McALPIN

~ Service Update ~

It is with profound sadness that we announce that Olevia Sophia “Sonja” McAlpin of Parkland Beach at Gull Lake, Alberta passed away peacefully, with the loving support of family and friends at her side, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 72 years. 

Her obituary notice,

written by Sonja herself...

“If you are reading this story,

you already know the ending. 

Let me tell you a little about my wonderful life…

I was born in Holland on November 28, 1953.  I immigrated to Canada in 1956 with my parents, my older brother, and my younger brother.  We lived in Red Deer, Alberta until 1971, when I moved away to pursue my nursing career.  From 1974 until 1997, I worked at the Calgary General Hospital in the Emergency Room Department as a trauma nurse.  I loved this atmosphere, as the pace was fast and you never knew what was coming through the doors.  In this time, I also flew a couple of STARS Air Ambulance flights, but I kind of think I was puking more than the patient was!  These were experiences I never forgot! 

From the emergency room, I moved to cancer care at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, and then to the Central Alberta Cancer Centre in Red Deer for an additional 15 years.  I believe I found my calling there, and I hope my care of cancer patients helped them through some of the most difficult times of their lives.

After I retired, I enjoyed staying active and became a Marriage Commissioner, and later in 2019, I obtained my certification as a Funeral Celebrant.   I always joked that I could either marry you or bury you!  I enjoyed my retirement immensely and kept very busy.

I married my best friend, Phil, on January 24, 1976, in Red Deer on a cold winter’s day at –27 degrees.  It was so cold!  Our union was blessed with two sons, in addition to my three beautiful grandchildren.  In our younger years, Phil and I travelled to many beautiful places:  Africa, Rome, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, the Galápagos Islands, the Dominican Republic, and the Amazon River, along with many unforgettable islands along the way.

I have also been very fortunate to have made many friends that have touched my heart over the years.  My deepest thanks to each of you who have made this journey with me – and have made it bearable this last while.  I would like to especially thank my family, as well as Dr. Rylance and the all the staff at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre.  Thank you also to Laverne and Michelle for the opportunity to work with you, and your friendship.”

Sonja will be lovingly remembered by her husband of almost 50 years, Phil; her sons Greg (Kathleen) McAlpin of Airdrie; and Donny (Lisa) McAlpin of South Surrey, BC; as well as three precious grandchildren, Natalyia, Ellie, and Ava.  She will also be lovingly remembered by her siblings Chris (Cindy) de Jong of Swift Current, Saskatchewan; Bill (Shirley) de Jong of Airdrie; Winnie (Ben) Huisman of Bowden; and Arne de Jong of Calgary; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and many good friends.  Sonja was predeceased by her parents Arie and Freda de Jong.

A Celebration of Sonja’s Life will be held at the Keyera Place Community Centre (formerly the Peter Lougheed Community Centre), 5109-54 Street, Rimbey on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Marco Williams-Ste-Marie officiating.

If desired, it was Sonja’s wish that donations be made directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120 - 6835 Railway Street SE, Calgary, Alberta  T2H 2V6 (www.parkinsonassociation.ca).  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.

Service and Cremation Arrangements for the Late Olevia Sophia “Sonja” McAlpin entrusted to the care of