Obituary of Erna Oddson

Erna Oddson of Calgary passed away on Friday, January 13, 2006 after many years of living with Alzheimer Disease at the age of 78 years. Erna was born on March 12, 1927 in Leipzig, Romania to Samuel Litke and Elizabeth Flato, she immigrated to Canada as a baby with her family. At a young age Erna came to Calgary to business school, later becoming a bookkeeper for Royal Lumber, she also worked for the Calgary Convention and Visitors Board selling memberships to hotels and restaurants. She was a very accomplished sales person selling advertising freelance for many organizations including Oilweek (Visitors Guide) and Drillsite magazine, ATP, Theatre Calgary, Calgary Opera, Lunchbox Theatre, and other theatre productions. Erna prepared and delivered bowling score sheets to a number of Alberta bowling alleys working with the Bowling Proprietors Association. She was a skilled athlete and succeeded in winning births in both the ladies Scott’s Tournament of Hearts and the Canadian Mixed Curling Championships. She also excelled as a low handicapper at golf. She loved ballroom dancing and has trophies for that. Erna deeply loved her family and friends and looked forward to travelling. Her compassion and love will continue to grow within the family and friends. Erna is lovingly remembered by her husband J. Ross Oddson; her daughter Beverly Goodwin (Rick Bates); grandchildren, Chris Goodwin, Cara Goodwin, great-grandson Trystyn Goodwin; step-children, K. Ross Oddson (Tammy Schmidt); step-grandson William, and Kandace (Emmett) Pelly; sisters, Lily (Walter) Bailey, Edna (Don) Davies, Elsie (Len) Sevick and their children and grandchildren; and her brother Walter (Marj) Litke, and their families. Erna was predeceased by her first husband William Goss; a daughter Jane Goss; her parents; and her eldest brother Emil. A Celebration of Erna’s Life will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1S1) on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Bryan D. Derksen, Presider. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, #201, 222 – 58 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3 Telephone: (403) 290-0110, or the McDougal United Church Building Fund at the above address. A special thank you is extended to Erna’s wonderful caregivers, Hermelinda Montalban, Barbara Kennedy, Marie McCormac, all the Staff of Chinook Care Centre especially those in Chinook Park Wing and to Dr. G. W. Melling. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com In living memory of Erna Oddson a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 3J3 Telephone: (403) 256-9575.