Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
It is with deep sorrow and profound loss but also abiding faith that the family of Vi Wilken-Aylwin announces her passing at Hanover and District Hospital in the early morning hours of March 30, 2025 in her 97th year.
Vi was born on September 23, 1928 in Bentinck Township to the late Rufus and Mary (Burr) Eva. Vi was one of four children. She was raised in Hanover and attended schools there. In her lifetime Vi was blessed to marry and be loved by two husbands Karl Wilken and Norman Aylwin and treasured by their families. Vi was a loving wife, Mother and homemaker as well as having a career as Supervisor at Buckeye Peerless factory. Vi led a rich, rewarding life and was a valued member of the Hanover community. She was a dedicated life member of the Hanover Legion Branch 130 Ladies Auxiliary and a devoted St. John Ambulance member. Vi dedicated over
42 years to St. John Ambulance. She was one of the originating signing members of the Hanover Nursing Division in 1962 and the Combined Brigade in 1974. She proudly wore her Service Medal of Honour and was promoted in the Order of St. John to the esteemed level of Officer in 1973. As Accommodations Chair, Vi was instrumental in the new build of the first permanent home for St. John Ambulance in Hanover. She continued to serve loyally on the board of directors until 2013. Violet’s dedication to her community and to St. John Ambulance remains as a legacy and inspiration to all. For many summers Vi enjoyed camping at Bluewater Lakes Campground, making beautiful memories and spoiling her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Vi is survived by her loving and devoted children Sharon Rahn (George), Paul Wilken (Diane), daughter-in-law Jeannette Wilken, stepdaughter Brenda Aylwin (Chris Jones) and stepson Steve Aylwin (Lynn). She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren Jason Rahn (Stacy), Jared Rahn (Ann), Melissa Warner (Erich), Alison Braithwaite (Mark), Andrew Wilken, Abigail Wilken, Adam Wilken (Laura), Nicole Novosel (Josh) and Scott Andrews (Michelle) as well as precious great grandchildren Jacob and EvaMarie Rahn, Jayden and Ainsley Rahn, Everett Braithwaite, Ethan and Megan Warner, Elizabeth Wilken, Baby Wilken arriving soon, Madeline and Sam Novosel, Tyler Andrews and great great grandchild Mavis Aylwin. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and their families.
Predeceased by her beloved first husband Karl Wilken (1988), beloved second husband Norman Aylwin (2010), son John Wilken (2014), son Don Wilken (2019), stillborn twin daughters, brothers Clarence Eva (Anne), Wilfred Eva (Elsie), and sister Shirley Zimmer (Bob).
Special thanks to the staff of McVean Lodge and the nurses and doctors in ER at HDH for their care and compassion.
Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover on Sunday, April 6th, 2025 from 1 – 4 p.m. The funeral will be held on Monday, April 7th, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 10th St. Hanover, followed by a lunch reception at the Hanover Legion.
Memorial donations may be made to St. John Ambulance or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 130 Ladies Auxiliary as expressions of sympathy.
Tribute Slideshow Video
My deepest condolences to Paul and Diane and the entire Wilken family.I always had no problem calling Vi my second mom because she always treated me like a son. So sorry ..may she RIP
- Tony ScottSending my sincere sympathies to Vi's family
A Beautiful lady with a smile that lit up the room she was in.
I first met Vi while living in Hanover and many years later
I reconnected with Vi at the Hanover Care Centre while visiting our
Mom Lois Ahrens She still had her beautiful warm smile.
Sending my sincere sympathies to Vi's family
A Beautiful lady with a smile that lit up the room she was in.
I first met Vi while living in Hanover and many years later
I reconnected with Vi at the Hanover Care Centre while visiting our
Mom Lois Ahrens She still had her beautiful warm smile.
Sending my sincere sympathies to Vi's family
A Beautiful lady with a smile that lit up the room she was in.
I first met Vi while living in Hanover and many years later
I reconnected with Vi at the Hanover Care Centre while visiting our
Mom Lois Ahrens She still had her beautiful warm smile.
Wilken family so sorry for your loss,Vi was a great lady,Carol & Paul Chantry
- Paul ChantryOur deepest condolences to the Wilken family.
- Bill & Brenda CampbellOur sympathy to the family, vi was a lovely person and will be missed. Hugs to all. Love Joan kaufman
- Joan kaufmanDear Sharon, Paul & families,
Our heartfelt condolences to you. Your Mom was a wonderful lady & will be missed by so many. Cherish your memories.
Dave & Susan Campbell
Sharon, George, Paul, Diane and families.
I was very saddened to learn that Vi had passed away. I very much enjoyed many chit chats with her over the years.
Treasure the many memories you will have of such a lovely lady.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Vi. We are sending our deepest sympathies. She was a lovely lady. Treasure all the memories.
Ken and Linda Roseborough
Sending you all our deepest sympathies,Vi Was a lovely lady, and will be sadly missed by you all. May you keep your memories close to your heart. May she rest in peace❤️🙏❤️
- LoriPaul ..Dianne..Sharon and George ..so sad to hear of the passing of Vi..She treated me so nice..big smile and always had the time to talk ..Paul u and I have been so blessed to have mothers like we did ..Vi and Carl where great friends of the Scheifele family ..Prayers for all the friends and family that knew her ..Wayne scheifele Grand Bend on.Canada
- Wayne ScheifeleSo sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Our deepest sympathy to the families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
- Luanne & Reg MagwoodOur deepest sympathy to Vi's family
- Randy and Vicki dickertSending all the Wilken and Ragnar family sincere condolences Judy Murphy
- Judy (Allen)MurphyPaul, Diane, George and Sharen and families my deepest condolences of the loss of a wonderful lady. She always treated me like one of her own and that smile was awesome. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
- Paul DensmoreDear Paul, Dianne, Sharon and George and families
Our deepest sympathies to you all. You mom was one of a kind. A beautiful soul inside and outside. Hugs and prayers
Sharon Paul and famlies sorry to hear the passing of your mother what a wonderful age and so many memories sincerely Marg @Bob Burrell
- Marg. Bob BurrellSharon, Paul and families. Sending my deepest condolences to the families. Thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Christine Yates
Sharon, Paul and family I am so very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Vi was one of the nicest ladies that I ever had the privilege to know. She will be missed terribly. RIP dear lady.
- Helen GadkeOur sympathy to you and your family . Sheila and Rob Francis
- Sheila FrancisOur sincere sympathy on the loss of your mom. Cherish all of your wonderful memories. We have many great memories when we camped at Bluewater lakes.
Wayne & Delrene
Our darling classic lady. we'll miss your quiet sense of humor. and your wonderful smile. Condolences to her family and friends. She'll certainly be missed by many.
We are very sorry for your loss! Vi was a lovely person and a great supporter of the Legion Pipe Band.
Our condolences to her family.
Mike and Susan Mackay
