Daphne Rawlinson nee; Hewson of Calgary, Kelowna, England and Red Deer passed away On January 4th of 2025 at the age of 89 years.

Daphne was born in Saltney, England to Olive(Rebecca) and James(William) Hewson On December 15th, 1935. She was one of 6 siblings and is survived by her twin brother Derek. She is predeceased by her sisters Beryl, Marion, Ursula and by her brother Bill.

She was married in August of 1955 to Malvin(Derek) Rawlinson and remained happily married until Derek’s passing in 2020.

In August of 1968 Derek came through the door and announced he was moving the family to Canada. Daphne, while not entirely excited, emigrated with him from England upon the “Empress of England”. With a single wooden crate containing all their belongings they arrived in Quebec City to a train strike and subsequently lost their belongings. They eventually came to reside in Rimbey, Alberta to begin a new life with their two sons, Paul and Ian.

Mom had the most important job of being a mother to two rambunctious boys during their early years in Rimbey and then in Calgary when they moved there in 1972. Their arrival in Calgary introduced them to an entirely new family, “The Fountain Road Gang,” which helped fill the void of the family left behind in England. The Rawlinsons enjoyed years of games, dinners, parties, and camping trips, among many other adventures and celebrations shared with their Fountain Road Gang, many of these relationships lasting a lifetime.

Over the years, in addition to being a patient and devoted mother and wife, Daphne worked as a secretary for a few private companies and recalled that some of the best years were spent working at the Alberta Childrens’ Hospital in the Physiotherapy wing.

Daphne was an avid and talented gardener and embraced her retirement years by creating the most stunning gardens on the block in Bowness, Calgary and then in Kelowna, British Columbia. Anyone who passed by would agree that the Rawlinson’s yard was always magazine-worthy, award winning and would be in awe at what they created together. Theirs was the envy of everyone who lived in their neighbourhoods.

Daphne moved back to Alberta in 2021 to be closer to family and seek the love and support only family can give. Our entire family would like to thank the many people who helped Mom as her ability to live independently declined. We are full of gratitude for your support and care.

Mom worked hard at being a mom and teaching us right from wrong. She gave us enough freedom to grow and just enough fear to stay in the lines. She loved ‘Der” and her love never waivered, through both good and hard times. She is already missed, but we are comforted by her peaceful passing in her sleep and we will all remember her fierce spirit and unconditional love for her family.

Daphne is lovingly survived and remembered by her two sons and their families:

Paul(son) and Elise and Daphne’s grandchildren Patrick(Melissa), Katherine, Michelle(Nathan) and Rebecca.
Ian(son) and Nicole and Daphne’s grandchildren Kyle(Kassia), Eric(Kelsey), Keira and Brynn:

Her great grandchildren, Merrick, Mia, Jade, Beckett, Quinn, Aura, Zen, Everest, Adeline, Mackenzie and Alexis.

The family will be having a private celebration but welcome donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in Daphne’s name.

Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. 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.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2025-01-12
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com