Obituaries

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Wilma Gwendolyn Fritz (formerly Wilma Hedley) of Regina, Saskatchewan, on December 1, 2025. She passed of natural causes, surrounded by loving family, at the Lumsden & District Heritage Home.

Wilma was born to Paul and Helen Thies on July 24, 1934, in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. She was the fifth of eight children. Wilma was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, which remained close to her heart throughout her life. She attended Two Creek School, just south of Kamsack. A true Saskatchewan farm girl, she grew up embraced by the warmth of a loving family. As a child, she was active in the local 4-H Club, where she won several awards, and was also a member of CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training). In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, crafting, and baking.

In July 1953, Wilma married Thomas Melville Hedley. They began their family of four children in Melville, later moving to Yorkton, Saltcoats, and eventually settling in Regina.

After raising her children, Wilma began her career with the Dominion grocery store chain. She worked her way up to head cashier and was recognized in an area-wide contest—voted by customers—as top cashier. She later joined Canada Safeway, where she became a favourite among customers at many locations; people often waited specifically to go through her checkout line. Her charm, warmth, and engaging personality earned her many friendships with both colleagues and shoppers.

Throughout her working years, Wilma also devoted time to her love of baking and cake decorating. She created detailed and beautiful cakes for many special occasions, often working late into the night to finish a wedding cake before heading into work the next morning. She was also an exceptional cook, and anyone lucky enough to dine at her table could expect a truly delicious meal.

In March 1981, Wilma married Kenneth James Fritz of Regina. For many years, alongside her work at Safeway, Ken and her owned and operated a successful costume rental business, Healey’s Costumes. Her warm personality and wonderful sense of humour contributed greatly to its success.

Wilma was also an avid gardener. Her yard was always filled with an array of stunning flowers, and it seemed that every plant she touched flourished under her care.

Wilma will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, love of family, tireless work ethic, and generosity.

She was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Helen Thies; her son, Douglas Rendall Hedley; her brothers Calvin Thies; and Wilfred Thies; her sister Lois Stasiuk.

Wilma leaves to mourn her husband of 44 years, Kenneth James Fritz.

She is survived by her children Blaine (Gail) Hedley, Divona Hedley (Glenn), and Blair (Penny) Hedley; her grandchildren Chris (Jodi) Hedley, Tera Hedley, Rory Hedley, and Breanna Hedley (Nevin Cross); and her great-grandchildren Raya Hedley, Jack Hedley, and Charlotte Cross.

Siblings; Eleanor Hinde (Al), Rosanna Loughlin (Dennis); Brothers Donald Thies (Marg), Raymond Thies (Karen) and sister-in-law Doreen Thies; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A funeral will be held in the spring of 2026 that will be announced at a future time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lumsden & District Heritage Home, 10 Aspen Bay, Lumsden, SK S0G 0B6, or the Regina Humane Society, 4900 Parliament Ave, Regina, SK S4W 0T7.