MARY TORGERSON

December 23rd,1937 ~ April 1st, 2017

On April 1st, 2017, Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep to join her loving husband, Ron of 60 years; and her beloved daughter, Debbie. Mary is survived by one daughter, Rhonda (Brad) Pearson; two sons, Mark Torgerson and Len Torgerson (fiancée, Lynzey); seven grandchildren, Kara (Dave) Clarke, Scott (Janine) Mastel, Jessica Mastel, Jennessa Torgerson, Jamie Torgerson, Ryder Torgerson and Stephanie (Anthony) Kerr; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Natalie (Clem) Baier and Catherine (Alan) Donnelly; and Shelly Prins, who was like a daughter to her; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her daughter, Debbie; and her loving husband, Ron; her parents, Alexander and Helen Skrypetz; and one brother, William Skrypetz. Mary was born in Prelate, Saskatchewan where she grew up on the family farm. She met Ron when she was in high school and the sweethearts married in February 1955. They enjoyed 60 happy years together and renewed their vows during a family ceremony in Cabo San Lucas. Ron and Mary loved children and couldn’t wait to start a family. Their first, Debbie, was born in December 1956, Rhonda in August 1958, Len in September 1961 and Mark in July 1969. Mary was a loving mother and always put her family first. In between raising a family, Mary was an extremely hard worker and spent time working at Dominion Glass Factory in Redcliff, the Simpsons Sears Catalogue Department in Medicine Hat and the Southview Mall lottery ticket kiosk. She was also a talented cook and an enthusiastic host. Ron and Mary always had their door open to others, and often had a house full of people. Mary would always ensure there was plenty of food to eat and was famous for her canning and pickling. Her Torgerson pickle recipe is a closely guarded family secret and no family gathering is complete without them. Mary loved fashion and clothing and was known amongst the grandchildren for being a “cool” grandma. She loved buying gifts for family and was known for giving the best toys at Christmas. Ron, Mary and the children spent many days camping at Elkwater, starting out tenting, then a small trailer and finally a motor home which they took on many trips around Alberta, USA and British Columbia going to Vancouver for Expo 1986. The love of Mary’s life was her husband, children and their siblings who she was so proud of. In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Mary Torgerson’s love for animals, we would ask that you please make a donation to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life and Reception immediately following the service at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Friday, April 7th, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. Interment will follow the reception at Hillside Cemetery. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Mary Torgerson. 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.