Obituary of Erma Hill

The Hill family wishes to share news of the peaceful passing of Erma Frances Hill (Critchley) into God’s care on Thurs. Nov. 25, 2021, at Water’s Edge Care Community in North Bay in her 85^th year. Erma was born in Swastika, Ontario in 1936 and married her high-school sweetheart, Robin in 1958. They resided in Kirkland Lake until their move to North Bay in 2009.

Erma is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Robin Hill and her four children; Liana (Mark) Lafranier, Shelah Hill, Ian (Tanya) Hill all residents of North Bay, and Lawren (Kathy) Hill of Carlsbad Springs. Erma is pre-deceased by her parents, George and Ina Critchley and her brother, Norman Critchley of North Bay. She is survived by her sister-in-law Betty Critchley of North Bay and her sister-in-law Beryl (Clair) Pressey of Port Rowan.

Erma is the treasured grandmother of 8 grandchildren including Jordan and Cara Lafranier, Heather, and Adam (Lindsey) Pickett, Ana and Greg Hill and Curtis and Robyn Hill. She is great-grandmother to James Pickett.

Erma’s teaching career in Kirkland Lake spanned three and a half decades and included classroom assignments as well as teaching positions in vocal music and French as a second language. Erma studied piano throughout her youth and was actively involved as a church organist at Christ Church Swastika and St. Peter’s Anglican church in Kirkland Lake, a choir member, and a choral director in many capacities. She participated in community initiatives such as securing access to CBC radio for residents of Kirkland Lake and serving as a member of the council at Tech Pioneer Residence.

Erma was a proud supporter of women’s rights. She advocated for and helped to secure equitable access to pension contribution for women on maternity leave, an access that continues to benefit Ontario teachers today. She contributed extensively to the work of the Kirkland Lake Arts Council fostering opportunities to bring live performances to the residents of Kirkland Lake. She established, together with Sheila Timmins and Margaret McCrank, a musical partnership between Gr. 5 students and senior residents at Tech Pioneer Residence. Erma was a devoted member of the vocal ensemble, Just Friends with eight valued friends for many years. Erma loved sewing, knitting, and quilting and many hand-made treasures have become beloved family heirlooms.

The Hill family wishes to extend heart-felt thanks to the staff of at Water’s Edge, especially the team on Pier One, for their compassionate care and support through the challenges of the covid pandemic and Erma’s palliative care.

The family will receive visitors on Sat. Dec. 4^th, 2021 beginning at 10 am at Christ Church North Bay with a funeral service to follow at 11:30 am. Due to provincial guidelines a COVID19 Vaccine Passport and Government ID is required to attend.

 In lieu of floral tributes, the family gratefully encourages support of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund or the Ontario Alzheimer’s Society.