Wilma Rita Scherloski 1941 - 2024

Wilma died in Toronto on March 18th at the age of 82. She believed she had lived a fulfilled life. She was born July 11, 1941 in Russell Manitoba to Pauline and Louis Scherloski. She is leaving behind a legacy of profound impact and heartfelt contributions. Her life was a testament to selfless service and dedication to enriching the lives of others. She once gave the advice to students: “Leave the world a better place – a more interesting place for you having been there.” And that is something she took to heart and embodied.

Wilma started her lifelong journey of education in the Karlsruhe district one-room school house in rural Saskatchewan. Throughout her life Saskatchewan remained dear to her and was always home, symbolizing her unwavering connection to her roots. She moved to Ontario in 1958, entering the religious community of the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate and began her teaching journey. She completed teacher’s college in Toronto and pursued a BA in Chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan in the 60’s. She taught various grades in Saskatchewan and Ontario until the mid 70’s. When she left her religious community in 1974 she continued her involvement in education with the Catholic school system. She was ahead of her time as a woman in the education system - teacher wasn’t the limit, she served as Vice Principal and then Principal at Cathedral Girls High School and finally Superintendent of the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board which she retired from in 1997. She was involved in different associations and boards during the time and was proud to have made a difference in all of them.

Wilma’s compassion extended beyond the classroom, addressing the challenges faced by students with a deep sense of empathy and action. She founded ‘Wilma’s Place’, which still runs today, an innovative program for at-risk teens, providing a nurturing school environment for those who were often overlooked. Her commitment to education and the well-being of her students continued even after her retirement, as she pursued further studies and contributed to the community at Regis College, Toronto. After completing Master of Arts in Ministry and Spirituality and Diploma in Spiritual Direction she became the Dean of Students at Regis for nearly twenty years where she always had an open door and listening heart. She received an honorary doctorate in Sacred Letters in 2016 and gave a convocation address - Wilma offered three pearls of wisdom: to nourish yourself; to never give up; and to stick your neck out. She told the graduating class to play, meditate, pray, read and enjoy life; to have the courage to follow their heart; and to take risks as it is often by failing that we can learn and grow. She was involved with STIR Retreats (Spiritual Transformation in Recovery) and was very proud of her work there.
As impressive as this list of achievements and positions of responsibility is, it does not adequately describe who Wilma was. In chapter 3 of Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, Paul dismissed any need for letters of recommendation on his behalf. He merely pointed to the community and its transformed members, insisting that this was more than enough testimony. His letters, he insisted, were written in human hearts. In a similar fashion, Wilma’s publications are numerous and are written in the lives and hearts of the countless students that passed by her. Throughout her career, she has been a pillar, guide, and friend to many, as numerous letters of thanks testify.

After leaving Regis college Wilma enjoyed retirement with family and friends.

Wilma’s personal life was as rich and varied as her professional endeavors, marked by a love for travel, deep connections with her family, and a wide circle of friends and ‘adopted’ loved ones whose lives she enriched immeasurably. There are many who have known Wilma’s love and generosity and are better people for it.

Wilma was predeceased by her parents Pauline (Hoppe) (2009) and Louie (1985) Scherloski, brother Ronald (2018) and sister-in-law Marge (2016) Scherloski and brother-in-law Danny (1993) Sparrowhawk. She is survived by her sisters Clara Scherloski, Lorraine (Victor) Kowalke, Margaret Sparrowhawk, and brother Gordon (Mary Ann) Scherloski and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

Wilma will be buried in Gerald. A family service will be held in Saskatchewan at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

STIR Retreats (Spiritual Transformation in Recovery)
https://stirretreats.org/donate/
142-6540 Falconer Dr Mississauga, ON L5N 1M1

Wilma’s Place
https://www.chs.hwcdsb.ca/wilma_s_place
770 Main Street East Hamilton, Ontario L8M 1L1 905-525-6640

cancer.ca
Canadian Cancer Society For Pancreatic Cancer

St Wenceslaus Cemetery Fund
Box 68 Gerald, Saskatchewan S0A 1B0