Obituary of Jeannette Lucille Marie Wirsta

March 29, 1935 - St. Albert, Alberta

March 21, 2024 - Westbank, British Columbia

Jeannette was born in St. Albert, AB, on March 29, 1935. She moved to Calgary at the age of two, where she remained for most of her life. She was the eldest of five children.

At the age of 19, Jeannette worked as a switchboard operator for the Central Alberta Sanitorium. She married Steve Wirsta in August 1955. She remained with her husband for 55 years, until his passing in February 2010. Together they raised a beautiful family consisting of four boys and one girl. Throughout her married life, Jeannette always worked as a grocery cashier until retirement.

Jeannette was outgoing, generous, hard-working, creative, and caring. She loved dancing, had a great sense of humour, and was a bit of a prankster, but her real passion was her family. She was always loving, supportive, and intertwined in each of her children’s lives.

In seeking out a warmer climate, Jeannette eventually moved to BC for a short time. She remained until her passing, in Westbank, BC, on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the age of 88 years.

Jeannette was predeceased by her parents, Philippe and Victoire (Caouette) Bernard; three siblings, Camille Bernard, Yvonne Ruby, and Raymond Bernard; and her husband Steve Wirsta.

She is survived by her brother Robert (Bob) Joseph Bernard, five loving children, Leonard Brian Wirsta, Gordon Phillip (Jean) Wirsta, Cheryl Lynn Marie (Kelly) Lepard, Randall John (Dani) Wirsta, and Michael Steven (Laura) Wirsta; nine grandchildren, Steve Schorn (Kaylee), Jennifer Schorn, Kristy (Jason Cunningham) Weiss, Matthew Wirsta, Joseph Wirsta, Robin Wirsta, Shyanne Wirsta, Hannah Wirsta, and Ellie Wirsta; and four great-grandchildren, Ryley Schorn, Lucian Jessome, Archer Jessome, and Yukki Cunningham; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Jeannette’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jeannette’s family here.

In living memory of Jeannette Wirsta, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.