It is with deep sadness and gratitude that we announce the death of Mary Wilma Welsh, on June 4, 2026. Wilma lived an extraordinary life that touched many. Her faith was made real through action, presence, and love.
Wilma is lovingly survived by her sister-in-law Britta Welsh, brother-in-law Gord Frank (Karla), niece Joanne Welsh and nephews Bob Welsh and Tim (Kim) Frank and great-nieces and great-nephews. She also leaves her aunts Gwen Nichol, Jean Nichol and her uncle Donald Nichol (Maria) and fondly remembered by her chosen sisters Carole Ann, Susan, Linda, Brenda and Sheri and many other special Nichol and Welsh cousins. Special thanks to cousin Jim Nichol for his support and for so lovingly adopting her bird, Joey. She adored her Godchildren Samir Achieck, Amanda Forrest-Chan and her special chosen daughter, the Rev. Ibu Kanbudan of the Bunun Tribe in Taiwan. Wilma held a special place in her heart for the many missionary children in Taiwan who knew her simply as Aunt Wilma and she treasured them all.
Wilma was predeceased by her five siblings: Sterling (2010), Weldon (2008), Dianne Frank (2003), Elizabeth Ann (1952), and Audrey (1941). She was also predeceased by her beloved nephew David Welsh as well as many aunts and uncles on both sides of her family.
Wilma was blessed with friendships that were nothing short of family including Dr. Richard Allen, Donna Van Wyngaarden, Gladys Abboud/Mahfouz Achieck, Diane Petrie-Osborne, Mary Helen Garvin, Diane Evaristo, Louise Gamble, and Elizabeth (Elza) Furzer. Columbus Leo, Sophia Lin, and Albert Yao were all special friends. She considered herself fortunate to have worked alongside wonderful people including the Rev. W. L. (Bert) Young, the Rev. Dr. Harry Waite, the Rev. Dr. Ted Siverns, the Rev. Dr. Alex MacDonald, and the Rev. Dr. C. M. Kao of Taiwan, among so many others. She was an ‘international mom’ to medical students Dr. Jonathan Sherbino, Dr. Chris Embree, and Dr. Noelle Carrier.
Wilma was born July 9, 1937 in Blackland, NB to Lydia (2013) and Austin (1984) Welsh. The family moved to Guelph ON when she was young. Growing up, Knox Presbyterian Church became an important part of her life. Wilma’s time in CGIT and PYPS provided her the skills, confidence and spiritual growth that led to her career, ultimately, 42 plus years of service and devotion to The Presbyterian Church of Canada in Toronto. She served both at home and abroad, including a deeply meaningful chapter as a missionary in Taiwan from 1969 to 1975. Wilma never believed that life ended at retirement. Following her retirement in 2002, Wilma was elected Moderator of the 132nd General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada in 2006. She received the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Medal during her Moderatorial visit to India, and she was named an honourary member of the Taiwanese Canadian Association in the same year. In 2010, she was honoured by Knox College, University of Toronto, with a Doctor of Divinity degree (honoris causa).
Her service continued in the years that followed: as Moderator of the Synod of Central, Southeastern Ontario and Bermuda (2010); Clerk of the Presbytery of Waterloo-Wellington (2011–2017); Elder at Knox Presbyterian Church, Guelph and Clerk of Session; national treasurer for the Women’s Missionary Society; and President of the Waterloo-Wellington WMS Presbyterial. Wilma remained a steadfast caretaker of the Bhil people in the Vindya Satpura area of India — a commitment that reflected her lifelong belief that faith is made real through action, presence, and love.
The family extends sincere thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff at Guelph General Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care and to everyone at both Eden House and The Elliott Community where she has lived these past two years.
A Celebration of a Life, well-lived, will be held at Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, Guelph, on Saturday, June 27 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Herb Gale (former Moderator of The Presbyterian Church in Canada) and his wife the Rev. Dr. Shirley Gale of Guelph. To attend remotely, please click on this link . A private inurnment will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Guelph.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to International Ministries, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, 50 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 1J7 — in support of work in the Bunun Presbytery, Taiwan, or Community Health in the Bhil Field in India, or to Knox Presbyterian Church Guelph or to Guelph General Hospital .