Wilda Elaine Dow

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our deeply loved and cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Wilda Elaine (nee Nelson) Dow, on February 23rd, 2026, at the age of 95.

Wilda is survived by her three daughters, Stephanie Phillips, Barbara Pickering, and Kristine Dow. She was predeceased by her precious son James in 1990 and her beloved husband, Kay in 2015, as well as by two dear sisters (Loree Brewerton and Lois Sugden) and one dear brother (Laurence Nelson). She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Wilda was born to Ivan and Madeline Nelson on October 2, 1930, in Cardston, Alberta and grew up in Southern Alberta, where she eventually met and married her sweetheart, Kay. Upon their marriage, Kay and Wilda moved to Calgary Alberta where they stayed and raised all their children. A significant part of Kay, Wilda, and their children’s lives was the joyous time they spent at their cabin on Shuswap Lake, which Kay and Wilda built together. There, they spent many glorious weeks and months enjoying the sun, the water and their close connection to the family of Roy (Kay’s brother) and Flo Dow, who had also built a cabin right next door. Words cannot express how much that beautiful place, and the wonderful time spent with family there, meant to all of us.

Wilda had nursing training and also trained as an OR technician at the Foothills Hospital where she worked for some time. In addition, after devoting many years to the loving rearing of her children, Wilda worked for the Calgary Board of Education at Viscount Bennet School for several years before she and Kay retired. They then moved to British Columbia where they spent many wonderful years golfing and travelling, both across the continent and across the ocean. In retirement, they were also honoured to serve a mission for the LDS Church in Samoa and Australia. Kay and Wilda eventually returned to Cardston, Alberta where they enjoyed renewing many close friendships and, of course, lots more golf! After Kay passed away, Wilda moved back to Calgary to be closer to her family and lived independently at a seniors residence for her remaining years. There, she lived life to the fullest and enjoyed her final chapter forming many new and valued friendships.

Wilda was also an avid reader, belonging to two book clubs, a vibrant member of her seniors’ community, and an integral part of her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s lives. She loved to play games of all kinds, and she knew all the rules, all the time. Her humour was quick and subtle so you needed to pay attention or you might miss the witty quips. Wilda modelled courage and conviction to all her family as she navigated some of life’s most difficult challenges. Her generous heart and spirit were boundless. She was beautiful inside and out and, although her parting leaves a great chasm in our days, she will always fill, and live on, in our hearts.

Throughout her life, Wilda’s sparkling wit, charm and truly engaging personality have drawn people to her and she has very much cherished the close and meaningful relationships she has enjoyed with all her extended family and friends wherever she went. Wilda will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

We will celebrate her life and memory at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 17 Avenue Stake Centre (2021 - 17 Avenue SW, Calgary) on Friday March 20th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Brent Bieber officiating. Interment will take place in Eden Brook Memorial Gardens.