Obituary of Alameda Paterson

It is with great sorrow that we announce our sweet and dearest mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Meda Paterson passed away peacefully, predeceased days before by her husband of 61 years, her beloved Bill.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Ralph); son, Grant (Kimmy); grandchildren, Teyden (Fraser), Caroline, and Carley; her sister, Violet Barry, brother, Dr. Ken Wiancko, and their families; along with many friends and relatives.

Meda was born on October 13, 1922, in Ponoka, Alberta to Albert and Lillian Wiancko, ranchers in Rimbey, Alberta who also ran the Empress Theatre. Meda graduated from Bentley High School at the age of 17, and worked at the Bank of Montreal in Lacombe for five years (1939-1944). Meda met the love of her life, Bill Paterson, while he was stationed at Penhold, in Red Deer, Alberta for the Royal Air Force. After an extended engagement, she traveled across Canada and the Atlantic Ocean to join Bill with his family in Yetholm, Scotland.

On February 19, 1946, Meda married her soul mate Bill in Edinburgh, Scotland and a year later, they returned to Canada, where they made Calgary their home. Together, they built their house and welcomed their daughter and son in the coming years.

Brilliant and hardworking, Meda worked in the downtown Bank of Montreal (1947-52), the CBE Library Service Centre, and later Laurentide Finance, before joining Ince Holdings. There, she was the executive assistant to the president for twenty years (1967-1987). Meda’s retirement was full of joy and allowed her to be with her constant companion and husband Bill. Together, the couple were ardent flower gardeners, and Meda immensely enjoyed her genealogy and grandchildren. During this time, Meda also made great contributions to the G.A.S.P. organization for anti-smoking. She enjoyed her quiet times with Bill and their travels to Hawaii and Scotland held many memories for them.

Meda will be remembered for her gentle smile, sweetness, incredible fashion sense, and unique jewelry-making abilities. Meda’s devotion as a mother and grandmother brought mountains of joy to those she loved. A true lady, Meda’s grace and sincere warmth will be missed by all who knew her. Parted, but for days, Meda’s transition joins her with the love of her life, Bill, reuniting them once again eternally. We find comfort in knowing that their life together was filled with love & laughter.

A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Thursday, June 21, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8. Telephone: (403) 955-7211.

In living memory of Meda Paterson, 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.