Aileen Winifred was born in Port Elgin, on Monday, April 12, 1937. She was welcomed by her parents, Daniel and Gladys “Winifred” (Rodgers) Schwass, and older brother, Rodger (1936). The Schwass family resided on a farm just outside of Port Elgin on the shores of Lake Huron. Picture this. The Schwass children would flock to the roof of their farmhouse and watch the freighters travel Lake Huron in the summer months. Imagine! Aileen and Rodger soon welcomed younger siblings, Mary “Leona” (1939) and John (1942). The children attended a rural one room schoolhouse before Aileen completed her secondary education in Port Elgin.
In 1954, at the age of 17, Aileen took her first teaching position. She was only a mere few years older than some of her students, and was responsible for all eight grades, and forty plus students at Coleraine Village, a distinct historical area located within Brampton. Talk about a challenge? But Aileen was up for it and succeeded. The following year, she took a job closer to home in Annan, boarding at the Annan store. At 19, Aileen enrolled in teachers’ college in Stratford and then spent the next two years teaching at a country school near Meaford.
In early 1961, Aileen attended a dance in Grey County with friends. Who knew then that she would meet her future husband that night and be married months later, but that is exactly what happened. She was introduced to a young man by the name of Ken Wilkinson, and as they say, the rest is history. The young couple were wed on Saturday, April 1, 1961. The newlyweds were originally going to settle in Artemesia Township, near Maxwell, on the Wilkinson homestead; however, Aileen was concerned she wouldn’t be able to find work teaching. So instead, the couple took over the Schwass family farm, on the Elora Rd. on the outskirts of Paisley. In addition to farming, Ken also worked in construction, and Aileen took a job at S.S. #5 in Saugeen Township. When this rural school closed shortly after, she secured a job at a school just north of Port Elgin.
Ken and Aileen welcomed their first daughter, Elizabeth “Ann” in 1964. After a short leave, Aileen returned to the classroom. The current Paisley Central School opened in 1967, and Aileen was welcomed as a staff member of the new school. She settled in the primary grades and was always willing to help where needed. She fondly remembered the 1972 Summit Series, as the entire school was brought into the gymnasium to watch the games on a television. The excitement around that timeless event always resonated within Aileen. Excitement continued within the Wilkinson family as well, as their family was made complete with the arrival of Marilyn in 1973.
In 1981, the Wilkinsons relocated to the Townline before later calling Glammis home. Aileen always kept busy, whether it was working in the classroom, helping Ken at home, or supporting the girls in their youth. Ken and Aileen made their final move to a house in Paisley in 1988. Aileen formally retired in 1992, after a 38-year teaching career, during which she spent her last 25 years at Paisley Central School. Incredible!
Aileen moved into retirement and looked to further support her family. She became a very proud grandmother with the arrival of Ann’s two daughters, Evelyn (2002) and Rissa (2004). As one can imagine, Aileen was a fabulous support for her daughter and son-in-law, as she regularly packed a suitcase to head to Toronto to assist with childcare. She also enjoyed the opportunity to entertain the girls back in Paisley. Several years later, she thrived in the role again when Marilyn and Darren welcomed Tristan (2009) and Morgan (2012). Her grandchildren were her world. She attended countless school and extra-curricular events and supported all of them whenever she could. As the children grew, she would read, draw, and introduce them to board games, particularly Telestrations. The kids, in turn, brought their own new board games to Grandma, and she was always a willing participant, even if she didn’t know all the rules! And who could forget playing cards… Aileen was a card shark and instilled this love in her children and grandchildren. Countless memorable games of euchre and cribbage were enjoyed by all, especially the winners, of which Aileen was usually one.
In her free time, Aileen enjoyed gardening, and in particular caring for her roses. She was an avid quilter, often joining the other women in the community at their regular quilting sessions at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Paisley. All four grandchildren have a lovely, crafted quilt from Grandma – made with love! In her 50’s she took up cross country skiing and even tried downhill too! She was never afraid of a challenge! Most of us, however, will remember Aileen as a woman who loved to walk. It didn’t matter the day or the weather, Aileen could be found outdoors daily walking the town. She averaged three to five kilometres per day and was always driven to remain active. As she often said, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!” Back at home, Aileen loved her crossword puzzles and the mental challenges that came along with them. She was always reading something, with John Grisham being one of her favourite writers. She enjoyed travelling and even visited Marilyn while she was attending teachers’ college in Australia. Ask Marilyn about Aileen’s experience with the Great Barrier Reef! She experienced Newfoundland, Ireland, Scotland a couple times, and even Paris, France, with her regular travelling companion, her sister-in-law Mary. She also spent a few winters in Florida with Rodger and Mary after Ken passed in 2005. Television was viewed as a treat and never turned on before 6 p.m. Jeopardy was Aileen’s go to, and she was a regular, often keeping track of her own score throughout the episode. Aileen was also an animal lover and loved her farm dogs, as they made for great companions.
Aileen’s faith was always very important to her. She grew up in the Methodist and United churches and was a regular at church. When she retired to Paisley, she became more active in both the United and Missionary churches. Aileen thoroughly enjoyed music and was musical herself, as she, along with Ken, often played at small gatherings. Ken played the violin, with Aileen accompanying him on either the violin or the piano. She was a big Elvis fan and always had CKNX keeping her company at home. Aileen enjoyed a sweet tooth, with Mill Creek chocolates and Chapman Ice Cream being regular treats!
Aileen was fiercely independent and would do anything to support her family. Although more of an introvert than Ken, she always had a sense of purpose. As she liked to put it, “The rest of the world is stubborn, but the Wilkinson women are merely firm of purpose.” I will leave it up to you to ask Ann and Marilyn about where they stand… Sadly, in recent years, Aileen struggled with dementia. She was stoic in this fight and was proud to remain independent. Unfortunately, a fall this past summer was the turning point, as her health declined rapidly following that, and she soon called Lee Manor home. Here she received the care and support she needed for her worsening condition. On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Aileen passed away at the age of 88.
Loving mother of Ann Wilkinson and her husband Ted Alley of Etobicoke, and Marilyn Wilkinson-Goodayle and her husband Darren Goodayle of Chesley. Cherished grandmother of Evelyn (Jesse), Rissa, Tristan, and Morgan. Aileen will be fondly remembered by her brother, Rodger (Mary) Schwass of Port Elgin, and her nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Ken, sister Leona Malisani, brother John Schwass, sister-in-law Arlene (Wilkinson) Green, brother-in-law John Green, and her parents, Daniel and Winifred (Rodgers) Schwass.
Visitation will be held at Paisley Missionary Church on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 2 – 4 p.m., where a funeral service honouring Aileen’s life will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 1 p.m. Spring interment in Starkvale Cemetery, Paisley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Sleeping Children Around the World, Chesley Hospital Foundation, or Brightshores Health System Owen Sound Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Mrs Wilkinson was my grade 2 teacher at Paisley Central School. I adored her and I send my sincere condolences, she was a lovely woman.
We are so sorry to hear of Aileen’s passing. She was such a lovely lady and was always a great supporter of us and of our Foodgrains project. She was a wonderful wife to Ken and mother to Ann & Marilyn. It is always so hard to lose a parent, no mater how old they are. May you be comforted by all your many memories. We had planned on attending the funeral, but unfortunately the weather didn’t allow.
Sorry for your loss. She was one of my favourite teachers. May she rest in peace.
So sorry for the loss of your lovely Mom and Grandma. Aileen was well known throughout the town for the many steps she walked. She always had time to stop and chat. Roger remembers her as a good teacher to him. She loved to sing and loved the songs in church. She was an active lady and was always doing something. May all your memories help you through this time of loss of a lovely lady.
Roger and Sherry
Tiff and Brent Henhoeffer Caldwell ❤🙏❤
So sorry for your families loss, truly a lovely lady. I’ll miss seeing her friendly face around town.
Sending condolences, Marilyn, Darren and family. Wonderful life story to share for us all.
We send you our deepest sympathy, your mom was a beautiful woman so gracious and kind always interested in others with such grace, cherish your memories, she was always faithful attending your Dads family events so we will miss her.
My sincere sympathy to the family of Aileen . May the Lord be your comfort at this time. My late husband Jim Rodgers a distant cousin and I use to stop in and have an enjoyable visit with Ken and Aileen when we were in the Paisley area .
My deepest sympathy to Anne and Marilyn and their families. Your mom was so faithful at coming to all the family gatherings out this way(Beaver Valley) etc. she will certainly be missed.
My heartfelt condolence to you and your family, Marilyn. I will always remember the volunteering she did to help with art activities when you were teaching next door to me and what a sweet and encouraging lady she was, so wasn’t surprised to learn of how beloved she was when she taught in Paisley, where you are now. It was also wonderful to look out and see her in the audience at the Paisley Concert Choir concerts, which she always attended. I know that her family was everything to her so you have lots of wonderful memories and photos of fun times spent with her. She will be missed by all who knew her. Hugs, Anna Smith
My condolences to Ann,Marilyn and families,I miss seeing your Mom walking and we will miss her ar quilting this winter.
What a wonderful person Aileen was. One of many well respected Teachers in Paisley. Sad that she’s gone but your family should be so proud of her.
George & Vi
My deepest sympathy.
My deepest condolences at this time of Aileen’s passing. I taught with her several years in Saugeen Township, She will be missed by many
To each member of Aileen’s family our sympathy. What a lovely lady. You will have many wonderful memories
Dear Ann and Marilynn
My deepest sympathy to you and your families. It always brought a smile to my face whenever I would see your mom out and about town. Brought back many fond memories. She was a well respected and liked teacher as well as a community icon.
My deepest sympathy Roger and Mary, I enjoyed her company at swimming and at coffee after
Dear Ann and Marilyn and your sweet children and husbands, we are so sorry for your loss and send our deepest condolences. Ann and Marilyn, with a long heartfelt hug, we sadly welcome you into the orphan’s club; it’s a very hard thing to lose your mother and last living parent. From all the stories we have heard, we know Aileen was a very strong-willed as well and very caring woman and we can be sure she was proud to have passed that along to her daughters. And she must have felt her daughters’ and their families’ deep love and care, and what else could one want in life. Hope you can comfort yourselves and celebrate her life with the many warm memories you have of her. Love and hugs
Aileen was one of those staff colleagues who left wonderful indelible marks on everyone she worked with. She was always soft spoken, but everyone listened and a good time was had by all. Aileen walked the talk. Kids loved her, parents loved her and she modelled nothing but admirable professionalism.
Please accept our deepest condolences. Our hope is that the many wonderful memories of Aileen provide strength at this difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy
Peter & Terri Lyn MacDermid
On behalf of the Paisley Missionary Church, I would like to offer our condolences. Over the past few years, Mrs. Wilkinson has attended our church, and it was our privilege to know her and worship with her. We would see her walking by every day, and she would often stop to say hello. Her presence will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with Aileen’s family and friends at this time.
Marilyn and Family, we are so very sorry to hear of Aileen’s passing. She was loved and respected by all. Our heartfelt condolences at this sad time.
Aileen would always say her shoes would keep her going! It was always so nice to see her out walking and she would say hello and have a friendly chat.
She was a valued member of the Bible study at Mary’s. She was kind, articulate and very intelligent!
I will miss her!
My sincerest condolences to her beautiful family members.
Take care!
Sincerely,
Darlene Thorn
I always enjoyed Aileen when out walking. Even managed to catch up with her when she was @ Chesley Hospital. She was just as personable as always despite the challenges she was there for.
I’m very sorry for your family’s loss.
Aileen was a wonderful teacher and a very kind lady. Sincere sympathy to her family in this time of their loss.
Stewart and Olive Dudgeon
So sorry to hear of Aileen’s passing our sincere condolences to the family, a great teacher and musician.
Sincere sympathy to Anne and Marilyn’s families. I had several years teaching with her in Paisley. She was very kind and helpful. She will be missed.
Deepest sympathy to the family.
Aileen was a very well respected educator; a beautiful lady inside and out!
I am so sorry to hear of Aileens passing. I have the best memories of her as a teacher and loved that she always had a smile and a chat if I met her while on her walks.
She will be missed in our little Village.
Marilyn and family. We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Anne, Marilyn and families.
So sorry for your loss. Aileen was a wonderful person and teacher. Her presence in the village will be missed for sure. Take care!
Ann, Marilyn and families: We are sending our sincere sympathy to you at this sad time. We have many good memories of your family of times shared over the years. Aileen was a caring and thoughtful person and we enjoyed the many chats we had with her. She will be missed.
Aileen was a big presence in the Paisley landscape. People might not have known her name but everyone knew who she was. Paisley embraced her as one of our own just as she embraced many of us. Either as a school teacher at Paisley Central or merely a friendly face on the street she touched many lives. She was a living historian of days gone by and will be greatly missed.
Ann, Marilyn and families: please know we are thinking of you . Your mom was such a warm hearted person and a great educator. We will miss the chats when ever we were out and about.
Our condolences to your family. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of your mom/grandma. Hugs to all of you! ❤️
Our sincere condolence to Marilyn and family.
Sincere sympathy in this time of loss
Our deepest sympathy is extended to all the families.
Anne, Marilyn and family. We are so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. We have very fond memories of her as a teacher and will miss seeing her out walking around town. She was very kind and had a smile and a hello when you met her on the street. Cherish your memories. ❤️
Sincerely Susan & Paul Parker.
Dear Anne and Marilyn and families, Our sincere sympathy in the passing of your Mom. We were neighbours for many years. We have missed her at the various activities on the village and of course her walking her many steps a day come shine, rain of snow. Rest in peace, Aileen. Love, Eldon and Judy MacKinnon and family
My deepest sympathy to her family
Our condolences on the passing of Aileen. Roger and Marilyn Whetstone.
Great lady
Our sympathy to Ann and Marilyn and families.
Aileen was a dedicated member of Tri Star Chapter of the Eastern Star in Chesley, We always enjoyed her friendship thru these many years.
I am thinking of Aileen’s family with caring thoughts as she passed .She and I shared many years as work colleagues and friends. My sympathy to you.
I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was very pleasant to be around and had a warm caring heart to those she knew. I remember Aileen from meeting her years back when I was in high school. She was calm, smart and a good listener. I always enjoyed her company as I stopped to chat when I seen her in a store shopping on occasion. My condolences to all who will miss her dearly. “God Bless”
My sincerest condolences for Ann, Marilyn and their families.
Our condolences to all. We have missed seeing Aileen walking since she left Paisley. She was always such a pleasant person to chat with whenever we met.
Our deepest sympathy to Ann and Marilyn and their families. Aileen has bee a wonderful sister for eighty-eight years. Our whole family will miss her and her courage and kindness.