May 15, 1938 – July 24, 2016
It is with great sadness that the family of Elizabeth Jane Varty (nee Thomas) announces that she passed away on July 24, 2016 in Turner Valley, Alberta.
Elizabeth (Liz) was born in Vulcan, Alberta to Norman and Marion Thomas on May 15, 1938, and was the oldest of four children. She was raised in the Black Diamond area, where she met and married the love of her life, Gerald (Gerry) Varty; together, they raised two sons, Gerald and Christopher.
Liz and Gerry lived in various areas of the province, including Cessford, Brooks, and Grande Prairie, following Gerry’s career in the Oil Patch; they eventually moved back to Turner Valley, to retire closer to their early friends and family, in the foothills region they had loved since childhood.
Liz worked as a Teacher Assistant and Librarian for many years in Cessford, worked for Peace Library Services as a clerk during their time up North, and most notably, worked as a wife to Gerry and mother to their two sons. After a successful 24-year career as a Grandma, she began her tenure as a Great-Grandmother (Job Title: ‘G.G.’) in 2008, and dearly loved her 7 great-grandchildren.
Liz had a real knack for meeting and befriending people, and formed many life-long relationships that distance could not overcome. She loved to write, talk, send cards and letters, and keep those relationships alive. She cared deeply about people, loved to make them laugh, and was a tireless worker, volunteering at many community events and functions. She whole-heartedly participated as a proud member of many Oilwives chapters, a valued member of the Eastern Star, and actively contributed to the community clubs and other organizations in her life.
Liz was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Marion, her sister Judy and brother Tim, mother-in-law Anne and by her beloved husband Gerry, who passed away in 2005.
She is survived by her sons Gerald (Lee) and Chris (Malaina); and her brother, John (Marlene) Thomas. She also leaves behind the grand-children she was so proud of; Gerald’s children Kami and Kenny; and Chris’ children Jeffrey, Alyssa and Mark; by her 7 great-grandkids; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and the many friends who made so many contributions to her life.
A Celebration of Liz’s life will be held at the Snodgrass Funeral Chapel (Okotoks), at 200 Woodgate Road, on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016 at 2:00 PM, followed by a reception at the Foothills Centennial Centre (204 Community Way, Okotoks) for friends and family to renew friendships, share memories, and to reflect on the legacy Liz leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society (Alberta/NWT Division), to help Liz continue the fight against cancer. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes (Okotoks) 403-938-3111. To email condolences, please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com
