Obituary of Winnifred Jane Hammerlindl

December 1, 1917 – Alsask, Saskatchewan

April 12, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Winnie Hammerlindl, beloved wife of Joseph Harold Hammerlind, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the age of 106 years.

Winnie was born in Alsask, SK. After finishing high school, Mom attended Normal School in Saskatoon. Once she had completed her teacher training (1937-1938), she returned to rural Saskatchewan. Initially, she taught in a one-room school and then “moved up” to a two-room school in Mantario, SK, where she met Harold, the man she married in 1943.

Mom and Harold moved to Sovereign, SK, where they owned a grocery store. In 1946, they moved to Luseland, SK, and again owned another grocery store. In 1960, Winnie, Harold, and their children moved to Lethbridge, AB, where they owned a motel. Three years later, the family moved to Drayton Valley, AB, where they owned a variety store. It was in Drayton Valley where Mom seemed happiest. She loved gardening, berry picking, canning, and her garage sales. Over her life, she was active in the I.O.D.E, Girl Guides, Women’s Institute, and the Anglican Church. She was a weekly vendor at the Drayton Valley Farmers' Market. Mom also returned to teaching for several years.

In 2004 Mom moved from Drayton Valley to Calgary to be closer to some of her family. She had her own home in Calgary until 2007, after which she moved to the Huntington Hills Manor Village. In 2018 she broke her hip and subsequently moved into Newport Harbour Care Centre, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Family was very important to Mom, whether it was her own children or her siblings and their families. She valued education and was proud of the accomplishments of her children and her siblings.

Mom was dedicated to Guiding, beginning as a Girl Guide in Alsask and then into leadership positions over the years. She even sold GG cookies at her assisted living home. She maintained contact with her Alsask leader and her family for many years.

Church was an important part of Mom’s life. She was a faithful and active Anglican, although she found great comfort and support from Good Shepherd Moravian Church in Calgary (the ‘church on the hill’ as she called it).

Mom was a strong, independent woman who remained positive, no matter what came her way, whether it was the challenges of being a teen during the Great Depression or the inequities of just being a woman. She is one of the few people who lived through two pandemics.

Winnie loved to travel, going to the Holy Land, South Africa, New Zealand, England, Hawaii, and several Canadian provinces.

Winnie is survived by her daughter Margaret Myroon (Ken) of Calgary, three sons, Glen (Nancy) of Calgary, Brett (Pat) of St. Albert, Hal (Jan) of Calgary; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law Marge Adams, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Winnifred was predeceased by her husband Harold in 1992, her son Donald in 2013, and all her brothers and sisters.

There will be a funeral service. Please contact a family member or send an email to GlenandNancy@outlook.com for details.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Girl Guides of Canada, 2188 Brownsea Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3G9, Telephone: 403-283-8349, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/7635, or to a charity of your choice.

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

In living memory of Winnifred Hammerlindl, 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.