Obituary of Darlene Evonne McCorrister

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving mother Darlene McCorrister (Baird) on November 23^rd surrounded by the love of family at the age of 82.  She had been a proud resident of Strathmore and area for 47 years and was well-known in the community as Darlene, the owner and manager of Darlene’s Fabrics & Crafts.  

Indeed, she had been a very active member of the community after realizing her dream of opening a fabrics and crafts shop.  For many years, her love of crafts made her shop a hub of activity for local ladies who shared her passion.  In addition to the fabrics and crafts shop, some may remember her for opening and running the SEARS catalogue sales office in Strathmore. 

“Grandma” as she has been lovingly known since the birth of her first granddaughter, was pre-deceased by her father Charles Baird, mother Margaret Baird, and brother Ron Baird.  She was also heart-breakingly pre-deceased by her beloved son, Calvin (Amy) McCorrister, 39. 

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughter Cheryl McCorrister (Strathmore), son Jason (Maria) McCorrister (Montreal), granddaughter Carly (Rob) Kittridge (Hanna),  granddaughter Cayla (Dave) Waugh (Golden), grandson Nicholas McCorrister (Montreal), grandson Connor McCorrister (Calgary), granddaughter Lacey McCorrister (Calgary), great granddaughter Penny-lane Kittridge (Hanna), sister Bonnie Cooke (Calgary), and extended family and friends. 

Grandma was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 30^th 1941.  After marriage, she moved to Calgary, Alberta where she lived from 1972 until 1977, raising her three children.  In 1977, at the age of 36, she moved the family to an acreage in Cheadle, just outside of Strathmore.  It was here on “the farm” that grandma created a wonderful and loving home for her family as well as a menagerie of dogs (including two, large St Bernards), cats, horses, cows, rabbits, and goats.  Grandma always provided for the family, making sure we had whatever we needed and put food on the table for two very hungry boys.  She worked tirelessly to run her shop and the family home. 

For many years, “the farm” was home base for family and friends.  We came and went as the years went by, but there was always a seat at the table for Sunday dinners which became a family tradition.  Grandma always made everyone feel welcome, cooking up a big roast or ham on Sundays and “throwing another potato in the pot” for any unexpected visitors.   For us, the farm was home and a refuge if times got tough. 

Holidays and special occasions were always a happy time to visit the farm.  Grandma went all out decorating and baking to make the holidays enjoyable for everyone.  For sure, her pies and famous shortbread cookies with maraschino cherries will be sorely missed in the years to come. 

In 2003, Grandma moved to Strathmore where she would spend her remaining 20 years.  In retirement, she discovered a love of reading, often finishing books in a couple of days.  She enjoyed the simple things like reading her books on the patio with the warm summer sun on her face.  She loved to watch the birds eating from the feeder on the birch tree in the yard.  She’d wrestle with crosswords and play solitaire.   Of course, her greatest joy was visiting with her grandchildren who she loved dearly.  Her final years were spent in the care of her loving daughter, Cheryl, at their quiet and cozy home in town with family often making trips to visit. 

Grandma was a kind and gentle soul who created the loving home that she dreamed of.  She was a joy to spend time with because of her easy-going and cheerful disposition.  She was loving and supportive and never judgmental, wanting her children and grandchildren to have interesting and happy lives.   She was smiling until the end, simply happy to be surrounded by family.   

As requested by Grandma, there will be no funeral service.  Instead, as per her wishes, family will gather in the summer of 2024 at Waterton Lakes National Park to celebrate her life. 

Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca