It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that the family of Virginia “Virgie” Blanche Fildes (nee Slater) announces her passing on April 8th, 2022, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers. She was 92 yrs. old.
Virginia was born a fighter. She was born on May 18th, 1929, the eldest of 8 children. She came into the world weighing less then 2 lbs but showed her fighting spirit, not only surviving that first night but continuing to thrive despite the doctor’s early misgivings. Her parents were William and Carmen (nee Waite) Slater, in Brantford, Ontario. She remained in Brantford until the age of 17 when she travelled north to the town of Cobalt to marry the love of her life Jim Fildes. They spent a few years in the small northern community of Matachewan but returned to Cobalt where they built a house and a home on Ruby Street.
Never one to sit still, she worked at a variety of jobs after her move north, including working at the Silver Lunch Restaurant and running the lunch counter at the Fina Gas Station in Cobalt. She was also a clerked at the Pro Hardware in New Liskeard and the Red & White Grocery Store in Cobalt from where she finally retired.
True to her nature, Virginia always found ways to fill her time. Raising her original family of 5 and expanding that as each of her children grew up and added their own families. She was quick to smile and was known for her laugh and big heart. She had a passion for her flowers spending time nurturing the blooms and planning the next planting. She also had a great love of reading which led to volunteering on the board of the local library and sharing her books with her friends. She loved visiting the Highway Bookshop and browsing the aisles. After her children were grown, she indulged her crafting side and became known for her quilts and crocheted tablecloths. She enjoyed making outfits and stuffed toys for her grandchildren. She relished going for long walks in the summer and snow shoeing with her friends in the winter. She always valued her friends and the time spent with them, cherishing their friendship.
Being active in the community was something she strongly believed in and was proud to be a board member of the Cobalt library, Seniors Society, Silver Rebecca’s Lodge and St James Anglican Church in Cobalt. She was rewarded for her involvement by being named Cobalt’s Citizen of the Year in 2009.
Her greatest love was for her family, and she gave them roots from a warm loving heart. She guided them all with love and patience. She was known for her quick laughter and “love taps”. If you were standing beside her when she was laughing, you were sure to receive one! Always known for her dedication, honesty, hard work, creativity, and personal sacrifice she will be missed immensely.
She is predeceased by her husband James “Jim”, her grandsons Jimmy Fildes and Thomas Arthur, daughter-in-law Debra Fildes, her parents Carmen and William Slater and siblings Joyce Shannon (Lloyd), Bob Slater (Hope), Donna Cowperthwaite (John) and Bill Slater (Dawn) and Jack Slater.
Her life is celebrated by her children Linda Johnston (Dale) of smith, Alberta, William (Bill) Fildes (Lucille) of Ladysmith, BC, Jeff Fildes of Cobalt Ont., Gary Fildes (Deborah) of Azilda, Ont and Beth Arthur (Curt) of Haileybury, Ont. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She is survived by her siblings Carol Jones (Mick) and Jim Slater (Isabelle). She treasured her connections with them.
We will miss you so much Mom. You have always given so much of yourself and now it is time for you to soar with the angels. Our grief is lightened knowing that you are once again where you always wanted to be, reunited with the love of your life, Dad (Jim). Your memory will be our blessing. You will remain always in our hearts, and you will never be forgotten.
Cremation has taken place at Lakeview Crematorium, Haileybury.
Friends will be received St. James Anglican Church, Cobalt, on Thursday, April 14th from 10:00 am until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:00 am with Deacon Valerie Patterson officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Buffam Leveille Funeral Home, 705-672-3122.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to St. James Anglican Church in Cobalt or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Virginia Blanche Virgie Fildes Slater Friday April 8th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Haileybury, Province: Ontario