Obituary of Lena Waltham

Lena Waltham was born February 23, 1929 at Andrew, AB to Kornel and Pearl Skladan.  She attended school in Andrew until moving to Edmonton to attend Alberta College.  After finishing college she moved to Coronation, AB to work at the Alberta Treasury Branch.   A young woman travelling by bus from Edmonton to Coronation – arriving in the dark of night. Woke the next morning to look out her window and say to herself – where on earth am I?   She met and married our dad Robert William Waltham on October 7, 1950.   They settled on the farm north of Coronation and mom worked very hard alongside dad - raising five children (1 son and 4 daughters), gardening (to feed the family); raising chickens and purebred cattle.   Mom and dad sold the farm and retired to Coronation in 1981.  During her retirement years mom enjoyed gardening (for enjoyment), golfing, travelling, and socializing with her close friends.  All her grandkids have fond memories of spending holidays and summer visits in Coronation.  Mom and dad sold their house in Coronation and moved to Strathmore, AB in 2007.     Mom enjoyed holidays with family and during her visits she liked to be kept busy.  She always wanted something to do whether it was cooking, baking or whatever needed to get done.   These visits always included plenty of card games!   While mom enjoyed her visits with family, she looked forward to returning to her home at Sagewood Retirement Community in Strathmore where she lived independently until her passing.   When asked what her secret was to a long and healthy life – she would smile and say, “blue berries and green onions”.   The time spent with family and her close friends at Sagewood, who loved and cared for her deeply were what brought her true happiness.   Mom will be remembered as a very special lady - always kind, welcoming and how she greeted everyone with a smile.

Lena was predeceased by her husband (Bill Waltham), her parents, 4 brothers and 4 sisters, mother, and father-in-law (Archie and Susan Waltham), brother-in-law (John Waltham) and son in law (Lawrne Airey). Mom will be lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren. Jacquie (Lyle) Bargholz of Sundre, Ryan (Christine), Kevin and Leah Bargholz; Rob (Deb) Waltham of Coronation, Sasha (Peter) Fiselier and Jessie (Bjorn) Dyck; Laurie Waltham of Sundre; Susan Lindmark of Olds, Colby (Karissa) Lindmark; Sandra (Carl) Rideout of Chestermere, Matthew (Jess), Alexander (Aurora) Rideout and Wendy (Andrew) Brathwaite. And great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  

A private service was held for Lena at the Wheatland Funeral Chapel in Strathmore, Alberta.