Wilma Maria Dirks Jan 1, 1923 - Jan 28, 2010

Born in Italy on Jan. 1, 1923

Departed on Jan. 28, 2010 and resided in Longmont, CO.

Visitation: Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010
Service: Monday, Feb. 1, 2010
Reception: Monday, Feb. 1, 2010
Cemetery: Foothills Gardens of Memory

Wilma Maria Dirks died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, January 28, 2010. Wilma was born on January 1, 1923 in Cividale del Friuli, Italy, to Giovanni and Angelina Caucigh. She had a happy childhood, survived the trauma of war, and fell in love with an American Master Sergeant, Fred H. Dirks, while he was stationed in Trieste, Italy. They married, lived on the Presidio in San Francisco, and eventually settled in Longmont, where they raised 6 children.

Wilma had a mischievous spirit, a love of life, and constantly taught her children and grandchildren what unconditional love is. Her house, which she lovingly kept, was frequently filled with family gatherings, great spaghetti, music, and laughter. Everyone who met Wilma loved her, because of her engaging, positive attitude, and her ability to always be true to herself. She worked hard at everything she did, including being a professional and very creative seamstress. She faced the challenges in her life––Fred Sr.’s passing in 1975, her diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and Diabetes––with a determined and passionate energy. She was an inspiration and we miss her.

We are heartened knowing that she is now with Dad again. Mom is survived by her sisters, Ada Haire and Fermina Pease; Her children, Angella Dirks and her husband Ellwood Pickering, Isabella and Robert McCarthy, Daniela and John Peterson, Fred Dirks Jr., Marisa Dirks, and John Dirks; Her grandchildren, Liliana Dirks Goodman, April Peterson and fiancé Chris Hennig, Bailie Peterson and husband Oliver Uhlig, Elisa McCarthy, Caitlin Peterson and Erin McCarthy. Wilma is also survived by her nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 31 from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Howe Mortuary Chapel. Mass at 10:30 on Monday, February 1 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church. Burial at Foothills Gardens of Memory, Longmont, CO. A reception will be held at Howe Mortuary Event Room following the burial. Memorial contributions may be made to:

The American Parkinson Disease Association
135 Parkinson Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305.