Louise Wilmot

October 31, 1934 – January 26, 2017

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Louise Wilmot, peacefully, at the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, with her daughters by her side. Louise will be missed by her daughters, Hope and Sarah Crawley (John Ervin): her grandchildren, Early (Gillian), Breath, and Shahada Evans, and Odea Crawley: her great-grandchildren Claire and Arabella Evans: her brother Laurence Wilmot and her sister Hope Wilmot (Dick Smith). Many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends around the world also lovingly remember and will miss Louise.

Born in Morden Manitoba to Edith Louise Hope (Hope) and Lawrence Frank (Laurie) Wilmot, (residing at the time in Pilot Mound), as a child she had a special bond with her maternal grandfather Sidney Littlewood of Winnipeg. Louise attended 16 schools in 12 years, moving frequently with her family. As a young child Louise was known as Mary-Lou, Franny-Lou, Franny and Frankie, ultimately choosing to be called Louise. She graduated from Gordon Bell High School and Manitoba Teacher’s College (Winnipeg) and studied at the University of Alberta and the Canterbury School of Fine Arts, England, as well as completing a summer painting program in Dawson City, Yukon. In 1979, Louise received a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Honours, from the University of Manitoba’s School of Art. Louise had a life-long love of learning and took courses in film production, French, computers, meditation, public speaking (Toast Masters) and in 1988 completed a course in Real Estate, with the Winnipeg Real Estate Board.

For most of Louise’s life she taught, first as an elementary school teacher at Whitmore School (Dauphin, MB), Balmoral Hall and Ralph Maybank School (Winnipeg), and later as an Art Specialist for high schools in Edmonton. For many years Louise worked as a substitute teacher for Winnipeg School Division No 1, and Fort Garry and Assiniboia School Divisions. For over 40 years she taught private art classes for people of all ages, running her own business, Art Studio 56, from her art studio in the Bate Building on McDermot Avenue, a commercial gallery she operated on Portage Avenue and later in her home on Collegiate Street (Winnipeg). She loved the time she spent with her students, many of whom kept in touch with her for years after she taught them.

Louise had a successful international career as a professional artist, working in oil painting, watercolour, printmaking and photography. She mounted solo exhibitions in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie MB, Edmonton AB and New York City, NY. Her artwork was included in numerous group-exhibitions in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Canterbury, England. Louise’s artwork is included in many public collections in Manitoba and private collections in Australia, Hong Kong, Brazil, South America, U.S.A., England, Guyana and across Canada. Louise was also a published writer working in both prose and poetry, receiving the Editor’s Choice Award for Poetry from the National Library of Poetry, U.S.A., in 1993. Louise was an active volunteer, serving as a tour guide for the Winnipeg Art Gallery, a Board Member for CARFAC MB and as a writer and broadcaster at CKUW for 2000 and Counting.

In 1959 Louise married David Perry Crawley at St George’s Anglican Church, Winnipeg. After moving to Edmonton, they welcomed daughters Hope (1963) and Sarah (1965). Taking a break from her teaching career, Louise focused on raising their girls. After moving around for a few years (Canterbury, England from 1966-1967; Edmonton and Sherwood Park, AB from 1967-1971) they relocated to Winnipeg in 1971. The family spent many happy summers at Victoria Beach and Hampton Subdivision (at the end of Hwy 59), entertaining friends and relatives.

Louise’s greatest joy came from family. She was proud of her daughters, supported their choices, and taught them, by example, the power of unconditional love and empathy. Louise adored her four grandchildren, Early, Breath, Shahada and Odea, and visited them as often as possible while they were growing up in Vancouver. She was overjoyed to welcome granddaughter-in-law Gillian and her two great-granddaughters, Claire and Arabella, to the family, visiting them in Calgary. Sons-in-law, John and Tom were very dear to her; really more like sons.

Louise held a special place in her heart for her cats. Over the years she loved Cinderella, Snowwhite, Smokey, Indie and her longest and closest cat companion, Shadow. For 18 years he truly was her shadow and she missed him every day after his passing.

Louise had a huge heart, a beautiful smile, an extremely generous nature and was a truly compassionate person. She always helped out those that had less than her. Tiny in stature, standing only 4’, 10 ¾”, she had a huge personality and lit up every room she entered. Her sense of humour was original and often surprising. Most of all she loved to share her knowledge of art and her appreciation of all things beautiful. She brought joy to hundreds of people through her art classes and her artworks. The world is absolutely a more joyful, beautiful place because of all that Louise gave and left behind.

A Celebration of Louise’s life will be held in May in Winnipeg. Louise’s daughters would like to thank the staff and many friends Louise had at Oakview Place where she resided for the last year and the nursing staff, health care aids and doctors at the Grace Hospital, 3-South, for the kindness and compassion they showed Louise in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Louise’s name to D’Arcy’s ARC, Animal Rescue Centre, 730-B Century Street, Winnipeg, R3H 0M1.

We love you mom and will miss you everyday. xxx