1923 - 2009
It is with great sadness the family of Annie Kelm wishes to announce her passing on April 16, 2009 in Calgary, Alberta. Annie was born in Paris, Bessarabia, Romania on May 23, 1923. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1929 and settled in Eatonia, Saskatchewan where she grew up. As with most other young people, (during the depression era), Annie was required to go out working. Once, when she had received her pay (though a mere pittance) – she decided to treat her siblings to a movie. Although the movie wasn’t very good – the adventure of seeing a movie for the first time was an awesome experience. Her siblings always looked up to her, and held her in the highest esteem. It was while “working” at home in the Hanna area that Annie met her husband Alfred Kelm and they were married on October 14, 1945. Annie and Alfred first lived and farmed in the Hanna area before purchasing the farm in the Delia area in 1955 where they resided until 1994 when they retired from farming and purchased a home in Delia. Mom was a dedicated Wife, Mother, and Grandmother – caring for her husband, raising her children and always available for her grandchildren. Mom was always busy with the duties of a farmer’s wife which involved driving truck at harvest and taking meals to the field, with kids in tow, and of course planting and harvesting her large garden, raising and selling chickens and turkeys, also eggs, cream and milk. Over the years she developed a love of crocheting afghans, baby blankets and doilies and took great pride in her wide variety of flowers she lovingly cared for. She also enjoyed reading and “wonder word” puzzles. Her favourite afternoon break was watching “Another World”. Mother was the Conservative one in the family. She was always concerned about income and expenses and had an “emergency fund” available. It was not uncommon to hear her say to her children and grandchildren, “Eat what’s on your plate. You may eat stones one day”. After suffering a stroke in 1999 and the passing of her husband Alfred in 2001, Mom moved to the Sunshine Lodge where she resided until 2007. At that time she moved to Drumheller Health Centre Continuing Care. Her faith, devotion and willpower guided her through until her passing. Annie was predeceased by her husband Alfred Kelm, her parents Tobias and Emilie Klein, brothers Helmut and Alfred Klein, and sister Hilda Youck. She is survived by four sons and one daughter, Randy (Ann), Gerry (Shari), Myron, Sherwin (Janice), Leeanne, Carol Kelm, grandchildren Brita (Richard), Matthew, Annalise, Kyle, Jason, Annette (Vince), Shane, Cody (Kim) and great grandchildren Kaylee, Brayanna and Rhys. Annie is also survived by two sisters Alma (Hilmer) Elsasser and Ella (Harold) Martin and brother Irvin Klein, brother-in-law David Youck, brother-in-law Melvin (Penny) Pfahl and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. Memorial services will be held at the Delia United Church at 2:00 pm on Wednesday April 22, 2009 with Brian Stiles and Reverend Harold Martin officiating. Lunch to follow at the Delia Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Drumheller Health Centre Continuing Care or the Delia United Church. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Courtney-Winters Funeral Home. (403) 823-2666
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