AUDREY FERN HASSARD

August 13, 1926 ~ December 26, 2017

Audrey Fern Hassard (nee Gronsdahl), beloved wife of the late, James R. “Barney” Hassard, passed away peacefully at the Riverview Care Centre in Medicine Hat, AB., on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at the age of 91 years. She is survived by her daughters, Karen (Brian) Schmidt and Lori (Brent) Beck; grandchildren, Jay (Erin) Schmidt, Jennifer (Jason) Black, Josh (Jennifer) Beck and Gena (Cody) Glenn; great-grandchildren, Sara Black, Dannica Beck, Brianna Black, Gentry Glenn, Cooper Schmidt, Porter Glenn, Abby Schmidt, Jase Beck, Shay Beck and Lyla Glenn; sisters-in-law, Eva Hassard and Madeline Gronsdahl as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Audrey way predeceased by her husband, Barney; parents, Alfred and Guri Gronsdahl; brothers, Kenneth and Garnet (Ethel) Gronsdahl; brothers-in-law, Richard and Harvey (Lillian) Hassard and sister-in-law, Ethel Hassard. Audrey was raised on the family farm near Congress, SK. She was educated in a one room school house on their land until she attended boarding school at the Lutheran Bible Institute in Outlook, SK. She completed grade 12 in Medicine Hat. After graduation, Audrey and her aunt opened a seamstress shop in Medicine Hat and later worked at Singer, where she taught sewing lessons. She was a master seamstress and sewed everything from beautiful wedding gowns and skating costumes to tents, leather chaps and horse blankets. Audrey had a machine for everything from heavy leather to electronic knitting. She married Barney Hassard on July 3, 1950, in Medicine Hat where they made their home and raised their girls. Audrey and her family were proud charter members of Grace Lutheran Church and she was involved through the years in Ladies Aide, Sunday school, Church Council and Bible studies. In 1961, Audrey and Barney started living their dream when they bought a quarter section of land just West of Medicine Hat. She raised and boarded horses and had chickens, goats, dogs and cats. Audrey welcomed ECS farm tours and later held many Guide camp-outs and even a wedding in her yard. She opened her home and welcomed family members, friends, and a few strays to stay for extended periods of time. Audrey was an avid curler for a number of years and developed lifelong friendships. After Barney’s retirement, the two of them took up bowling together. Audrey was a dedicated member of the Girl Guides of Canada for 56 years, and she contributed as Captain, District Guider, District Commissioner, Division Secretary, Division Commissioner, and Camp Advisor. Even after she no longer had her own company, Audrey still loved to be involved with the girls. She would travel to different companies in town and teach flag, knots, compass and map, as well as campfire songs. One of her proudest accomplishments was her involvement in building the new guide camp at Elkwater. She participated from the blueprint stage to the end of construction, continuing with the undertaking of the maintenance and bookings of the camp. Audrey was an avid volunteer for many organizations and was honored at the first Seniors of Distinction Award Ceremony in Medicine Hat. A private family service and interment with Reverend Dr. Nancy Cocks officiating, was held to honor Audrey and celebrate her life. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, memorial donations in Audrey’s name may be made directly to the Girl Guides of Canada (Elkwater Girl Guide Camp), 2532 McGaig Crescent S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 1B4. Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455