Mom passed away quietly early in the morning of December 20, 2008. She gave each of her children the priceless gift of time alone with her before her passing, knowing every one by name and verbalizing her love and blessing us personally. She had a constant and abiding faith in God, and was confident she was going to be with Him. In her own special way she brought each of us to a place of deep faith in our own lives as well, and we thank her eternally for that gift. She leaves many loved ones to celebrate her life: her sons and daughters: John Stirling, Judith Anderson, Sally Russell, Laine (Coleen) Sarka, Penny (Francis) Leman, Jay (Marie) Russell; and her very beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her mother and father, John and Cora, her sister Belle, and her sons Rocky and Mark passed before her. We are comforted to know she will be with them now. Mom had a deep and abiding love for her family and all things furry, and later developed a fondness for fish, and kept an aquarium naming each of them and attributing them with personalities as well. She elevated her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to sainthood status and loved each and ever one of them dearly. Her sense of humour was delightful and dry, she was a great cook and was discerning in her culinary tastes – no one could make spareribs or soup like Mom. Mom thoroughly enjoyed politics (she was a devout Liberal and bemoaned the fact there were so few in Alberta) and travelling - living in many different places across Alberta throughout her life. She often spoke with fondness of several months spent living in a cabin in Yellowknife with Judith and the adventures they had. She made her last move to Drumheller to Barhead where she spent her last year close to John and Judith. Mom was an abiding presence in each of our lives and we will miss her dearly. She always hated winter, with spring being her favourite time of the year, so at her request, a memorial and celebration of her life will be held June 21, 2008 in Drumheller.
