Knowles
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to May Kathleen Knowles, who passed away on Jan. 27, 2022, in Hanna, Alta. at the age of 96 years.
May was born to Andrew and Clara Wasdal of Endiang, Alta. on Oct. 13, 1925. She took her schooling at Summerhill School and went to hairdressing school in Calgary, Alta.
Due to the war and many men gone from home, she had to return home before finishing her hairdressing course to help family and neighbours with harvesting. She and her friend had a team of horses and they helped with the threshing crews in the neighbourhood.
She married Ian Wallace in November 1946 and they lived in Byemoor, Alta.
Ian passed away in 1947. After he passed, she returned to Calgary to finish her hairdressing course.
She then met Ed Knowles and they married in December 1949. They lived in Byemoor for the first six months and then moved to the farm where they lived until retiring to Stettler, Alta.
May was very much involved in her communities. She was active with the Farrell Lake Ladies Club, the Byemoor Community Clubs, curling club, End-moor AG Society and Friendship Centre.
She enjoyed playing ball, bowling, floor curling, dancing and playing cards. She was an avid gardener, growing and preserving a large garden and always caring for the many beautiful flowers in her yard.
May was a devoted mother, grandmother and aunty who supported her family in their many sports activities, 4-H activities, dance recitals, graduations, weddings, etc.
She always welcomed anyone into her home, and you could never leave her house without coffee, a snack or even a meal that she would insist she made for you.
May was predeceased by her first husband Ian Wallace in 1947, her youngest son Melvin Knowles in 2001 and her loving husband of 54 years, Ed Knowles in 2003.
She was also predeceased by her parents, two brothers, two sisters, several brothers and sisters-in-law and one daughter-in-law.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter: Audrey (Lloyd) Hausher of Brooks, daughter Carol (Terry) Bradford of Penticton, son Lyle Knowles of Byemoor, daughter-in-law Lorna (Russ) Hayden of Lacombe; 15 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Dorothy Wasdal and brother-in-law Joe (Elizabeth) Knowles both of Stettler, Alta. and numerous nieces and nephews.
Due to Covid restrictions a memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, and if desired, donations in memory of May can be made to a charity of their choice.
Hanna Funeral Services Ltd. has been entrusted with the care and arrangements; 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.
Card of Thanks
The family of May would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Wendy Fortna and all the staff at the Hanna Continuing Care Centre for the special care and kindness shown to May and her family.
Also, to her many friends in Byemoor, Endiang, and Stettler communities for their love and support.
