Juanita Grace Wilkins, March 1, 1929 –  September 11, 2026

Juanita Grace (Poole) Wilkins passed away at age 97 on Friday Sept.11th, 2026 at Dufferin Place Long Term Care Home in Nanaimo BC.

She was born March 1st, 1929 in Burdett, AB. and grew up with her brother, Bill, on their parents’ farm south of Burdett. She attended school in Burdett, and attended Normal School (Edmonton) to prepare for teaching, gradually adding summer courses at University of Calgary to become a Teacher Librarian. She married Stan Wilkins in Taber AB in 1949, they had four children and resided in Taber, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Swift Current SK where she retired in 1989. She and Stan moved to Nanaimo BC in 2000 to be closer to family, especially their only grandchild, Micalla Grace.

As an active member of the United Church Juanita drew great strength from her faith and devoted much time to volunteer work and participation in the church wherever she lived. She had been active with Lions Ladies and Save The Children.

Her first love was always riding horseback and her last ride was in Hawaii at age eighty.

Juanita loved walking, dancing, biking, badminton, camping, skating, curling and attended exercise classes well into her eighties. She was an avid card player and often won!

Known for her kindness and generosity, Juanita’s gentle warmth welcomed others into her life. Her friendships were treasured by many. She was happiest when surrounded by family that she loved with all her heart.

Juanita is survived by her sons, Blaine Wilkins (William Cruz) and Wayne Wilkins, her daughters, Valerie Wilkins and Shelley Wallace (Lorne), and granddaughter, Micalla Wallace. Sharing every moment watching Micalla grow up gave her the greatest joy!

She is also survived by cousins Audrey White (Dave), Elaine Nordby (Fred), Mary Jean Delmas, Judy Smith (Diego), Ken Smith (Betti), Brian Smith and nieces Noel Doherty (Dave) and Linda Dyck (Calvin), and nephews George Poole (Debbie) and Stewart Poole (Cheryl) and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Juanita was predeceased by her husband, Stan Wilkins, and her parents Bill and Mildred Poole, as well as her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Cathy Poole, cousin Evelyn Smith.
Celebration of Life will be held at 2PM Oct.19th at Brechin United Church, 2020 Estevan Rd. Nanaimo BC.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Legacy Fund at Brechin United Church (by cheque or by etransfer to donate@brechinunited.org).

• Date : 2026-09-11
• Location : Nanaimo, BC