BROOM: Stella Mary (nee Anderson)  March 4, 1933 - June 21, 2007

Our beloved Mother, Grandma and Sister passed away on June 21, 2007, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital at the age of 74. She was predeceased by her husband Fran on October 16, 2001. Stella was also predeceased by her father and mother, Albert and Mary Anderson, and brothers Bob and Ken. Stella is survived by her son Jim (Sherry) Broom of Drumheller; daughter Susan (Dave) Henry of Calgary; three grandsons, Jordan Broom and Steven and Derrick Henry; and one granddaughter, Nikki Broom. Stella also leaves to mourn one sister, Carol (Mike) Musteca of Leduc; three brothers, Bill Anderson of Drumheller, Jack (Debbie) Anderson of Drumheller, and Roy (Reg) Anderson of Edmonton. Stella’s numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, her special Auntie Ray and many very good friends will miss her dearly.

Stella passed away unexpectedly on June 21, 2007, at the age of 74 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital with her family by her side. Right until the very end, Stella kept her spirits high and was not without a good sense of humour. Besides watching her many soap operas daily, Stella enjoyed bingo and gambling. Even on her final day she was ripping open Nevada tickets from her hospital bed.

Stella was born March 4, 1933 in Cambria, Alberta. She was the second oldest in a family of eight children born to Albert and Mary Anderson. Stella married Fran on October 6, 1956. Together they shared 45 wonderful years before his passing. Before starting her family, Stella worked at People’s Bakery, Jenkins, and Co-op Grocery. Fran and Stella had two children who in turn gave Grandma and Grandpa three handsome grandsons and one beautiful granddaughter. Anyone who knew Stella knew the pride and joy she felt in her family. They were more important to her than life itself. Anyone who knows anything about Fran and Jim knows how much they both love the game of golf. Jim tried to get his Mom to come out the golf course and see what the game was all about. Stella was finally convinced into coming to ride on the golf cart one day while her family golfed. And, wouldn’t you know it! While driving the cart, Susan rounded a corner, hit a tree root, and bounced Stella right out of the cart! Other than to enjoy the occasional Mother’s Day brunch at the golf course, that day constituted her first and last “round of golf”.

Stella won Volunteer of the Year in 1995, having been recognized by the Municipal District of Badlands #7 for her numerous volunteer hours within the Community of Nacmine. She organized wedding and baby showers and Old Timer’s Suppers, and pictures of her during some of these events are on display at the Nacmine Hall. Stella worked bingos and helped out with pancake breakfasts. Anyone who knew Stella knew that she was a kind, loving, compassionate, gentle woman who never passed you by without saying “hello”. She also LOVED to talk on the phone. She even had to increase her long distance minutes because she had so many people she needed to talk to, but especially when she called her sister in Leduc three times a day for an hour at a time. Stella was at the clinic one day when an elderly couple sat beside her. She overheard them say they had no money with them and they were hungry and thirsty. Stella gave them $10 and told them they could drop the money off with her brother Bill who worked in the Co-op Bakery. Away the couple went and a short time later, they dropped the money off with Bill. That’s how trusting she was of everyone and that’s how generous she was.

Stella loved kids, whether they were hers or someone else’s, and was a surrogate mother to many. Besides Jim and Susan, Stella had a hand in raising her grandkids (Jordan and Nikki), and other kids in the neighborhood who spent countless hours at her home, until the time they all were old enough to go to school. Besides good morals and values, Stella also taught them all one important fact in life - that being, how to play cards for money! Remember, we said she loved to gamble!

Stella will always hold a special place in the hearts of her kids and grandkids. Each night they will be checking the brightest star in the sky and we know it will be her. We also know that she is happy now that she has been reunited with Fran, who was the love of her life, her parents and siblings, and her close friends, Nick and Carrie Roby. We’re certain that there’s a game of Canasta going on once again.

The memorial service was held Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 2 p.m. at the Knox United Church, with a luncheon at the Nacmine Hall afterward. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Alternatives of Calgary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stella’s memory to the charity of your choice.

HANSEN: Carol Ann

Carol Ann Hansen of Drumheller passed away suddenly at the age of 57 years. A Memorial Service will be held from Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, June 27 at 11 a.m. All of Carol Ann’s friends are welcome to join the family for a small reception to be held from the East Coulee Hall following the Memorial Service. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.

KING: Jack Beverly

Jack Beverly King - passed away at Raymond AB on June 17 2007 at age 77. He is survived by his sister Margaret and her husband Peter Brown of Calgary and their family, sons Darren and Michael and daughter Laurie Anderson and her husband Darren and their daughters Amanda, Karyn and Kaitlyn. Cremation has taken place and internment will take place at a later date at the King Family gravesite, Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Edmonton AB.

MALAKA: Robert (Bob)

Bob Malaka passed away peacefully on June 21, 2007 in the Drumheller Extended Care at the age of 72 years, surrounded by his family. Bob will forever be remembered by his quiet nature and friendly ways and his love of fishing, watching hockey and visiting with family and friends.  Left to cherish Bob’s memory are his sister Helen (Lyle) McKay and their children Allan (Beth) McKay, Larry (Cathee) McKay, Dale McKay, Steven McKay and all their families, sister Josie (Bernie) Simpson and their children; Bill Gray, Ken (Sheryl) Gray, Debbie Zimmer, Christine Mitchell and all their families.

A Memorial Service will be held from Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel, Drumheller, Alberta, on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. with Harold Hunter officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Victoria Lane, in care of Continuing Care, Box 6500, Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y0. Courtney Winter’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.

SHANDERA: Mary Ellen (nee Butler)  1928 - 2007

Mary Ellen Shandera beloved wife of Rudolph passed away at the age of 78 years at the Drumheller Hospital Acute Care on June 21, 2007. Mary was born in Butlerville, Newfoundland on July 6, 1928 and came to Canada in 1946 following WWII as the war bride to Rudolph. Mary is survived by four children; Raymond (Elizabeth) Shandera, Philip (Anita) Shandera, Gerald (Brenda) Shandera, Geraldine (Steve) Racine. Mary is also survived by 21 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her grandson David Shandera on August 19, 1977.
A Celebration of Mary’s life was held in Drumheller on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. If friends so desire Memorial Tributes may be made to the Morrin United Church or to the Drumheller Salvation Army in Mary’s name. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.  A special thank you to Dr. Nahornick and everyone who looked after mom in the Drumheller Hospital.

STEELE: James (Jim)  1921 - 2007

It is with great sadness and sorrow we announce the passing of James(Jim) Steele of Nacmine. He was taken to be with his maker on June 22, 2007 with his family that he loved so dearly.

Jim was born in Kirkmuirhill Lesmahagaus, Scotland on October 12, 1921 to Donald and Isabella Steele. The family immigrated to Canada in 1928 so Jim’s dad could go to work in the mines in Evansburg.  In 1941 Jim married Margaret (Peggy) McKinnon. Along came three children; daughters Janet and Bonnie and one son Jimmy. Before starting his family Jim joined the Navy as a stoker in 1942, and in 1943 with an honorable discharge and came home to work in the coal mines. He stayed in the mines until they were all closed. Then he went to work at the Co-op until he retired.  Jim was an avid gardener and could grow anything. Between Jim and Margaret you couldn’t find a weed anywhere. Jim was also one of the best back catchers in the valley. But he always had a rival, Walter Symowoniuk, they were always kidding back and forth who was really the best. My dad finally gave up baseball when son Jimmy started to get better than him.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, in 1991, daughter in 1991, and a son in 1984.  Jim is survived by his daughter Bonnie (Dale) Armstrong, sister, Jenny Boyce of Hinton, Mary McKinnon of Vegreville, 2 grand daughters; Catherine and Cassandra, also 4 nieces and 2 nephews. We can’t forget his dogs Josie and Macy.A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 29 at 2:00 P.M. from Courtney Winter’s Funeral Chapel. His cremated remains will be scattered at a later date. A reception will follow at the Nacmine Hall. Memorial Tributes in Jim’s name may be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Foundation or to the Alberta Lung Association. I would also like to thank everyone who supported us during our very hard time. Also to the Sunshine Lodge and all the staff at the Drumheller Hospital. A special thanks to Edie Langford, Joanne Anderson and Molly Flater who were always there when Jim needed someone. Words cannot express our gratitude.  Thank you . Bonnie, Dale and Family.