It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wilda Priscilla Heckel, R.N. (nee Baker), at the age of 90. She lost her battle with cancer on October 22, 2025, at Percy’s Place Hospice in Miramichi, New Brunswick.

She leaves behind her sons, Len (Catherine) Heckel, Larry (Lisa) Heckel, and Kurt (Bonnie) Heckel; and her son-in-law, Brent Hofman. She is also survived by her sisters, Joanne (Elmer) Roach and Inez (Robert) Bartlett; her sister-in-law, Edna Baker; and her brother, Alton (Rita) Baker. Grandchildren who will mourn her passing are Scott (Katerina Konstantinidou) Hofman, Kayla (Eric Jones) Hofman, Peter (Leanna) Heckel, Brian Heckel, Branson Heckel, Carson Heckel, Austin Heckel, and Erich Heckel; as well as her cherished great-grandchild, Liam Hofman-Jones. She will also be missed by her many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends whom she has known and loved throughout her years.

Wilda was predeceased by her parents, Laura and Henry Baker; her husband, Albert Heckel; her brothers, Wilmot and Aubrey Baker; sister, Maxine Baker; and her most beloved daughter, Laurie Hofman (nee Heckel).

Born on Friday, September 13, 1935, in Tilley, New Brunswick, Wilda grew up on the family farm, obtained a Diploma of Nursing after finishing high school at the age of 15, and worked as a Registered Nurse for over 40 years. She loved caring for people and was proud to be part of the nursing community. After meeting her husband, Albert, in Calgary, Alberta, they married and soon moved back to New Brunswick to raise their family, eventually settling in the Miramichi.

Wilda was very active and loved to golf and take long walks around town. She was especially fond of travelling and, with her family and friends, vacationed at spots all over the globe. In her later years she was a regular at the bowling lanes and the shuffleboard courts. Her hobbies included lots of reading and card games; she excelled at word puzzles and games, particular Quiddler, where she was nearly unbeatable.

She enjoyed baking for her family. Treats in the home were a staple, and her fudge will be forever missed.

She was a very kind, caring person, willing to help out the community, her patients, or friends any way she could. She had an excellent sense of humour and loved to joke and laugh with friends.

Wilda loved being with her family and spent lots of time with them in various spots in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and British Columbia. She also enjoyed entertaining family and friends at home, where coffee, tasty food, great conversation, and lots of laughter were always available.

Wilda was especially grateful to the staff at Percy’s Place for the care given to her in her final days. Any donations in her name can be made to them at their website, percysplace.ca, and would be greatly appreciated.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, New Brunswick. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.adamsfh.ca.