Wilma D. Trepp

Longmeadow – Wilma Trepp passed peacefully away at home Friday, April 9th just two weeks shy of her 96th birthday. Born in Sangerville, Maine she was the daughter of the late Seth and June Dexter. Her only sibling, Phyllis, died in 2004. She leaves her husband of 66 years Richard (Dick), a son Stephen (Steve), a granddaughter Amber Vigneault, and several nieces, a nephew, and their children and grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice for the exceptional care and support given to Wilma and the family. Wilma had many interests, but her main passions were gardening, historic preservation, and antique collecting. She studied and researched all of these to increase her enjoyment. She and her husband lived in Maryland, Kentucky, and Ohio before moving to Massachusetts in 1957. No matter where they lived, Wilma established a garden and joined the local garden club. Locally, she belonged to the Wilbraham, Longmeadow, and Springfield garden clubs. She served as president of the Longmeadow Gardeners. She was a member of the Springfield Gardeners for 52 years, served as president in 1967, and was active in many other capacities for the club. In 1964 Wilma and her husband bought a 1788 house in Wilbraham, which they restored. It was there, that Wilma established 7 different gardens, all carefully researched to be authentic. In the meantime, Wilma was lecturing to many groups about growing flowers. When the restoration of the house was completed they developed a slide show, “Inside and Outside the Tavern.” Together they presented this talk to many groups throughout the state. Dick showed the work involved in the restoration of the house, and Wilma followed up with the gardens she created. In the late seventies she and Dick started “The Yellow Cat Tavern Antiques” specializing in dolls and clocks. Wilma had a great personality and was a friend to all who knew her. Funeral services are private. The family will receive friends at home, for a celebration of her long life, Sunday May 2nd from 2 to 5 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider bringing an unwrapped gift suitable for a boy or girl at the Ronald McDonald House. These children, are from many countries, and range in age from infant to 21 years. New England Funeral & Cremation Center has been entrusted with arrangements.