1924 ~ SISSONS ~ 2014

Mrs. Nancy Ruth Sissons of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Mr. Jack Sissons, passed away on Thursday, January 9th, 2014 at the age of 89 years. Nancy Ruth leaves to cherish her memory her children, Malcolm (Jennifer) Sissons of Medicine Hat, David (Valdine) Sissons of North Saanich, British Columbia, Paul (Tracie) Sissons of St. Albert, Mark Sissons of Calgary, and Margaret “Megs” (Gordon) Waterous of Pritchard, British Columbia; nine grandchildren, Lisanne (Dale) Beard, Robert (Yvonne) Sissons, Gillian Sissons (Gordon Redden), Valancy Sissons, Joshua Sissons, Patrick (Kim) Sissons, Robin Sissons, Heather Waterous and Kieran Waterous; three great grandchildren, Amelia Beard, Nya and Foster Sissons; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Nancy Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Jack Sissons; her parents, Gerald and Margaret Hope Rutherford; and one sister, Margaret Hope (Herb) Pickard. Nancy Ruth was born and grew up in Winnipeg in the midst of the Depression and war years. From age 18, after her mother’s premature death, she managed her father’s household for several years while studying for a degree in Home Economics at the University of Manitoba. She followed up with post-graduate work there and then at the University of British Columbia, where she was introduced to Jack as a blind date by his brother Tom. After their marriage in Winnipeg in 1949, Jack and Nance settled in Calgary and began a family. In 1959, with their three boys, they moved to Medicine Hat and had another son and finally a daughter! Nancy Ruth became involved in various fine arts groups, especially the Allied Arts Council, and musical theatre, the Ladies’ Aid at St. John’s, and Brownies and Guides. In the early years, she played tennis with friends and skied with her family until she could no longer keep up with her youngest. She joined the board of the Medicine Hat Rehab Society and was instrumental in building their current workshop, now Redi Enterprises. She also was on the building committee of the Cultural Centre, where she was active in the Fibre Arts Society and the Hat Art Club. For eighty years straight, she spent her summers at her beloved family camp at Clearwater Bay on Lake of the Woods where she welcomed children, grandchildren, relatives and many friends. She was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends. A lifelong Presbyterian, St. John’s was her second home. Nancy Ruth had a warm heart, a sharp wit and enthusiastically supported the causes she believed in. She always spoke her mind and left no doubt as to her opinion! Her presence and spirit will be missed by her family and her friends. The Funeral Service will be held in ST. JOHN’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 504 – 2nd Street SE, on Monday, January 13th, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Dr. Nancy Cocks officiating. A private family interment will follow in the Family Plot at Hillside Cemetery. A reception will follow in Taylor Hall at St. John’s Presbyterian Church at 12 noon. Memorial gifts in Nancy Ruth’s memory may be made to the St. John’s Presbyterian Church Fund, 504 – 2nd Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0C6 or to the Charity of One’s Choice. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Nancy Ruth Sissons. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599