, and then the Northview Nursing Home. While at Northdale Manor Vida helped spearhead the planning and development of their flower gardens .
Vida was predeceased by brothers Joe, George, Arnold, and Mahlon; sister Agnes Johnson; husband Walter; infant son Lawrence; daughter Bonnie Gilbert; son-in-laws Arthur Gilbert and Winston McGonigal, and many nieces and nephews.
She leaves behind 1 daughter Anna McGonigal; 4 Grandsons Brad Gilbert (Terri Ann), Joe Gilbert (Sheryl) Kevin McGonigal (Angela) and Ian McGonigal (Julie); 7 Great-Grandchildren Alyssa Gilbert, Austin Gilbert, Sam Gilbert, Jenna Gilbert, Owen McGonigal, Aidan McGonigal and Reese McGonigal; 2 Great-great granddaughters Micah and Blakely.
Family would like to thank staff at the Northview Nursing Home for their exceptional care of Vida during her time there.
The family of the late Vida Digulla will receive friends at McDonalds Funeral Home, Englehart, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 22nd. Funeral to be held at 11;00 am Monday, May 23, 2022 at McDonalds Funerall Home Ltd., Englehart. Interment will follow in the Lutheran Church Cemetery, Chamberlain Twp.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund would be gratefully received.