1929 ~ PRITCHARD ~ 2016

Our loving mother, Donna Pearl Pritchard, passed away peacefully with Wendy and Lori by her side on Friday, December 23rd, 2016 at the Riverview Care Centre in Medicine Hat at the age of 87 years. Mom was born on August 4th, 1929 in Imperial, Saskatchewan, the youngest child of Charles and Pearl Shirkey, one of Saskatchewan’s early pioneering families. She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald in 1975; brothers, Ray Shirkey, Earl Shirkey, and Howard Shirkey; and sisters, Berneice Parks, Mildred Rombough, Joyce Hodgins, and Evelyn Seaman. When recently asked what made her happy, Mom replied that she was happiest when with her family. She was truly devoted to her children, Shari Brightwell (Trevor Sherk), Rick Pritchard (Ruth), Wendy Smid, Randy Pritchard (Sandra) and Lori Ulbricht (Vic), her 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. There was an abundance of love from her at all times. Mom and Dad raised their family in Imperial, where we all enjoyed many outdoor family activities. Our parents loved to cross country ski and another fond recollection of them is circling Imperial on the “bicycle built for two” which Dad made. Mom loved traveling and made trips to the British Isles, throughout Canada and the US, Mexico and her favorite spot, Hawaii, returning several times. Mom proudly was a 69 year member of Eastern Star (IOES) having joined when she was 18 years old. She was Worthy Matron in Imperial the year Lori was born and was honored with two Grand Chapter appointments, Grand Page and Grand Esther. Mom enjoyed reading, walking, skating, and camping. She passed the camping skills on to the Girl Guide Company in Imperial which she led for several years. Mom was a beautiful baker and a lasting remembrance treasured by her family were her hand-written cook books given to each family. Mom enjoyed knitting slippers for her friends and entire family for years in all colors and sizes – how blessed we all were! The family would like to thank our sisters, Wendy and Lori, and our brother-in-law, Vic for the undiminishing love and devotion provided to Mom during the last years of her life. We would like to give thanks for the kindness our mother received from all the staff during her time spent at the Riverview Care Centre. A special thank you to Sharon and Shona for their compassion and care.

If I should go tomorrow It would never be goodbye, For I have left my heart with you, So don’t you ever cry. The love that’s deep within me, Shall reach you from the stars, You’ll feel it from the heavens, And it will heal the scars.

A private family service will be held at the Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and interment in Imperial with her beloved Gerry. Memorial gifts in Donna’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society, 201, 770 – 6th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4J6. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Donna Pritchard. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park” #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.