D. VOLAINE HODGINS (nee RILETT)

July 7, 2024

D. Volaine Hodgins (nee Rilett) died peacefully, in the company of family, at Brucelea Haven in Walkerton, July 7, 2024, at the age of 97. Born May 6, 1927 in Enniskillen Township, Volaine grew up in the City of Windsor. Travelling west, she met her husband of 38 years, James Hodgins. They married and returned home to Westford to settle on the farm and raise their family. Volaine had a 40-year career as a Registered Nurse, working in several hospitals and retiring from the County of Bruce General Hospital in Walkerton after 30 years of service. She was the union representative for the Ontario Nurses’ Association from its inception. After retirement, she sat on the Walkerton hospital board until amalgamation. She met yearly with her Nursing Class of ‘53 from Memorial Hospital in St. Thomas for 70 years. She loved to travel, going around the world and stopping in more than 60 countries and wandering all over North America. She was a visitor and instilled in her family a love of adventure and the importance of staying close. Her creativity is demonstrated in the sewing, quilting and crafts of all kinds which she shared with others. Time was spent colouring and painting on canvas, ceramics and stained glass. The community sports of figure skating and baseball benefitted from her participation and organizational skills. Volaine was a member of the Anglican Church of the Ascension in Kinlough and a lifetime member of the Eastern Star. She was independent and turned her hand to many activities. She was always willing to give things a try. An inspiring mum, she is survived by two daughters, Tammara Hodgins of Westford; and Michele Barr and her husband, Murray, of Kinlough. Loved by her grandsons, Kyle and Chad Barr, also of Kinlough. She is remembered by her sister, Rovie Elmes of Ripley; her brother, Larry Rilett, and wife, Bonnie, of Harrow; sister-in-law, Mary Rilett of Windsor; brother-in-law, Doug Teixera of Langley, B.C.; as well as 16 nieces and nephews and many great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews. She will also be missed by her cousins and long-time friends. Predeceased by her husband, James Hodgins; her parents, Russ and Annie (Brown) Rilett; parents-in-law, Thomas and Agnes (McCue) Hodgins; two brothers, Laurence Rilett and Eloy Rilett; brother-in-law, Len Elmes; and two sisters-in-law, Reenie Rilett and Irlma Teixera. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Kinloss Community Centre, July 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. Private interment, Alvinston Cemetery. Donations to the hospital foundation of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.