Laura Maude Wigmore

Maudie Wigmore passed peacefully from this life at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown at 4:44p.m. on Tuesday, November 19th, two weeks shy of her 101st birthday.
She was born Laura Maude MacLaine, December 4th, 1923 in North River to Bannerman Preston MacLaine and Mildred Howe MacLaine (nee Prowse). Maudie was the middle child of three, bookended by brother Jock and little sister Neila.
Living to 100, Maudie was naturally predeceased by many, most prominently her parents, siblings and husband, Willard Gordon Wigmore and her dearly beloved grandson Alexander Duncan Matheson.
Those of us left to soldier on include her children: Bob Billings, Judy (Dave) Turpin, Ivy (Douglas Malcom), Gordie, Joan Diamond, Ellen (Bill) Martin, Linda, Candy (Darren Riggs), Donna and Carl (Heather) and grandchildren: Preston Billings, Kent Turpin, Rachel Mears, Matthew Haughn, Robbie Moses, Blair Cowan, Willard and Richard Wigmore, Luke and Laura Diamond, Georgia Rae Connolly, Blythe and Heather Martin, Will, Cassie and Rachel Matheson and Olivia Wigmore, as well as a multitude of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand nephews. Although they may be too numerous to tally here, she adored each one in her circle with a deep and specific appreciation, as is also true of the multitude of honorary children and grandchildren who were happily welcomed as part of the family.
Maudie trained at the Ottawa Civic School of Nursing. Her career included stints at the Kingston General Hospital, the Prince Edward Island Hospital, the Eric Found Centre and the Garden of the Gulf Nursing Home. As was the case everywhere she went, Maudie made fast friends throughout her career. David Suzuki, for example, commented on her wonderful face, which also inspired photographer Yousuf Karsh whose wife she nursed. Karsh, known for his portraits of notable individuals, wanted to take her picture but Maudie was afraid there would be a charge and she was broke so she refused. But for that, we might be able to visit Maudie Wigmore’s image in galleries along with luminaries including Martin Luther King, Bertrand Russel and that other queen, Elizabeth.
Maudie’s zest for life and her capacity to love were foremost in her characteristics. Both qualities served her well as she made friends and had fun wherever she went. In her latter years, when she was not in the best of shape physically, a sudden health crisis required a trip to QEH Emergency. She waited from day to night and into the wee hours. We shuddered to think of how grueling that trip had been for her! But no. When asked how she got along, Mom said, “Oh! I just had an absolute ball! I met so many great people and everyone was so kind!”
Maudie’s last years were spent at Burnside Community Care, owned and operated by niece Myrtle and husband, Alan MacPhee. Although reluctant to leave her own home, within weeks Maudie settled in to be the heart and soul of the place. She thrived on the wonderful environment provided for residents and came to dearly love so many there. We are so grateful to Myrtle, Alan and the staff of Burnside for their tender care.
The family also wants to express gratitude to Dr. Lori Cheverie and the nursing staff of the QEH Emergency department for their compassionate care of our dear mother in her final days.
This beautiful spirit passed from the physical world surrounded by loved ones laughing, crying, singing and reminiscing. She left us a legacy of pure love.

The funeral will be held at Zion Presbyterian Church, 135 Prince Street in Charlottetown on Monday, November 25th at 10:30 a.m., reception to follow. And, of course, for such an occasion there must also be a real party. The family will host a celebration of life for Maudie Wigmore, at a later date, venue to be announced. There will be many more anecdotes, and you are invited to bring your own.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Parkinson Canada.