Wilma Alice Colbert

Wilma Alice Colbert

1952 - 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Wilma Colbert, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who passed away on May 23, 2026, at the age of 73. Wilma was born on September 18, 1952, in Swan River, MB, to John and Alice Rooks. She grew up in Swan River and attended school there. From a young age, Wilma was known for her kindness, her caring nature, and the happiness she found in her yard and with her horses.

At 18, Wilma met and fell in love with a cowboy named Leo while attending rodeos, and that love story became the foundation of the life they built together. They were married on February 24, 1973, and together they shared a life full of love, hard work, family, and faith. They welcomed two children, Mark Delbert on October 20, 1973, and Zoe Michelle on March 20, 1975. In their early years, they lived on the Colbert farm before building their dream home on that same land. The farm was always full of life, with chickens, pigs, cattle, horses, cats, and many faithful dogs: Blue, Bomber, Muffin, Tiara, and Maggie May. Wilma spent most of her career as a secretary with the RCMP in Swan River. She often reminded her family to be careful about the company they kept, as you are ‘guilty by association’; advice that came from both her wisdom and care for those she loved.

Wilma’s Roman Catholic faith was an important part of her life, and she attended church faithfully in both Bowsman and Swan River. She was always willing to step in and help as a lay minister when Father was away. She gave her time generously at church garage sales and she was a CWL member.  She took great pride in her yard, where she planted flowers and trees, creating a beautiful space. She loved working with her hands, making beautiful ceramic pieces and later in life, quilting became one of her greatest joys. She made a beautiful graduation quilt for each of her grandchildren and lovingly made quilts for each of her siblings as well. Wilma will be remembered for her strength, determination, and tough love. She was never one to make a fuss and she faced life with a quiet strength that carried her family through many moments. On the farm, when camping, on trail rides, or enjoying wagon and sleigh rides, Wilma was always willing to do whatever was needed. She was especially talented with horses and handled them with confidence, skill, and grit.

Wilma leaves behind her loving husband, Leo Colbert; her daughter, Zoe Keown (Ryan), and their three sons, Austin Ryder, age 23, Ethan Quinn, age 21, and his girlfriend Bailey, and Corbin Jace, age 18; as well as Mark and Joyce’s children, Taylor Deanna, age 28, and Wyatt Thomas-John, age 20. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Marianne Hulme (Arnold), Frances Hogan, Penny Badowski (John), Pat Shevchenko, John Rooks (Cindy), Sandra Mosiondz (Blair), and Suzanne Eggie (Dave); her sister-in-law, Maxine Gellert; and her daughter-in-law, Joyce Readman. She was predeceased by her son, Mark Colbert; her brothers-in-law, Walter Shevchenko, Wilfred Hogan, and Delbert Colbert; and her sisters-in-law, Isabelle Lowe, Myrna Beals, and Dolores Keith. Wilma will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Wilma’s memory may be made to Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation-Palliative Care Box 1450 Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0.