Anna Vilmansen
Anna Vilmansen, a former resident of RR#1 Chesterville,
passed away at the Dundas Manor Nursing Home in Winchester on
Jan. 19, 2007. She was 89.
She was born in Ufa, Russia, just before the start of the summer
of 1917. Her parents, Johannes and Emma Juhans, were actually
Estonians, and had been travelling in Russia at the time. They
did make their way back, but unfortunately, the Russian revolution
prevented a direct route homeward; instead, the small family had
to travel through Russia, Siberia, then by boat around India,
through the Suez Canal and Europe, eventually reaching their home
in Tallinn, Estonia. Being Estonian was a very important aspect
of Anna's life, and although she and her husband and son had to
leave Estonia as a result of the Second World War, she always
held on to her great sense of pride in being a citizen of one
of the Baltic states.
Similar to many of her contemporaries, the Second World War changed
her life. She married Konrad Vilmansen, gave birth to her eldest
son, Arne, and the family was forced to move to Sweden under harrowing
circumstances.
However, they arrived safely, the family settled, grew in size
(Mari and Tom) and were able to establish a home north of Stockholm,
in the country, close to Sala.
Looking for further long-term stability, Anna and the family came
to Canada in late 1949, and settled in Williamsburg township.
It was a difficult adjustment, but welcoming neighbours soon became
friends, and the family settled and eventually grew with the arrivals
of Urmas, Kristi, and Helen.
She worked very hard. She learned English, instilled a love of
learning in all of her children, was an avid gardener, and made
a home for her family. Birthdays were always events with her
special secret-recipe birthday cake, Christmas was celebrated
with Estonian and Swedish traditions all things that the
family cherishes, incorporates, and carries forward.
In the 1960s, Anna decided to pursue training that led to her
working at Winchester District Memorial Hospital. She became a
medical records technician and truly loved her job, well, most
of the time anyway. Nights spent studying anatomy and medical
terminology for her accreditation enabled her to carry out her
day-to-day work effectively. After completing her examinations,
she received one of the highest marks in Ontario in that year's
medical records program.
In 1978, she was able to fulfill a dream she had been keeping
for decades with her daughter Mari, she was able to return
to Estonia to visit the family she had not seen in decades.
She enjoyed the company of her colleagues at the hospital and
reluctantly retired in the early 1980s, when health issues became
a concern. Once retired, with her health improving, she dedicated
more time to her gardening and other interests.
Sadly, in late 1984, her husband Konrad passed away but in the
following years she was able to welcome Kristi's children, Michael
and Kara, into the world, and watch as her own children went on
to establish themselves in their lives and careers.
She always appreciated and respected the good neighbours and friends
in the community that she grew to call home. From the first days
in Canada to local church suppers to community skating parties
to the friendly rivalry of neighbourhood euchre parties, the people
in this community have provided friendship, support, and caring.
She is survived by her children Arne Vilmansen of RR# 1 Chesterville,
Mari Vilmansen of London, England, Toomas Vilmansen (Carol Morgan)
of Ottawa, Kristi Vilmansen of Mississauga, Urmas Vilmansen of
Toronto, and Helen Vilmansen of Ottawa. She will be fondly remembered
by grandchildren Kara and Michael. She was predeceased by a daughter
Susan. She is also survived by nieces and nephews in Estonia.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg,
on Jan. 21. The funeral service was held at the funeral home on
Jan. 22 with Rev. Joachim Barkley-Probst officiating. Spring interment
will be at St. John's Cemetery in Riverside Heights.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated
by the family.