Stocco: Pearl Viola

Pearl Viola Stocco passed away peacefully on August 25, 2003 in Chilliwack, B.C. at the age of 84 years in the loving company of her children. She was predeceased by her loving husband Jim of 50 years in 1994 and by her son Donny in 1972. Pearl will be forever remembered for her great love of family and friends and for her strength, determination and kind heart.  She completely devoted her life to her family and remains as an inspiration to everyone she met. She was a long-time resident of Drumheller, where she lived throughout her married life of 50 years.  Drumheller was her adopted home and was the place where she raised her children. Her knitting skills were widely renowned and many newborn babies have worn her wonderful creations.  Gentle by nature, she was nonetheless fiercely competitive while passionately playing cribbage or scrabble.  She loved life and viewed everything and everybody as an experience to be savored and enjoyed to the full.  Even in the face of mounting health issues over the recent years, she remained boundlessly optimistic and ever cheerful.  Her outlook on life was from a simple, child-like perspective, unclouded by criticism and prejudice. Pearl was always willing to be of service to others and she spent much happy time as a Girl Guide leader, keeping the books for St. Anthony's parish and with the IODE.  She was especially proud of the pin she received in recognition of 25 years of service to the CWL. Pearl will be sadly missed by he son Jim (Shirley) of Chilliwack, B.C.; by her daughter Lynda (Colin) Dykes of Red Deer; by her grandchildren Lori Stocco of Calgary, Blair and Neal Dykes of Vancouver; and by her step-grandchildren Allison Searle of Calgary, Cameron (Sarah) Searle of Calgary and Kim Searle of Calgary. Pearl is survived and lovingly remembered by her sisters and brothers:  Bessie Sanderson of Toronto, Percy (Carol) Hill of Bramalea, Ontario, Elsie Dickson of Medicine Hat, Lorne Hill of Tottenham, Ontario and Irene (Fred Leech) of Richmond Hill, Ontario and by many cousins and friends, all of whom mourn her passing. Funeral Services were held at St. Anthony's Church in Drumheller on August 29, 2003 at 11 a.m.