Obituary of Bertha Gilmar

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bertha Gilmar on January 28th, 2025.

Born on May 8, 1927, in Heiligenkreutz, Austria, to Andreas and Giesella Nikles, Bertha immigrated to Canada in 1939. In 1950, she married Roy Gilmar in the Crowsnest area, and in 1963, they moved to Kimberley, B.C., with their three children.

Known affectionately as “Aunty Bert,” Bertha spent over 50 years caring for neighborhood children and assisting at a daycare. A walk through the Platzl with her always meant hearing cheerful greetings from those she had cared for.

She was happiest sharing coffee and conversation with friends, and many will fondly remember her as the maker of the “best coffee.”

Bertha was predeceased by her husband, Roy, and sons, James and Douglas. She leaves behind her daughter Sandra (Marty) Hollingshead, daughters-in-laws Heather and Noemi Gilmar, grandchildren Wayne Hollingshead (Chelsea), Deanne Keck (Chris), Chantelle Gilmar (Ryan Tobin) and Kyle Gilmar (Melissa), Maiea Nicholls (Aaron) and great-grandchildren Jagger and Tully Hollingshead, Taylor Keck, Gavyn and Elyse Tobin, Finley and Elliette Gilmar, and Paxton Nicholls.

She will be deeply missed.

Until we meet again, Mom.

A service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kimberley, B.C., on February 15 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bertha’s honor may be made to a charity of your choice.