It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of Mrs. Arlene Mae Laird of Eckville, Alberta on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the age of 85 years. Arlene passed away at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Rimbey, Alberta, surrounded by her loving family. Arlene was born on April 20, 1939, to Arthur and Mae Jefferd in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1959, ‘Ar’, as Dad called her, met Edward ‘Ted’ Laird. They were wed in November, 1961. The couple had two children, Michael and Kathy. Arlene and Ted made a life and raised their children in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Anyone that knew Arlene, knew that the cabin on Green Lake, British Columbia, was where her heart was. Ted and Arlene purchased the cabin in 1970. She spent all her free time there, many summers with Ted, Mike, Kathy and their many friends, later to retire there with Ted, in 1993. Arlene made so many wonderful memories with her family at Green Lake. It was her greatest joy. Sadly, Arlene only spent summers at the lake after Ted passed. She spent her winters in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, living with her daughter, Kathy, son in law, Steve and grandchildren. Arlene then moved full-time to Eckville, Alberta, in 2019. Arlene spent her last few years in the Eckville Manor. She enjoyed her time there and made deep friendships. Staff often referred to Arlene as the sweetest little lady. Arlene enjoyed joining in on the games offered, her favorite being bingo. But Arlene’s greatest pastime was watching the Raptors play. She loved watching and cheering them on. She would often call her daughter and comment on the game. “The boys played a good game, even though they lost, they played a good game.” Arlene was a quiet, sweet, gentle, kind and loving Mom, Nana and Gigi, who will be missed so deeply, but her memory will be forever cherished in the hearts of all who knew her. Arlene was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Mae Jefferd; her loving husband of forty-four years, Edward Laird in 2005; and her beloved son, Michael in 2007. Arlene will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Kathy (Steve); her grandchildren, Jamie (Karla), Rashelle (Nestor), and Chance (Kendra); and her two lovely great grandchildren, August and Bellamy. She will also be sadly missed by her brother, Don Jefferd, and her sister-in-law, Pat. Many thanks to Dr. Burke, the Acute Care nurses, and the staff, at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre. In lieu of flowers, if desired, Memorial Donations in Arlene’s honor may be made directly to the Arthritis Society of Canada at www.arthritis.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

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

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• Date : 2025-01-09
• Location : (Eckville) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com