Hyacinth LaForte Wiltshire Fowler, 82 years old, passed away Thursday January 5, 2017 at the Hospice Simcoe after a valiant battle with cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and her many supporters carried her through this battle. Yet even throughout her own battle, her focus was continually on the well-being of her three sons, six grandchildren, grand-dog Fibi and the medical staff who were committed to help her. This embodies the selfless, giving and caring nature with which she lived her life and raised her sons Phil, Shawn and Patrick.
Hyacinth was born April 6, 1934 in Ballieston, Jamaica WI to Oswald and Rachel Wiltshire. The eldest of nine children, Hyacinth left Jamaica as a young, strong woman determined to realize a better life for her brothers, sisters, late parents and herself. She secured that for them all. Today, descendants of the Wiltshire family have found great success in Canada, the United States and Jamaica through higher education and business opportunities that was made possible only by her initial determination. We all express the utmost in gratitude to her for these opportunities.
Hyacinth was the matriarch to a wonderful, close knit family and truly lived a life that mattered and affected many people in immeasurable ways. She raised her three sons by herself as a single mother. She instilled in them sound principles that elevated them to new heights, some of which are; commitment to the Christian faith, family first, respect toward others, and always meet life’s challenges with strength and confidence. It follows that Hyacinth was a mother figure to many others outside her family. Her place on earth was motherly.
In addition to her motherhood, she was known for her sisterhood, loyalty in friendship and altruism. As one of her dear sisters said “She helped all of us. And, when she was finished with us, she got her family. And then her help went there. She was always helping”.
Hyacinth was a resident of Barrie, Ontario since 1970 when the population was just 18,000. She made Barrie her permanent home. This was a city she took great pride in and watched grow. She loved it.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Hyacinth Wiltshire Fowler’s memory to the following foundations at your discretion.
- Hospice Simcoe
- Royal Victoria Hospital
- https://www.canadahelps.org/dn/12144
- Select “Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre” from drop down menu
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Research Foundation
- Lymphoma Foundation
- Canadian Residents: http://www.lymphoma.ca/get-involved/other-ways-give/mission-fund
- US Residents: https://community.lymphoma.org/
Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually. This includes the Hospice Simcoe, the wonderful medical staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Sanofi-Genzyme, Honda of Canada and the many great friends we are so fortunate and honoured to have by our side.
Mom is now our Angel – we will always love and miss you.
Phil, Shawn and Patrick
The following information may be useful for the purposes of completing the online donation forms.
23 Bay State Road, Unit 7
Boston MA 02215
USA
Dionne
Posted on: Monday, January 16, 2017Aunt Hyacinth I think about you everyday, I still can’t believe your gone. You will be deeply missed. You will be in our hearts forever.
Love Dionne Mario and family.
Sandra & Bradley Brant
Posted on: Tuesday, January 17, 2017Phil, Shawn & Patrick:
We are so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers
are with you. Her soul rest in peace.
Love Sandra & Bradley Brant
Roy Wiltshire
Posted on: Saturday, January 21, 2017I missed my sister so much. Words cannot explain the love I had for her. After each telephone conversation she always tell me that “I am a very special person”.
Without a doubt she was met at the “Pearly Gate” by our persons.
I will always cherish your memories Dear Sister.
Roy, Bernadette and Family
Dorcas Wiltshire-Lyncook
Posted on: Wednesday, March 15, 2017You were always a dear and loving sister. As long as life and memories last, I will always remember you. My heart is sore and I miss you terribly. As time goes by, I know I’ll miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face, your calls to me in the mornings, and the advice you always gave me. There will always be an empty place in my heart.
Your loving sister Dorkie.
David Falardeau
Posted on: Wednesday, July 8, 2020I know this is three years after the fact, but I met Patrick’s mother on a few occasions between 1994 and 2006 while her son and I were roomates and close friends. Although I did not see her often, the times I did, she came across as a wonderful person. I have known Patrick now for over 25 years and his success in work and life, not to mention his amazing attitude towards all people, is a testament to his upbringing by his mother.
Mike Virgin
Posted on: Friday, December 3, 2021Hi. An even later condolence, but I recently asked about Hyacinth and discovered she had passed away. Hyacinth worked with us at Ontario Hydro. To this day I can hear her saying “Phil” , “Patrick”, or “Shawn” with whatever she was talking about. A proud mom, and lover of life. I wont forget her.
Virginia
Posted on: Saturday, October 7, 2023Another very late condolence but I worked very closely with Hyacinth year ago at Ontario Hydro (also with Mike Virgin). Hyacinth was a wonderfully kind and caring woman with a great sense of humour. She was also like a mother and I can still hear her talking to me about Phil, Patrick and Shawn. She was so proud…….although many years have passed, I remember her fondly. Rest in Peace sweet Hyacinth.