Regan, Elva Anna ( nee Walker)

Written by ECA Review

Elva Anne Regan

Elva Anna Regan (Walker) was born Aug. 11, 1933 to William and Mary Walker at Oyen, Alta. She passed away peacefully on July 11, 2023 at Stettler Hospital with her family at her side.

As a child of the 1930s (Elva, Grandma, or Mom) learned that it takes determination and perseverance to get what you needed and wanted out of life. Her father told her there was no such thing as “I can’t” and she lived her life by his words.

Elva’s youngest sister Eileen passed away at three months old. Her sister Rita moved to pursue her nursing career when Elva was eight. Rita met and married an airman who trained pilots in Canada during the war. She later moved to England.

Elva was raised with eight brothers and they did walk to school in the summer and winter to a one-room building with all grades taught by one teacher. She attended school up to Grade 10. Elva was good at science and math. She loved all sports, baseball her favourite. She was one of the first picked when teams were chosen.

At 18 Elva married Earl Regan on Dec. 10, 1951. The families lived five miles away from each other. They knew each other from a young age.

Earl purchased a quarter section of land for $1600. in 1950 and the next year another for $2500. It was a huge purchase for a young family starting out in the 50s. Soon along came babies, two boys and a girl in the 50’s and two more boys in the 60’s, Wayne, Randy, Rita, Dennis and Darcy.

Elva was a great gardener, sewer, quilter, cook, baker and piano player; all of which were self-taught.

She was generous and there was always room at her table for one more. She loved people and helping those in need whenever she could.

Farm life suited Elva. She helped Earl raise and care for the horses, range cattle, milk cows, dogs, cats, chickens, children and growing crops for sale and feed.

She made many, many baby quilts. She was proud of a Centennial quilt she made for the fall fair in 1967. It had the provinces and territories with red maple leafs. She won first prize.

Alberta’s Governor General’s wife bought the quilt. It hung in the Glenbow museum. Also proudly owned by the family is a silk tie quilt and a brightly coloured 1970s go-go dancers quilt.

Earl and Elva left their families and friends to start a new adventure in Stettler in 1973 after 23 years farming in Oyen. Elva joined the Botha United Church and was a faithful member until it closed a few years ago. She was selected as Citizen of the year in Botha and was humbled and proud of that honour.

She started volunteering for the Superfluity shortly after it opened and was a faithful volunteer for 40 years. She made many special friends in the community she loved.

Earl and Elva liked to play old-time music over the years with their friends, one being their friend Clara. Bingo, games of chance and cards were a great pastime for her with her friends.

She was looking forward to her new home at Willow Creek Lodge.

Elva is survived by her loving family, children: Rita (Gary) Haigh of Fernie, B.C., Dennis (Paola) Regan of Calgary, and Darcy (Theresa) Regan of Stettler; brothers Walter Walker and Allan Walker; sisters-in-law: Diane Walker, Doris Walker, Betty Walker, Jackie Walker, Marilyn Walker and Sharon Regan.

Also by her grandchildren: Greg Bates, Dave Bates, Jack Haigh, Lewis Regan, Tanis Regan, Nicolas Regan, Christopher Regan, Michelle Richards, Velvet Grudzinskas, Erin Regan, Richard Marshall, Randy Regan, Josh Horning and Madison Horning.

And great-grandchildren: Kellan Bates, Ella Rae Bates, Alaric Grudzinskas, Niele Grudzinskas, Nova Grudzinskas, Casey Grudzinskas, Finnley Regan, Braxton Horning and Jackson Horning; special family and many dear friends.

Elva was predeceased by her husband Earl Regan, sons Wayne Regan and Randy Regan, parents Mary and William Walker, sisters Rita and Eileen and brothers Romie, Charlie, Jimmy, Gordie, Erwin and Elmer.

A celebration of Elva’s life will be held on Sat. July 22, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Stettler Funeral Home, Stettler, Alta.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.

Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium were entrusted with the care and arrangements. For further information please contact 403-742-3422.

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