Mrs. Deanna Sawers

May 11, 1938 - January 7, 2018

With deep gratitude in our hearts, we said a tearful final good-bye to our beloved Deanna on January 7, 2018. Deanna was a strong, determined and proud woman. Mother to six daughters and the loyal, loving wife of 61 years to her husband Bill, she taught us many life lessons simply by how she lived each day of her life. Her enduring commitment to “family first” is a value we will strive to emulate. Her love for her family was unconditional, each of us so fortunate for the active role she took in our lives. Deanna’s energy and zest for life was an inspiration. If there was a job to be done, she was the first to show up and the last to leave. She was ever generous with her time. At work, volunteering or at play, she never hesitated to get involved, quietly leading the way. She was a true friend, a hard worker and a tireless volunteer. Deanna will be remembered for her love of sport and active living. Growing up in rural Alberta, you could find her on the ball diamond in the summer and at the curling rink or skating in the winter. She cherished her time outdoors; skiing, hiking, camping and gardening. She looked forward to vacations, exotic or simple. And, she never turned down an offer to go dancing. Life was not always easy but when she got knocked down, she never failed to pick herself up, dust herself off and proudly walk on. Deanna’s vibrant, energetic life was cut short by ALS. In spite of the many challenges living with this disease, Deanna continued to be our teacher by demonstrating to us her resilience, adaptability and the gracious acceptance of her limitations. Through her example, we learned to embrace the person she was becoming rather than mourn the person we were losing. Her illness further united our family. We will treasure the gift of family time spent traveling to places afar and the recent road-trip back in time, gatherings with extended family, dancing at any opportunity, discovering watercolour painting when she could no longer grip a pencil, endless games of cards, quiet drives into the countryside and making many new friends on our journey through her illness. Deanna will be forever loved and remembered by her six daughters, Brenda Sawers (Glen Springsteel), Cathy Ens (Dale), Charlene Sawers (Kris Basford), Billie-Lou Laskosky (Ken McClennon), Lynn Johnson (Kevin), and Laurie Allan (Scott). She was a very proud grandma to 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear sisters and brothers-in-law, Joan and Irving Bablitz, Ardina Armitage, Arlene and Gene Shtokal and Ed Dutka, her sister-in-law, Irene Sackett and many nieces and nephews. Deanna was predeceased by her husband Bill Sawers and her sister Ardith Dutka. We extend our sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at Sunrise Village and the associated AHS staff. Over the past 2 years, their kindness and special care provided our Mom with a wonderful home filled with love and dignity. We would also like to thank the compassionate team of professionals at the ALS Clinic and the ALS Society for helping shepherd us through the challenging stages of this cruel disease. A Celebration of a Life well lived will take place at the Salvation Army Foothills Church in High River on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. Donations in Deanna’s name can be made to the Salvation Army Foothills 117 2nd Avenue SE, High River, AB, Canada, T1V 1G4 or the ALS Society of Alberta 7874 10 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8W1. To send condolences and view Deanna’s Tribute Page please visit www.lylereeves.com . Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.