Our dear Mom, Heather Sawula passed away peacefully and gracefully, at her home at Villa Marie, in Red Deer, Alberta on Monday, June 1, 2020 at the age of 94 years. She was met in heaven by her husband, Steve, and her son, Bruce. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland on September 28, 1925 to James and Margaret Bartleman, she was the third of four children.

Mom served the U.K. during the war, as part of Churchill’s strategic team in the war room. While attending a Tea Dance in London, she met our Dad and the lifelong romance began. Mom came to Canada in 1945, as a war bride, and she and Dad settled in Edmonton. On May 7, 1956, on Shelly’s first birthday, the family moved to Red Deer; Shelly had a fever all the way. Mom saw the Parsons Clinic sign and she had Dad stop. Shelly was diagnosed with the measles but Mom looked after her young brood; and settled the family in their new home, while Dad worked. This is a demonstration of Mom’s strength and quiet determination.

Social and caring, Mom quickly became involved in the community. An active member of Knox Presbyterian Church, she helped establish the nursery, taught Sunday School and was involved in many church activities. She also volunteered on the Social Services Committee, with the City of Red Deer and as well, she was a member of W.I.

She had a passion for the arts and music, which she passed down to her children and grandchildren. Mom became a member of Parkland Players; where she was on stage in many roles. We all remember rehearsals and going over endless lines, but it was something Mom loved. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a kind and gentle spirit, and keen intelligence, with a quiet faith and respect for others. She lived her life with quiet grace and dignity. A veracious reader, she loved to read to her children and grandchildren, and take walks and point out various points of interest to them. She also played piano by ear and she was always singing a little “ditty”. Music was the one constant all through her life.

Mom’s Canadian career began at the Public Library, and she soon became known as the “Library Lady”. Once a week she would appear on Trapper Dan’s Cabin with a stack of books suitable for children. From there, Mom worked at The Bay and then she worked in the office of the family business, C. Beckett Co.
After retirement, Mom and Dad spent twenty-six winters in Mesa, Arizona. She loved to golf, hike and travel. She and Dad went to Japan, and naturally back to Europe and the U.K.

She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Heather Ireland (Ron Scheurer), Shelly MacIntosh, and daughter-in-law, Linda Sawula; five grandchildren, Jean Ireland (Kevin Elsdon) of Maple Ridge, BC, Sean MacIntosh (Jen) of Edmonton, and Mark MacIntosh (Alexandra) of Airdrie, Ryan Sawula (Carrie) of Red Deer, and Jana Sawula-Good (Chris) of Sherwood Park. She was also blessed with six great grandchildren, Liam and Maisie MacIntosh, Owen and Addison Sawula-Good, and Isla and Finnley Sawula. She was predeceased by her husband, Stephen, and her son, Bruce.

Due to the current circumstances, a Family Farewell will be held for Mom. If friends wish to honor Mom’s memory, take a walk, tell a funny story or a joke, or sing a ditty. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Villa Marie for the care and compassion shown to Mom and us. If desired, Memorial Donations in mom’s honor may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta at www.alzheimer.ca or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Take your bow, Mom. There will be more plays for you and more lines to rehearse; as you find peace and God’s grace.

Arrangements in care of:

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer),

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER.

• Date : 2020-06-09
• Location : www.ParklandFuneralHome.com