POHL, Wendy

WENDY POHL

1962 – 2019

After a precious afternoon and evening of laughter and story telling with her lady and girl clan, our cherished mum Wendy Pohl passed away peacefully in the arms of our dad the morning of January 26, 2019.

Our mum trained as a nurse in England where she worked for two years and then moved to Canada for a “short term” nursing opportunity which turned into a 24-year career at the QEII Hospital in Grande Prairie, followed by a year at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge. We have been overwhelmed with cards and texts of support from England and Canada sent by mum’s colleagues and friends; where a consistent theme described mum as caring, supporting, funny, compassionate, and hardworking. Mum’s use of the words “magic” and “lovely” was fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Our mum was diagnosed with cancer in early October 2015 and she was only given three months to live. Like her mother, determined, strong, fearless, and English, she faced the cancer head on with the excellent and compassionate service of our Alberta healthcare system. Thanks to this system and her determination our mum had a great quality of life for over three years; never letting the cancer get the better of her as she shared the best of herself with her family and others. As mum said many a time she was “ever so thankful” for those in the health system that were responsible for giving her over three additional years with her family.

On behalf of mum we would like to send our heartfelt thanks to her hero Dr. Smith and the staff at Bigelow Fowler Clinic East; Dr. Smith was the hub and coordinator all of mom’s care (as well as the rest of our family’s care). Dr. Imbulgoda, Carmen, and the staff at Jack Ady; Dr. Imbulgoda was tireless in finding and procuring the trial study medications that gave mum the extra years with us. Dr. Shukkoor and his palliative care colleagues, along with Viki Dixon; Dr. Shukkoor held a special place in mum’s heart and his support and compassion brought great comfort to mum. The staff at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit; the staff in this facility provided the highest level of care and kindness during mum’s final days and hours with us. As a nurse, Mum was extremely proud and appreciative of the level of care provided by the staff on unit 4B at the CRH (even though she didn’t let them know she was a nurse). Others that mum wanted us to thank are Dr. Sailendra, Dr. Malpica, Dr. Low, Dr. Ireland, Dr. Oviatt, and the CRH Respiratory Department. Finally, mum wanted us to let the staff at the Safeway West Pharmacy know that their support of her and our dad was akin to being cared for by family.

We of course send our love and thanks to our family members, friends and colleagues who helped us, our granny Hazel, and our dad throughout mum’s illness. Special thanks to the Salmon & Sons Funeral Home for accommodating, on the shortest of notice, mum’s private cremation.

Mum was predeceased by her father Bill; she is survived by her loving mother Hazel Davies, her two courageous daughters Imogen and Zoë, her huggable husband Randy, and her two beloved pets Sophie Dog and Honey Cat.

Friends and family of mum are invited to an informal gathering at the Galt Museum on February 15th from 5:30 pm – 8:45 pm. Stay as little or long as you like, but please tell us something you remember about our mum. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, St. Michaels Palliative Care Unit, or the Last Chance Cat Ranch.

Mum lived life with an almost unrivaled level of happiness and concern for others. For those of us who remain behind please know that mum would be most happy if we were not sad at her passing; after all she is waiting to see us again with all that is “magic” and “lovely”.

To send a condolence please visit www.salmonandsons.ca