Myrna Van Deurzen

We are sad to announce the passing of our dearly loved Mother, Myrna, on May 6, 2023, at the age of 87, nearly 88 years.

Mom is survived by her son Barry Ericksen (Cindy); her grandsons Nathan and Kyle (Ashley); her great grandkids Amelia, Logan, and Hayden; by the three of us - Joyce, Shirley, and John, and by her sister Guila Hausauer, and many other friends and family.

Mom was born in Lethbridge on June 22, 1935. She was raised in Stirling with her family, surrounded by many cousins, aunts and uncles, until she began attending Garbutt’s Business College in Lethbridge, honing her secretarial and bookkeeping skills. Mom was very proud of the award she won for typing 105 words a minute on a manual typewriter. Mom was a whiz with those skills her whole life. No one ran a calculator faster or more accurately than she did.

Mom worked in the transportation industry most of her work life until 1983 when she and Dad began running the Warner Shell. She also worked for the Kidney Foundation for many years, organizing the annual door to door campaign and the monthly bingos.

Mom loved music and she was self-taught in playing the accordion, organ, piano and harmonica.  She even dabbled with the clarinet.  She never learned to read music and only ever played by ear. She loved playing in a band and attending any music jams she could get to. She also competed in the world accordion championships twice while in her 60’s. 

Mom was one of the hardest workers we knew. She worked full time, was a great cook, gardener, and loved sewing, crocheting, making chocolates, and doing her many crafts. Mom was also a real character, and she loved a good party, a good laugh and a good time.

 Mom loved her family and did so much for us and with us throughout our lives.  We love her very much and we will miss her dearly.

Our sister, Shirley was with Mom when she passed, and she tended to her with great love and care over these last few years as she did for Dad. We had them both as long as we did because of Shirley’s care.We will hold a private Celebration of Mom’s amazing life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MusiCounts, a music education charity introducing kids across Canada to the joys of music. musicounts.ca

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