SATURDAY, January 14, 2017

SWANSON

SYBIL SWANSON, of Milk River, beloved wife of the late Bert Swanson, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Health Centre, on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the age of 92 years.

She is survived by her son Larry of Canmore and his daughter Sherry; Debra of Oilmont, MT and her daughter Shauna (Dale) of Edmonton; Rosalind of Medicine Hat and her children McKenna and Mason; son Wayne (Gloria) and their children Justin, Crystal and Jonathan; son Darrel (Rhonda) and their children Calvin, Dylan and Harlee.

Sybil was predeceased by her husband Bert, daughters Jeanne Balog and Juanice (infant), grandson Todd, sisters Mavis Taplin and Carmen Allen as well as brother in-law, Lee Taplin.

Sybil was born on November 22, 1924 in Calgary, Alberta to parents Martha and Vallen Orcutt. She was raised on the family farm east of Warner, Alberta. After completing her schooling, she worked at the 15 Cent Store in Lethbridge. During that time, she met the love of her life, Bert Swanson and they were married on February 13, 1943. They farmed on the family farm in the Milk River area.

Her interests were many and varied. It was during her later years that she became a very active golfer and the #5 hole at the Milk River Golf Course was renamed “Sybil’s Coulee!” Sybil enjoyed curling with her friends, known as ‘The Golden Girls!” and was fearless when it came to trying other sports such as downhill skiing and at the age of 72, rollerblading around Waterton Park.

Sybil was a wonderful cook and known for her sewing abilities. When her daughters were growing up you could find her at the sewing machine making outfits for the start of the new school season.

She will be remembered by her family and many friends for her infectious smile and beauty, inside and out. Our fond memories will live on forever.

A Funeral Service will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321 Main Street N.W., Milk River, AB, on Monday, January 16, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Marion Martin officiating.

Interment will be held in the Milk River Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Sybil, donations may be made to the Milk River Resident Council or to the Milk River Health Centre – Continuing Care, Box 90, 517 Centre Avenue, N.E, Milk River, AB, T0K 1M0.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

THERRIAULT

Jacqueline Marie (Bechtel) Therriault passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Pincher Creek on January 11, 2017 at the age of 85.

Jackie was born on April 15, 1932 in Pincher Creek, the third of four daughters born to Eva Eulahia (Ekelund) and John Harvey (Jack) Bechtel of the Spread Eagle foothills near Twin Butte, Alberta. Her natural musical talent became apparent at an early age when she would sit on her Daddy’s knee with her hands on his while he played, or picking up on the songs her older sisters were practicing for their lessons with her wonderful knack of playing by ear. She rode her pony Bessie to the one room Spread Eagle school, then continuing her schooling in Pincher Creek, staying in the dorm and then later with her Dad in their home on Kettles Street. Her pursuit of the joy of music led her on some very interesting journeys all while helping raise her younger sister Sally.

Playing in the Twin Butte hall with the family band “The Gloom Busters” at the age of 7, she began a lifelong career of playing for dances and every kind of social gathering in the community. Her sparkling energy showed through, and brought much joy to many. She was a member of the Phil Lethbridge band the Westwinds for over 40 years, they travelled many miles together bringing dance music to a variety of functions all over southern Alberta and into BC.

In 1954 she married Alyre Therriault and together they raised their four children on the family ranch as well as their home in Pincher Creek. Teaching music, playing for dances and providing musical entertainment for the community seemed to keep our home busy. She was no ordinary woman, she could be peeling potatoes for supper in the kitchen while a music student was doing their lesson in the music room and tell them what wrong note they played.

She was also a member of the Roaring Lions (serving as president for one term), the Community Hall board, and the Community Band. Other things she was proud of were helping to start the annual Carol Festival, and the Cowboy Christmas at the United Church. She played for 63 of the annual Armistice Day ceremonies including the one in 2016.

Jackie was a Grandma extraordinaire and her nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren were the beneficiaries of this. A great story teller who loved to tell and play jokes. She made things come alive with the telling.

Jackie is survived by her loving family; daughter Marie (Jim) Cameron and their children Scott his children Zinna and Tristan; Michael; and Jenny and her son Tyden; daughter Audrey (Robert) Jackson and their children Shari (Shaun) Terry and their children Piper, Payton, and Tre; Robyn (Eric) Dressler; daughter Jackie (Frank) Marsh and children Jerett (Kathryn Sinnott) children Benjamin and Evelyn; Nicole (Dylan) Prout and children Maddox, Ava, and Owen; Kelsey (Adam) Green; son Tim (Jan Robertson) Therriault and daughter Amber (Ryan Snider) Vogt and sons Aiden and Oliver; and sister Sally (Doug) Connelly. She was predeceased by her husband of over 60 years Alyre in 2015, her parents Eva and Jack and her sisters Inga Marr, and Nona Bonertz.

Jackie was thankful to remain in the hospital in Pincher Creek where she received wonderful care from the staff. They made a difficult journey much more comfortable.

A celebration of her life will take place on Friday January 20, 2017 at 2:00 in the Pincher Creek Community Hall (287 Canyon Drive, Pincher Creek).

If friends so desire, memorial tribute may be made to S.T.A.R.S. (1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570 Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7), or Pincher Creek Municipal Library (Box 2020, Pincher Creek, Alberta T0K 1W0).

Our loving Mom will be greatly missed and fondly remember by many.