Elenora (Nora) Mary Sawyer

1929 ~ 2026

It is with sadness the family of Elenora (Nora) Mary Sawyer of Innisfail, Alberta, announce her peaceful passing on January 25, 2026, at the age of 96 years.

Nora was born in Acme, Alberta. She was the third youngest of a family of seven born to Katherine (Katie) Schwartzenberger and Valentine Schleppe. They were raised on the family farm in the Acme District of Alberta. Nora helped on the family farm mostly in the home and became a wonderful cook and homemaker. She went to school at the Davis School in the Acme District. Nora attended school by horse and buggy. The farm where Nora grew up was a mixed farm of cattle, horses, pigs, chickens and grain crops. Nora eventually moved to Calgary where she worked as a nanny for a Dr. In the early years dances were plentiful and Nora loved to dance; she met the love of her life at a dance hall in Calgary. On April 13, 1955, she married Ross Sawyer from Carnduff, Saskatchewan. Ross and Nora started raising their family in Calgary. Ross’s work took them to many communities in Alberta including Stettler, Coronation, Wimborne, Dalum, Wayne, Bowden and finally Innisfail. While living at the Bowden Institution Housing south of the Penitentiary, Nora worked at the Bowden Nursery and Seeds for a few years. Nora and Ross then moved into Innisfail.

Nora loved camping especially at Gull Lake. She enjoyed playing card games such as double canasta and doing puzzles. Over the years she took pride in her gardening especially her flowers. Nora also enjoyed her swimming and aqua size at the swimming pool, reading, painting and numerous crafts. In 1990 they began their seasonal treks to Arizona. She loved the family get togethers with all her kids and grandkids. Nora was a patient, hard working individual who was always there to lend an ear.

Nora leaves to mourn her son Brian (Brenda) Sawyer of Innisfail, daughter Cheryl (Bjarke) Poulsen of Bowden, daughter Lynn Linde of Innisfail, son Arnold Sawyer of Innisfail, and son Allan (Denise) Sawyer of Parkland County.

She also leaves eleven grandchildren: Jason (Krystal) Sawyer, Trevor Sawyer and Dylan (Deb) Sawyer, Michael (Kris) Poulsen, Tanya Poulsen, Lorene (Brad) Bergquist, Jeremy (Shayla) Linde, Crystal Sawyer, Kris Sawyer, Janelle (Austin) Eisnor and Alec Sawyer. Nora also leaves ten great grandchildren, as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Nora was predeceased by her husband, Ross Alton Sawyer, November 29, 2004 and her son-in law Ed Linde July 8, 2012; her parents Valentine and Katherine Schleppe, her sisters Catherine, Clara and brothers Joseph, Clarence, Raymond and sister Rene. She was the last surviving sibling of her large family.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Hamlets Gasoline Alley for their care for mum over the last few years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Innisfail, Alberta on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow. Refreshments will be served following the service at the Catholic Hall.

Live Streaming of the Service can be found just prior to 11:00 a.m. on the Heartland Funeral Services Facebook Page.

Memorial donations in memory of Elenora can be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, http://www.heartandstroke.ca or Alberta Diabetes Foundation, 8602 112 St N.W. Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1 Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2026-02-10
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Innisfail) www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.227.0006