Elizabeth Ann (Ward) Armfelt

Elizabeth Ann Armfelt

1937-2020

We are heartbroken to share that on Tuesday, June 23rd, Ann Armfelt passed away suddenly at home at the age of 82.  She will be deeply missed by her loving husband Gerald, of 56 years; children Jennifer (Wayne) Howse of Rocky Mountain House, Wendy-Ann (Stuart) Derbyshire of Fort Saskatchewan, James (Lana) Armfelt of Edmonton.  Grandchildren Justin (Elizabeth) Howse, Garrett (Leah) Howse, Zachary, Jacob and Max Derbyshire, Greg, and Emily Armfelt.  Mom will also be missed by her sister Noella (Larry) Desaulniers, brother Dave (Wendy) Ward, sister-in-law Karen Bradfield, brother-in-law’s Jack Armfelt, Larry (Marg) Armfelt and Raymond (Allison) Armfelt, and extended family and friends.  

Mom was born on September 8, 1937, in Fort Vermilion, AB to Jimmy and Mina Ward.  She married her best friend and life long partner, Gerald Armfelt on February 1st, 1964.  After moving with the Forest Service throughout Northern Alberta, they finally settled with their three children in the summer of 1976 on the homestead Dad grew up on, West of Baptiste Lake, Athabasca.  This was now home, first on the farm, and then in 1999 to their home on the Northern shores of Baptiste Lake.   Mom loved her family and friends so much, to share a cup of coffee and baking or to join them for any special occasion.  Mom worked very hard over the years.  One of her first jobs was driving a big truck, delivering milk around her hometown of Fort Vermilion before she had her driver’s license.  Another job she often talked about was working for the Hudson Bay Company in Fort Vermilion for many years and then again in the Hudson Bay’s card department downtown Edmonton in the late 1950s.  Mom also loved to clean, she cleaned for years as a profession and kept our home spotless.  From cleaning motel rooms, houses and for many years at the Athabasca Hospital, she worked tirelessly and with pride.  Mom also enjoyed the time she worked in the meat department at Tom Boy Foods in Athabasca.  She proudly taught many of us how to cut and properly wrap meat.  Mom’s hobbies included baking, making buns (many will miss Aunty Ann’s buns), picking berries, feeding the birds, visiting with friends and family, and playing crib every morning with Dad.  She also enjoyed helping at the Athabasca Seniors Centre and other local non-profits with their casinos.

Our family celebrated Mom’s life Friday, June 26th.  We will have a larger celebration at a later date.

Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Athabasca Healthcare Centre, 3100-48 Ave, Athabasca, AB T9S 1M9.

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