Strand – Kathleen Strand, formerly of Tilley, passed away peacefully at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family, on June 26th, 2014, at the age of 91 years. She was born to Joseph and Catherine Jackson of Heathdale, AB. on March 16th, 1923. The dry years of the early thirties precipitated a family move to Antelope Creek, where she completed her school years. Kay enlisted in the R.C.A.F.W.D. on April 16th, 1943 and commenced training as a clerk stenographer at W.E.T.P in Vancouver. She was posted to the Number One Flying School in Camp Borden, Ontario. Kay held the position of Corporal until being promoted to Sergeant and a posting to Australia just as the war was ending. Upon returning to Brooks, Kay worked as a secretary for the Departments of Municipal Affairs under A.R. Isbister and Agriculture under Ira Lapp. She married Ken Strand in 1947, and they settled in Bow City, where she worked in the office for Kleenbirn Collieries. The fellowship they shared in the Bow City community, they also found in a move to the farming district of Tilley in 1962. Kay worked as a receptionist for Dr. G. Anderson and later at Tillebrook Provincial Park. She took an active role in St. Jude’s Altar Society and the Tilley Friendship Centre. Kay loved her farm and lived there until she was 88. Like many of her generation, Kay’s faith in church, family and community was her strength. Kay was predeceased by her husband Ken in 1995, brothers Norman and Terrance, sister Josephine Doll, and sisters-in-law, Beryl Jackson and Viola Bennett. She is survived by her children: Karen (John) Berry of Calgary, Lee (Jack) Pleckaitis of St. Albert, Sheila Strand of Camrose, Glen Strand (Judy) of 100 Mile House, B.C., and Alan Strand (Michele) of Lethbridge. She was so proud of her grandchildren, Ryan (Jen) Berry of Chestermere, Alyssa Berry of Calgary, Regan, Brett and Kristen Pleckaitis (fiancé Doug) of Edmonton, and great grandsons, Jackson and Nicholas Berry. Kay is also survived by her brother W. Bill (Annette) Jackson of Calgary, her sister Winnie (Bill) Vik of Rimbey and all of her wonderful nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Thursday July 3rd, 2014 at 2:00 PM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Deacon Robert N.J. Wilson officiated. Active Pallbearers were Kay’s nephews: Greg Doll, James Doll, Kevin Jackson, Terry Jackson, Brian Vik and James Vik. Honorary Pallbearers were friends Harry and Gertrude Muschoil, Rita Dolter, Irene Dolter, Jane Wickert, Kathy Will, Alyssia Scheidegger, Frank Buday and George Onda. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Kathleen, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B3. Funeral arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME, BROOKS, ALBERTA. Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
