Mildred Lawrence passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre on Oct. 11, 2016 at the age of 91.
She is survived by her children Charles Lawrence, Tom Lawrence (Bonnie), John (Helen), Gayle (John) and Shannon (Jay). Grandchildren include Sherri, Rocky, Shaun (Nicole), Roxanne (John), Crystal (Cody), Randy, Joey (Stephanie), Samone (Eric), Sahara and Harley. Great grandchildren include Sean (Kelsey), Kelly, Harmony, Arianna, Colten, Tatianna, Tianna (Mat), Ava, Harley, Alivia and great- great grandchildren Aurora and Xander.
She is also survived by sisters Maggie and Dora, sister-in-law Sybil, and many numerous nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents, brother Jim, husband Charlie, daughter Patricia, daughter-in-law Myrna and granddaughter Jenny Dawn.
Mildred was born Dec. 3, 1924 at Lloydminster Sk. She was born to James and Ruby (nee Mansfield) Allen.
After the death of her father, Mildred moved with her mom and brother to Paradise Valley when her mom remarried. There she worked the farm with the family.
Mildred met and married Charlie Lawrence Oct. 25, 1950. They set up home on his parent’s farm where they continued farming until 1973. Mildred would always be there whenever the neighbours needed help; be it bringing over her chicken and dumplings or helping with harvest.
Life was tough during the time Mildred and Charlie had their young family. Money was scarce, so trapping, picking berries and living off the land was a normal part of life.
Mildred and Charlie taught their children to hunt and passed on all of their knowledge.
Family and neighbours were very important and most social occasions were joined with the many relatives in the area.
Mildred and Charlie had a love of music and Mildred played her accordion. She loved singing and dancing with her sister-in-law Elsie and many nights were spent with friends and family singing into the late hours. Mom and dad had 12 children; six passed away while still babies. She had her hands full with her children and all of her nieces and nephews.
Even though times were tough, mom’s stories of growing up in Paradise Valley were always filled with laughter and mischief.
They then moved the whole family to the Coronation area where she resided until her death. Mom continued her gardening and raising her family. She found ways to contribute to the household. She cleaned geese, picked bottles, sold baking and attended farmers markets all over the area. Her family never needed anything.
Her children were always reminded that the value of family was more important than the value of gifts. Memories of holidays were of playing cards, board games, great cooking and a lot of laughter.
She cared for her daughter Patsy until Patsy went into long term care. Mom and Patsy were best friends and went on many adventures together through the years, always checking in on each other. Mom loved being with her family, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and all of the children she had been there for through the years that were not her children.
She would talk with her sister Maggie from Kitscoty and nephew Victor from Germany every week and would reflect on their calls over and over. Each time one of the nieces or nephews would stop by for a visit she would get very excited and start talking about thefarm at Paradise Valley. They meant everything to her. Her eyes would light up with each and every story about their daily lives. S
he was there for all family when they needed her even in the most awful moments in life, without judgement.
Mildred loved her life in Coronation. Her community was important to her and she always felt like a part of this community.
Mom was able to stay in her home until July 10, of this year. Many home supports made this possible and she was so very appreciative of all their help.
Due to a medical emergency mom went into the Coronation Hospital and it was her choice to make the move to go into a facility where she would receive more help. When we would go in to visit mom, she would always say how much she enjoyed the staff that helped her every day, remarking on how nice and gentle they were.
More medical needs arose during the last few weeks and mom was sent to Red Deer hospital for further assessment.
It was during this assessment mom made the decision that she would return home to spend her last days at Coronation in her community surrounded by family and friends. She smiled and let the paramedics know she was going home.
The staff at the Coronation hospital continued with their love and support, going above and beyond in a way that only a small town hospital does.
Mom and her family would like to thank all of the staff at the hospital during her time there. The level of care she received went far above their job roles. We have no words that describe how thankful we are for the care she received.
A funeral service was held at the Coronation Community Centre, Sat. Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. in Coronation, Ab., with Reverend Alwin officiating.
Interment will take place following the service at Coronation Cemetery. Donations can be made directly to the Coronation Hospital Foundation, Mail Bag 500, Coronation, AB T0C 1C0.
Arrangements were entrusted to Coronation Funeral Home, Box 358 Coronation, AB, TOC 1CO, 403.578.2928. A Division of Central Alberta Family Funeral Services. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting the website www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.