Ila Wiklund

1936 - 2024

Ila Wiklund
10/28/1936 - 10/21/2024
Ila Wiklund, 87, our talented cousin with a wicked sense of humor passed away October 21, 2024 at the Belmont West University Retirement Community in memory care.
She was a lifelong Houstonian, growing up in West University and graduating from the University of Houston with a BA in Education.
Ila was predeceased by her parents, W.D. And Vivian Zachry, son Eric Wiklund, former husband Toby Wiklund and good friend Harvy Zimmerman. Ila is survived by her best friend from childhood, Suzanne Hoover, cousins Nancy Thorne, Dan Myers and their spouses James and Sonja, cousins Carolyn Roberts and Doug Robison.
A generous soul, she was always the first to offer a casserole for the sick and her checkbook to those in need. Ila was a patron to several nonprofits throughout her life including Volunteers of America Texas. Dancing, laughing, family dinners and storytelling were her favorite activities. The dancing carried through her four years at Belmont Village where she enjoyed the weekly music and recently was rocking out with an Elvis impersonator.
As a lifelong educator, Ila taught in the Houston area for more than 40 years teaching third, fourth and fifth grades. Ila served as the Magnet Coordinator at Horn Elementary and was honored as "Teacher of the Year" at Horn and Gordon Elementary schools. Students and coworkers alike were drawn to her for her warmth and kindness. Her generosity and love for the students made her a favorite teacher for many. She was never too busy to stay after school to provide extra help for a child in need. Even in retirement, Ila could be found tutoring the elementary students.
The family thanks the Belmont Village staff, especially the professional talents of Monica Harris, leading daily activities with good humor and kindness, Corrine Goodman at the reception desk, head nurse Angie Stank and Michael Mack.
It is our heartfelt wish that Ila is at peace and is with her "people" she has been longing for over the last four years. Ila's family and friends will miss that special spark in her eyes not knowing which joke or happy memory she would relay next. We are thankful for her loving presence and the legacy of generosity that she leaves behind.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association of America (www.alz.org) are most appreciated.