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WALDERS


Our dearly cherished and loved mother and grandmother, Averill Lucille Walders (Tobin) nee Weiss of Rimbey, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre, Long Term Care on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the age of 99 years, following a courageous and challenging battle with Alzheimer’s.


Averill will be lovingly missed and always remembered by her son Ken (Rosemary) Walders; her son-in-law Sterling Graham; as well as her treasured grandchildren: Patrick Graham, Jackie (Mike) Loe, Daniel (Tia) Walders, Steven Walders, and Jessica Walders; and great grandchildren: Shyla, Jakob, and Addison. She will also be lovingly remembered by two sisters, Betty Gawthorne and Shirley Rogan; her sister-in-law Shirley Weiss; in addition to several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Averill was predeceased by her parents; her husband David; daughter Diana Graham; two infant sons; three brothers: Marcy, Don, and Alan; and her sister Vivian McDougall.


Averill was born in Stavely, Alberta to Robert and Daisy Weiss, and lived in Alberta her entire life. She loved being a mom and cherished her children deeply, spending many wonderful years caring for them and being a big part of their lives, and the lives of her grandchildren. Averill loved spending time with her grandchildren, and taught them how to swim, play card games, bake, and the enjoyment of fishing. She was also one of the best bridge players around, hosting many bridge parties at her home and serving her culinary delights to the girls. Averill very much enjoyed curling as well, and entered many bonspiels at the Big Four. When she could no longer play the game, watching curling was a must! Averill took pleasure in being social with her friends, but she was also an outdoor girl that loved camping, fishing, and homesteading on a trapline west of Sundre with her late husband, David. She was a proud and independent woman that lived every minute to the fullest, and conquered every challenge and obstacle that she encountered throughout her life; especially her determination to beat breast cancer and become a survivor. When Averill was in her 60s, she moved from Calgary to her daughter’s farm where she raised the best chickens and turkeys. After her husband’s passing, she relocated to Innisfail where she met new friends, continued her swimming, and took up drawing and painting. Averill also thought nothing of painting the house or tiling the bathroom when it needed it. We all used to say that “Grama had a bee in her bonnet!” Averill had a wonderful sense of humour and a twinkle in her eye. She took trips to Victoria, Ontario to visit her family, and to Bermuda to soak in the sun with a rum cocktail. She enjoyed time out to play bingo, loved the horse races in Calgary, and had fun at the casino. We could all learn a lesson from Averill, as she enjoyed all that life had to offer until Alzheimer’s changed her and we started the “long goodbye”. She lived the last of her nine years at the Lacombe Continuing Care Centre, where she was lovingly cared for by her son, Ken and her wonderful caregivers, and we “thank you” all so much for that. In remembrance of Averill, we should all celebrate life every day! She will be greatly missed and forever cherished.


With respect for Averill’s wishes, no formal funeral service was held. If friends desire, memorial tributes in her memory may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and NWT, #306, 10430 – 61 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 2J3 (www.alzheimer.ca). Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca


Cremation Arrangements for the Late Averill Lucille Walders (Tobin) nee Weiss entrusted to the care of


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