Ethel (Wood) Baird passed away peacefully in the early morning of April 28, 2021, in her home at Stettler Points West Living.
Ethel was born on April 3, 1935, at Castor, Alta.
After completing high school, she attended Normal School and took a position teaching at Imogen School.
While there she met Jimmie Baird and they were married June 16, 1955. They moved to their home on the farm north of Gadsby and would remain in that yard until July of 2020 when she moved to Points West Living in Stettler.
Ethel had a strong work ethic and life was much different back then. She milked cows in a cold, drafty barn for many years. She appreciated the new barn when it was built!
Ethel was deeply passionate about gardening and baking. The love of gardening was passed down to all her children and many of her grandchildren.
As is true of all young moms even today, Ethel’s interests changed to include the interests of her children.
Along with the young moms in the neighbourhood, a Sunday School Program was started at Westwoods and would continue for many years. The drive to Gadsby was too far!
She was very involved with the Westwoods Community Centre and later the Agriculture Centre and was an active board member for many years.
In the early years, it was working in “The Booth” at ball tournaments to helping with Father’s Day picnics, bingos, shuffleboard, card parties, catering and so much more! Many memories and friendships were formed over the years.
Ethel was very passionate about 4-H. She was a very willing audience for her children and later grandchildren when practicing for public speaking.
She was often asked by various clubs to judge and also judged at district level. She was a leader for many years as well.
The coffee pot was always on, and her door open to neighbours and friends. Her door was also open to the kids in the neighbourhood whether it was to eat, play or just to talk. Summers usually had nieces and nephews staying “at the farm.”
Through the years her name changed from Ethel to Mom, then Grandma and finally Great Grandma, GG, or Mamma. Each generation brought her more joy!
She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by her husband of 66 years, Jimmie Baird; and her children: Kevin (Dianne) Baird, Lynne (Doug) Potter, Melody Baird (Darrell Zacharuk).
Also by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: James (Dana) Shepherd: Austin, Slade; Adrianne (Jordan) Gerstmar: Rowan, Sadie, Asher; Kenny (Kayla) Baird: Arya; Marybeth (Scott) Riemer: Morgan, Lane; Dustin Potter; Lauren (Clint) Saruga: Jailyn, Eberlee, Bria, Harver; Michael (Robyn) Potter: Zorn, Zola; Kyle Baird; Kaliesha Baird (Devin Larkin): Ryder, Mila, Benson; Taylor, Tyra, Tyson and Lex.
She will also be remembered by her brother-in-law Robin Baird and many nieces and nephews.
Ethel was predeceased by infant daughter Jessie Baird; daughter and son-in-law Leigh and Alan Shepherd; grandson Carl Shepherd; parents Maude and Peter Wood; siblings Buddy and Avis; sisters, and brothers-in-law: Chris Scoles – Leonard (Ike) McIsaac, Barney Scoles, Evelyn and Ed Mattson and Marion and Lloyd Grose; father and mother-in-law Jim and Mary Baird; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law John and Gwen Lang, Irvine and June Baird, and Arlene Baird.
A graveside service will be held on Sat., May 8, 2021 at the Omega Cemetery, Gadsby, Alta.
Donations in memory of Ethel are gratefully accepted to Omega Circle, or to STARS.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com. Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403-742-3422.
Card of Thanks
A huge thank you to Alix Cottage at Points West Living for the great care and love you gave Mom over the last nine months.
Thank you also to Stettler Hospital and Care Centre for the care she was given on her many visits.
