April 30, 1933 - July 26, 2020
It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother, Deanie Holmes at the age of 87. Mom lost her courageous battle with cancer on July 26th, with family by her side.
Deanie was born to Bill and Margaret Alward, April 30th, 1933 in Cranbrook, BC. She was the youngest of 5 children. Throughout her childhood and teen years, Deanie enjoyed sports, was an outstanding figure skater and member of the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band. She graduated from Mount Baker High School in 1951 and began working as a bank teller. She married Albert Holmes in 1953. They lived in Cranbrook and the Fort Steele area for 28 years raising a family of 6 children while owning and operating several different businesses; service station, motel, horse rentals, Christmas tree company, western store and ranching before relocating in 1982 to the ranch in Nanton, AB where they continued to be involved in the cattle industry. Deanie was predeceased by her husband Albert of 61 years, daughter Pat Pighin, granddaughter Amy Jensen, grandson Lane Holmes, her parents, and all of her siblings, Iris MacFarlane, Lillian Ferguson, Joyce Ross & Ray Alward.
Deanie is lovingly remembered by her daughters; Marilyn (Peter) Nemisz, Gail (Wes) Cummings, Leah (Doug) Lockton, Maxine (Albert) Middleton; son Bill (Kateri) Holmes; grandchildren Chad (Angie) Pighin, Marty (Laci) Pighin, Lyndsay (Nathan) Osterlund, Lisa Jensen, Luke (Amy) Cummings, Shelby Cummings (Dan), Stephanie (Rob) Halldorson, Steven Hrisook (Adie), Jordon, Mike and Lorelle Holmes, Jack Middleton (Elesha) and Nick Middleton (Tyra); great-grandchildren; Dylan and Porter Pighin, Chezney and Coy Pighin, Ryatt and Kenzie Osterlund, Londyn and Aubree Halldorson, Kasen Hrisook and step-grandchildren; Nick, Jessica, Sarah, Emmitt, Katie, Logan, Sarah and Hunter. Mom was also loved and will be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family, lifelong friends and a very special niece Gerri, her namesake.
Mom had a strong will, a positive attitude and an incredible sense of humor.
She was kind, caring and always put others before herself. Mom treasured the time spent with her large family. You never left "Grannie's Kitchen" hungry! She spent many hours knitting for the family and watching them participate in their activities. She liked flowers, birds, puzzles, chocolate treats, watching the Lawerence Welk show on Saturday evenings and time at the casino. Mom was a great role model - driving for over 60 years and was never pulled over or given a speeding ticket. We appreciate the memories Mom has left for us by taking photos over the years and creating so many albums. Mom was very proud of her family and their accomplishments and leaves behind many beautiful memories. She will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Deanie, may do so to the; Nanton Fire Department, ℅ Mike Matchett Box 609, Nanton, AB T0L 1R0 or Claresholm & District Health Foundation (Palliative Care) Box 2638, Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0.
Interment will be at Fort Steele Cemetery, Fort Steele, BC at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Homes, High River. (403-652-2222)