E.L. Viola Wettlaufer

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, E.L. Viola (Vi) Wettlaufer (née Adams) on November 22, 2024.  Mom was born in Matilda Township, Dundas County, Ontario on September 4, 1939 and spent many happy years growing up on the family farm there.

Mom took great pride in her father’s skills as the only blacksmith in the area and would often sit watching him work.  She developed a deep love for the gentle, large breed, draft horses her father used on the farm for transportation and working the land. A favourite story that she would tell us was of riding to school in the back of a sleigh being pulled by the family team of horses.

Mom’s family eventually left the farm and moved to the city of Cornwall, Ontario, and she graduated from high school there.

Following high school, the winds of fate drew her to western Canada where she met and married, the love of her life, Edward Allan (Ted) Wettlaufer. Their loving union lasted for 64 years, and they were blessed with four children.

Mom lived a life of service to others.  She dedicated herself to her family and husband, and readily opened her home to any who were in need of companionship, a good meal, or a place to rest their head.

Mom was a tireless volunteer for Gaetz Memorial United Church in Red Deer, tackling any role where she was needed with enthusiasm.  She filled many board positions over the years and baked many pies. She and dad loved their summers volunteering at the United Church Camp, East Kasota, in Sylvan Lake.

Mom was also a long time volunteer at the Red Deer Hospital Auxiliary. She served many years on the board and worked countless hours in the gift shop where she was a familiar face for the doctors and nurses who worked in the hospital.  She was so honoured the year that she was awarded the Mayor’s Recognition Award from the City of Red Deer for her distinguished voluntary service. We were immensely proud of her.

Mom was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Ted, and her youngest son Brian Wettlaufer. She leaves behind, her children Linda (Gordon) Pekrul, Terrance (Yudi) Wettlaufer, and Sandra Wettlaufer, plus her grandchildren, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and two sister-in-laws Gladys Adams (wife of her brother Bill) and Shirley Wettlaufer (wife of Ted’s brother Jim.)

A service will be held for mom at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to: Red Deer Regional Hospital Foundation, 3942-50A Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 4E7 or by visiting RDRHFoundation.com

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.eventidefuneralchapels.com

• Date : 2024-11-22
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home