Obituary of Kathleen Gertrude VANNEBO

VANNEBO, Kathleen Gertrude Kay was born on June 20, 1918 in Lewes, England and passed away on December 1, 2012 in Strathmore, Alberta. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Palmer Martin Vannebo (Pee Wee), in 2006. Kay, a British Land Army Girl, and Pee Wee, the Canadian soldier, met and married in England during the war. She joined him in Calgary in 1948, celebrating 61 years of a loving partnership prior to his passing. Strathmore had been home to the Vannebos and their Springer and Brittany spaniel dogs, all named Butchy, for over six decades. Kay worked in the old drugstore on Main Street, had a restaurant on the highway and then together Kay and Pee Wee enjoyed years in their Main Street hardware business. Their large garden, the cottage at Chestermere Lake and active participation in local Legion activities provided endless enjoyment. This quiet, lovely, proper British lady and very proud Canadian, was always ready to lend a helping hand. She was a wonderful Aunt and cared for numerous nieces and nephews during summer vacations at the farm Northeast of Strathmore in the early years and later at Chestermere Lake. Somehow she survived with good humour their endless adventures and misadventures. Years later, Kay had a feast prepared whenever they visited, predominately featuring the fish and game that Pee Wee, the fisherman/hunter, taught Kay how to cook. Kay spent the last seven years at the Wheatland Lodge where she enjoyed the company of several longtime Strathmore friends also residing there. Kay is survived by her brother Fred (Maura) Parsons, and their family in England. Canadian relatives include her loving and caring niece Pat Reynolds and husband Bob, of Calgary; nephew Norman (Verna) Vannebo, of Lethbridge; niece Peggy Howard, of Victoria, BC; along with numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and brother-in-law Paul Huot, of Edmonton and his family. Her special, enduring friendships with Wanda, Irene and Yvonne brightened her days. In respect of Kay’s explicit request, no service will be held; her ashes will rest with her beloved Pee Wee at the Strathmore Cemetery in the Field of Honour. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Dr. John W. Fanning for decades of care and attention. She was one of his first Strathmore patients! Kay was also most appreciative of the many kindnesses shown by the Wheatland Lodge staff. To send condolences, please visit www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Wheatland County Food Bank (Box 2331, Strathmore AB T1P 1K1). Send Condolences