1921 ~ DAPHNE KEELER ~ 2019

Daphne Keeler of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Alfred Keeler, passed away peacefully in the hospital on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at the age of 98 years. Daphne was born in Liphook, England, on February 12th, 1921. Daphne’s memory will be treasured in the hearts of her family; her sons, Garth, Clive (Sharon), and Keith (Bev); as well as her five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, Scott Keeler (family, Cathrine, Jessica), Alison (Corey) Daly (family, Taylor, Grace, Joshua), Michael Keeler (Tammy and Stockton Renschler) (family, Samantha, Chance, Kolton), Sonya (Ron) Keeler Jones (family, Ryden), and Shauna (Greg) Murray (family, Ashlee, Cody). Daphne also leaves her step-sister, Mavis Daniel; sister-in-law, Jean Keeler; and numerous nieces and nephews. Daphne was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Helena Howell; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, William and Helen Keeler; step-sister, Sheila Howell; daughter-in-law, Patricia Keeler; grand daughter-in-law, Dawn Keeler; Alfred’s brothers, Eric, Gordon, Roy (Eileen), Art (Jean), David (Mary), and Ernest; step great-grandson, Michael Jones; and grand son-in-law, Jessie Hirch. Daphne’s mother passed away when she was 3 years old and she was raised by her spinster Aunt Annie and her Grandmother. In 1940, Daphne saw Alfred (a cute, Canadian soldier) at a Christmas dance and she said, “when it’s ladies choice, I am going to ask that man for a dance”, and that is how it all started. They were married on June 4, 1941. After the war, Alf had to return to Canada before Daphne could leave. In August 1946, Daphne left England, on the Queen Mary, with a 3 year old, and an 11 month old baby, sailing for 4 days and landing at Pier 21 in Halifax. From there she travelled by train to Winnifred, Alberta, and because Alfred’s family was going to be late, she was greeted by Quan, the General Store owner. They travelled from Winnifred to the Keeler farm, and as Daphne explained, “it was like a cart track across a field of baldheaded prairie, where are we going?”. She was so terrified of the coyote and the rattlesnakes. They resided there for a short time and then moved to Fort Macleod, where they resided until 1955, when they moved to Medicine Hat. She returned to England many times visiting family and friends, and always made sure that she kept in touch. Daphne loved gardening, tending her flowers, knitting baby outfits, and spending time with her grandchildren and teaching them all to play cards. After Alfred’s passing, she did volunteer work at The Post in Medicine Hat for many years. She was always involved with the War Brides Association and enjoyed taking part in skits and the fun activities that they hosted. She adjusted well to the Canadian way of life and said she never regretted asking “that man for a dance”. She even learned how to ride a horse and was involved in the 4-H horse club. She was known by all as kind and fun-loving, with a great sense of humour. Her greatest passion was spending time with her family; cooking, camping, and organizing family functions. She did it all! A private family interment and celebration of life will follow at a later date. Memorial gifts in Daphne’s memory made me to the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6 or the Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT Palliser Chapter, 201, 770 – 6th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4J6. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Daphne Keeler. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

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