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EMILIE YOUNIE

EMILIE YOUNIE, beloved wife of the late John Younie, passed away at the age of 102 years on Friday, January 23, 2009, at the Edith Cavell Care Center. She leaves to mourn her two daughters: Anne Gillin and Jean Ramage, both of Lethbridge, her Grandchildren: Laurie Ramage of Lethbridge, Christine (Tom) Pytlarz of Lethbridge, and Renee (Mike) Roig of Cleveland, Ohio. She will also be missed by her three loving Great Grandchildren: Alexa and Shaylee Pytlarz and Christopher Roig. Mom was predeceased by her parents Frank and Pauline Brown, brother Frank Brown, sister Pauline Locke, nephew Dennis Perverziff and sons-in-law Bill Gillin and Chris Ramage. She is survived by her sisters: Mary Brandeis of Cultus Lake B.C., Anne Turlik of Spokane WA., and Blanche (George) Perverziff of Lethbridge. She is also survived by nieces and nephews: Gordon and Ken Turlik, Dianne Friend, Gerald Locke, Waynne, Gary and Douglas Brown and Bonnie Scott. We will all dearly miss her. Mom was born on April 3, 1906, in Germany, where her family had moved from Czechoslovakia. At the age of six she, two of her siblings, her mother and grandmother took the long ocean voyage to Canada to follow her father who had gained employment in the Crowsnest Pass. Even as a child, Mom’s determination was evident as she quickly excelled in mastering the English language. She credited a favorite teacher and the Eaton’s Catalogue for helping her reach this goal. As a young girl she delivered milk from her father’s store in Maple Leaf to families who were stricken with the 1919 Flu epidemic and later she managed this store. She assisted her father in learning the English language and completing his electrical engineering courses. She, unbeknown to her father, took his car, determined to be among the first young ladies to drive. In the 1920’s Mom moved with her family to the Park Lake District. It was here that she met Dad, who rode up to her father’s farm on a galloping steed. They were married in 1930 and together established a productive farm in the Nobleford district. Again it was mother’s hard work and determination that transformed a prairie farm yard into a lush lawn with trees and a colorful garden. The depression and harsh climate did not deter Mom and Dad from providing a good and loving family life and education for their children. After retiring, Mom and Dad moved into Lethbridge. In 1975, Dad passed away and in 2000, because of failing health, Mom moved into the Edith Cavell Facility. A special thank you to their entire staff whose kindness, dedication, and genuine concern for Mom has truly comforted us. A sincere thank you to Terry and Ashley Nowlin of Quality Care, Esther Bennett, and Trudy Wilson who made Mom feel so very special. Mom’s fondest memories include her father’s accomplishments, her mother’s kindness and compassion, and the hard but rewarding farm life she and Dad enjoyed. The family gatherings and her trips with Dad to Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands were cherished. Mom’s passion for the importance of a good family life, her strength, and her determination are a lasting legacy for us all. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at ARCHMOUNT CEMETERY, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 with Reverend Cathy Coates officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Interfaith Food bank 1116 3rd Avenue North, Lethbridge AB. T1H 0H6 or to the Charity of your choice.