KEMPLING
Sylvia
June 12, 1926 ~ May 18, 2017
Sylvia Kempling of Drumheller, Alberta, beloved wife of the late Tom Kempling, passed away peacefully with family by her side, on May 18, 2017 at the age of 90 years old. Sylvia was the first born child of Edward and Catherine Pickard on June 12, 1926, in Calgary, Alberta. She attended school in Calgary, and was quite adventurous as a youth, enjoying speed skating and a bike trip to Banff. She worked as both a clerk during World War ll for the Royal Canadian Armed Forces, and as a secretary for the Calgary Seed Branch. While living in Calgary, she attended Central United Church, where she was a member, and was involved with youth groups. Along her path, she met a handsome farmer from the Drumheller area, the love of her life, Tom Kempling. They were married August 14th, 1953. Tom brought Sylvia to Drumheller, and built his bride a new home, where they resided, farming for many years. In 1956, they welcomed their daughter, Loralee Ann and in 1959, their son, Steven Thomas. With her family complete, Sylvia enjoyed trips to Calgary, visiting her parents, going to the zoo, Heritage Park, Bowness Park, and camping in the mountains, memories which were captured by Tom with his love and eye for photography. As a farm wife, Sylvia loved baking, gardening, sewing, crocheting, curling, bowling, and was always game for a round of crib or cards with friends. She always liked to look her best, adorning the latest fashions, which she wore on her tall frame, with style and grace. She and Tom enjoyed travelling, England, Hawaii, New Zealand, and the US were some of their most memorable holidays. Sylvia was a member of the Munson Women’s Institute, Rebecca Lodge, the Anglican Guild, Farm Forum, Homestead Museum, and Pioneer Acres. Sylvia is survived by her daughter, Loralee (Dave) Dedul, son Steven Kempling, grandchildren Lisa (Kevin) McKenzie and their children Megan and Kelvin, Wendy (Chris) Walsh and their children Coyne and Opal. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Dorothy Pickard, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents Edward (Ted) and Catherine (Cathy) Pickard, her brother Ken Pickard (2016) and husband Tom (1998). A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Home, in Drumheller, Alberta with Pastor Scott Gamble officiating. If friends so desire memorial donations may be made to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation (Continuing Care Recreation Department). Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Drumheller Continuing Care and Recreation Therapy Departments for the time, love and special care Sylvia received over the last 22 years.
