Obituary of Josephine Lutz

Jessie (Josephine Mildred) Lutz (nee Savy) passed away peacefully, in the early evening of Wednesday, December 19, 2007, at the Sarcee Hospice. She was 93 years young. Jessie was predeceased by her husband, Ernie, an icon pioneer of Calgary, and all of her siblings. Jessie was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and was raised in Mundare, Alberta. At barely 16 years of age Jessie and her family moved to Calgary where she spent the rest of her life. In her final days, in talking with family, Jessie was recalling the kindness and guidance she received from the Borland family at that time, and she asked they be remembered. Further to this relationship with the Borlands, she was telling how they had hired Ernie, an enthusiastic immigrant from Switzerland to do some work for them, which is how Jessie and Ernie met. Once married, they set about creating a highly successful business, starting first with a hand-turned cement mixer and eventually building to what became True-Mix Concrete, the first ready-mix concrete plant in Alberta, and indeed one of the first in western Canada. Jessie handled all of the accounting and finances for the company in the early years while Ernie built the business. True-Mix Concrete was sold in 1961 as a part of the consortium that created what is now known as Consolidated Concrete. When Ernie sold True-Mix to the consortium he set about to create his dream project – a family recreational centre for the people of Calgary, called Happy Valley. Although the park was enjoyed by many, his dream was before his time. Today it is known as the Valley Ridge residential estate. Once Jessie was no longer involved with the business, she spent considerable time doing volunteer work. She delivered Meals on Wheels for over 12 years, was very active working at the Holy Cross Womens Auxillary, as well as volunteering with a variety of charities. She was an avid bowler and bridge player with the Glencoe Club for many years, being one of the original members of the club. Prior to going to the Sarcee Hospice, Jessie spent over seven years at the Renoir Seniors Residence where she was known for her delightful humour and bridge prowess. No wool between her 93 year-ears!! In fact, just a couple of weeks ago Jessie entertained many with her recital, by heart, of a lengthy poem she had learned in grade six!! If there is any one thing that can be said in tribute to Jessie’s life, right to the end, it’s that she gave great hugs that made people feel loved, and she always created humour! Family and friends have felt especially blessed the past couple of months for having been given some “extra” time with her. The greatest tribute to Jessie is evidenced by the many people who loved her – to be so loved by so many is a true life gift and the mark of a life well lived! Jessie will be sadly missed by her son Jim and daughter-in-law Louise, of High River, and her daughter Bev of Calgary. Jessie dearly loved her grandchildren Cheryl Morrier, Greg Lutz, Bonnie Treavor, Jacquee McKay, Tim Jerhoff and Tyler Jerhoff and they, in turn, felt she was a most wonderful grandma! Great-grandchildren Lauren, Jesse, Christopher, Madison, Bradley, Sarah, Ryan, Austin, Randy, and Travis were also very dear to Jessie’s heart. Aunt Jessie will also be very missed by her niece Maxine Rayner of Vancouver, and Ron Smith and family of Calgary. A Celebration of Jessie’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Sarcee Hospice, 3504 – 29 Street, S.W., Calgary, AB T3E 2L3, (403) 685 6460 or the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 955-8818. The family would like to say thank you so very very much to all of the staff at the Sarcee Hospice. They are truly the Angels at Work. Special thanks to Dr. Falk whom Jessie considered the best of the best of all doctors in her life!! In living memory of Jessie Lutz, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.