MRS. IRENE RUTH “PAT” MEHALKO, beloved wife of the late Mr. George Mehalko, of Lethbridge, passed away on Thursday, February 7th, 2013 at St. Michael’s Health Centre at the age of 87 years. Pat is lovingly remembered by her son Donald (Jackie) of Lethbridge and daughter Gwen (Don) Baker of Coaldale, four grandchildren; Jason (Marcie) of Bakersfield, CA, Brad (Jennifer) of Calgary, Robbie (Darryl) Moore of Lethbridge, Jaime (Chris) Clawson of Lethbridge and four great-granddaughters; Jasmine and Katlin Mehalko of Bakersfield, CA and Ellie and Emi Clawson of Lethbridge. She is also survived by three brothers; Ross (Mary) Chambers of Vulcan, Allan (Joanne) Chambers of Lethbridge and Ronald (Renie) Chambers of Lethbridge; two sisters Lillian Stokes of Vulcan and Grace (Stan) Marks of Lethbridge, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband George in 2009, her granddaughter Kally Baker, her parents Stancil and Annie Chambers, her brother Virgil and sister Gladys. Pat was born on October 4th, 1925 to a homestead family and was raised in the Armada area. She attended high school in Calgary and went to Normal School to become a teacher. She taught school at Sundial school. This is where she met George and they were married in 1946. Together they moved to the Barnwell area in the late 40’s and then later moved back to Sundial where they continued to farm until they retired to Lethbridge in 1984. Mom worked beside dad on the farm, driving trucks and farm equipment. She did everything that needed to be done on the farm to help dad keep the farm going. Everything from hauling grain and unloading it from the fields, to butchering chickens to cook for the large meals she took out to the field, picking vegetables from the huge garden which she always had and still finding time to always make delicious pies and cinnamon buns and then back to the field to help George. She also found time to haul water for all of her trees and flowers that she loved so much. When she moved to town she enjoyed not having to work so hard even though she could still be seen shovelling snow when she was 80. Mom missed her garden, so she spent her time planting more trees and lots of flowers at her home in Lethbridge. When she wasn’t in her yard she could be found shopping for a new coat or buying more plants to pot! After Mom and Dad retired they enjoyed traveling to the warmer climates of Arizona and Hawaii. The excitement of Las Vegas also saw mom enjoying frequent visits there. In 2008 mom became a resident of St. Michael’s until her passing. We are grateful to all of the staff for the excellent care they gave mom. Pat was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who taught all of us so much. We love her. She will be sadly missed but always close by in our hearts. A Private family service has taken place at Mountain View Cemetery.

In memory of Pat, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2M7, St. Michael’s Foundation, 1400 - 9th Ave. South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5 or to the Alzheimer’s Society, #402, 740 - 4th Ave. South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone 403-381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca