Appleton: Merna Jeanette (Gabby) October 31, 1930 – July 7, 2008
She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend. Mom, Gabby as most of us knew her, passed to her destiny, and loved ones before her, surrounded by cherished family members Monday July 7, 2008 at the age of 77 years. Merna is survived by her 5 children. Debbie (Brian) Bertsch, of Drumheller. Joanne Appleton, of Calgary, Charlene (Tony) Tost, of Calgary, Mark Appleton (Kim), of Calgary, Dwyn-Anne Appleton of Spruce Grove, Grandchildren Casey (Sherri) Cindy, Tina, (Scott) Tammi, (Brad) Christopher, (Lynn) Jennifer, (Sean) Jolene, (Chris) Melissa, (Jordon) Great Grandchildren, Kelsey, Eddie, Mason, Decklin, Barett, Gabe, Mikayla, Sampson, Brandon, Wesley, Dusty. Mom was predeceased by Charles Newton Appleton, her only true love. Brothers Bill , Tom and Rob Innes. Parents, Tom Innes and Minne (Blakley), many special family and friends. Mom lived a life full of love, and she spread sunshine, warmth and her true devotion throughout her 77 years. She was born in Calgary, and moved to Vancouver through the depression and post War era. After the death of her mother, at the tender age of 9 she was sent to live on the farm in Stettler, with her aunt, she spread her wings, and settled in Red Deer, where she met dad. Mom and dad, lived in numerous towns and cities, before settling in Drumheller, to raise family, and imbed in the community, that they trusted. Mom was involved in numerous community organizations through the 45 plus years of residing in Drumheller. Mom was employed at the Fossil Museum, for several years enjoying meeting new people, and pursuing her interest in the history of the valley. She then spread her interest and was blessed with another passion, of reading, and became the librarian at Greentree School where she became a mentor to countless students, and fellow associates. Mum saw the majority of her grandchildren through the school, and was treasured by many through her love of books. It was common to see some handmade crocheted and knit items, her ability to create was impeccable. Her gentle hands, stitched miles and miles of creation, that was enjoyed by many. “Toques for tots” with frills, Pom Poms, Bells, Tassles and Whistles; the fresh warmth of a baby blanket, that all her grandchildren, great grandchildren and more, entered the world in. Afghans for all, not a table without a doilie, or doll without a dress. Her friends commented that she could stitch toilet paper, and make an original creation. All her cards and memories beautifully hand crafted in her fine art of calligraphy. Not an organization that she entered was without flare. Earlier in her life, she was involved in Explorers, CGIT, United Church Choir, and UCW. Later to deepen her passion in OES, in both Canada and the USA. The last few years she became more involved in the activities for seniors, having a larger social surrounding than most. Cribbage, bridge, card games and involvement with her peers, kept her very involved in the community and Pioneer Center. Gabby was a green thumb, winning gardening awards, prize vegetables, fruits and flowers enjoyed by all. She taught us all to garden, and utilize anything that could come from the yard. Her last few days were difficult, but surrounded by love, the precious poems, cards and artwork from her talented great grandchildren that adorned her room carried her through her path to the everlasting. We will all miss her, there will be a void, words seem so slight at this time, but her memory and teachings will keep us all strong. Mama, Gab, friend, we love you then and always.
You gave us roots, then wings… God has given you your wings… fly mom fly…God Speed…
Created by Great Grandchildren: (As written)
To Lovlly Gabby:
I will miss you and you will miss me. And I bet you will miss me, dad Poky, Cris, Mom, Kelsey, Barrett, Kelly Nana, and I bet your Mom and Dad, will be happy your coming home. Bye.
By Decklin Christensen
~~~
Gabby`s Poem
I know a special lady,
Who is like no other,
Kind, Caring, I’m proud to say
She’s my Great Grandmother.
She’s a woman who
Is in every way unique,
Someone who makes
Many lives complete.
She has so many great qualities,
This is a well known fact,
And if I were to write them all down,
Well I don’t think there’d be
Enough trees to do that.
So many people have said,
They see so much of her in me,
And I am extremely honoured to
Know that is what they see.
Every moment I have spent with her,
Is one I will always treasure,
And if I could change one thing,
It’d be that we spent more time together.
Whenever I think of her,
fight the urge to cry,
Cause I’m yet to grasp the
Concept of goodbye.
So here they are, the tears that come
After realizing what is true,
But the most important thing is for her to hear
“Gabby I Love you”
Kelsey Cartwright
~~~
Gabby:
Won’t you sit and stay for a while, Cuz when you’re here it makes us smile.
Your happiness infects us all and we laugh so hard, off our chairs, we fall. Every Christmas and birthday, presents are good old Gabby, she never forgets.
Love Gabe
~ *~
Let me Wonder Free
When I am dead
Do not bury me,
Deep in the ground
As the roots of a tree,
Let the fire of death
Reduce body to ashes,
Know that my soul
Shall not abide sashes,
Then scatter the dust
As a wild flower seed,
Upon the gentle breezes My spirit to be freed.
For I know a longing
My being to be free,
As the wind in the willows,
And the fish in the sea.
While I still live
Detachment cannot be, but
Please God when I die
Let me a wanderer be!
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Merna may be made to the Pioneer Trail Society, 160 3 Ave. West, Box 1857, Drumheller AB T0J 0Y1. PERSONAL ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL SERVICES,Calgary & Red Deer (403) 216-5111
COSTIGAN: Robert Lefley (Bob) December 16, 1923 - July 7, 2008
Robert Lefley (Bob) Costigan, beloved husband of Lois of Calgary, passed away on July 7, 2008 at the age of 84 years. He is survived by Lois, his wife of sixty-one years; his daughter Debra Lee and son-in-law Don Whalen; sister Gladys Keeble and family; brother-in-law Lee Green. Bob was a native Albertan having been born in Calgary on December 16, 1923. He lived in Morrin, Alberta for some time and received his education in Morrin, Drumheller and Calgary. During the Second World War he served in the RCNVR, as a telegraphist and for the main part of his working life worked in the oil industry; first with Royalite Oil and then with Gulf Oil. Bob retired in 1980. At the time of his passing he was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Bob was very active right up to his passing, in Freemasonry. His Masonic history dates from July 7, 1953, when he was initiated into Corinthian Lodge, No. 22, Okotoks. In 1963, he was it’s Worshipful Master and again accepted the position of Worshipful Master – just to help out – and occupied this position at the time of his passing. When Elbow River Lodge No. 180 was chartered in March 1959, he was one of the Charter members and became its Worshipful Master in 1965. District No. 6 elected him as DDGM in 1968-69. For a number of terms he was a member of the Board of General Purposes and acted as the Grand Master in June of 1978. In 1997, Bob was a Charter member of the Internet Lodge of Research and served as its first Immediate Past Master. Bob has been a constant supporter of the Order of DeMolay and holds the Legion of Honour and the Cross of Honour. He is a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite where he held the office of Commander-in-Chief and was the holder of the Honorary Inspector General of the 33rd degree. In Royal Arch Masonary, he was Grand First Principal for Alberta and was a member and held offices in the Royal and Select Masters, the Preceptory and the Shrine. Bob’s smile and happy disposition made him a friend of all who met him. He was always a full participant in any group that he belonged to and was always willing to take more than his own portion of the work. Bob took many photographs of events that he attended and shared them most freely. These will be the basis of wonderful memories of a great man for many years.
“Ceased to Labour:
Home: At Rest.”
Funeral Services were held at KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 3704 – 37 Street S.W., on Saturday July 12, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service followed at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. To email expressions of sympathy: heritage@hffs.com, subject heading: Costigan. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES “Heritage Funeral Home” Telephone: (403) 299-0100.
Simpson: Robert Allan November 10, 1954 - July 14, 2008
Mr. Robert Allan Simpson of Red Deer, AB, passed away suddenly at home at the age of 53, on July 14, 2008. Robert, born on Nov 10, 1954, fought a courageous battle with cancer in the short time he was diagnosed. Robert leaves to mourn his loss, his devoted wife, Donna Simpson and step children and 8 grandchildren Lorie Schultz - Calgary, AB. Bernie (Angela) Toews - Neilburg,SK Veronica (Dermot) - Edmonton, AB. Robert is survived by his loving parents, William & Eleanor Simpson of Bentley, AB and 7 brothers and sisters : Mary (Curtis) Lund - Red Deer Pat (Larry) Ross - Bentley Gordon (Laurie) Simpson - Red Deer. Fred(Joanne)Simpson - Bentley. Kenneth(Mona) Simpson - Penticton, B.C. Leslie (Carol) Simpson - Blackfalds as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews and a host of wonderful friends. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a time of fellowship and remembrance at the Red Deer Funeral Home, 67 Street, Red Deer, Alberta, at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2008. Cremation entrusted to the Central Alberta Crematorium, Red Deer, AB. If desired, Memorial Donations in Rob’s honour may be made directly to the cancer society in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be forwarded to the family at # 1 - 43 Nyberg Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4P - 1R5 or to email, the address is dandrsimpson@shaw.ca.