McGECHIE (Byer)
Vella Dean
May 22, 1932 - June 29, 2024
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Vella Dean McGechie at the Drumheller Hospital. We have lost our family matriarch.
Vella was born in Morrin, Alberta on May 22, 1932, and was the youngest of 4 children of Buzz and Lily Byer. She married her husband Robert (Bob) Davies McGechie in 1951. They raised their family of 4 daughters and 1 son in Morrin.
Vella and Bob worked together managing Imperial Oil in Morrin and Drumheller. They also worked together as custodians at the Morrin School, MD of Starland, and The Prairie Inn. She also volunteered at the Morrin United Church, Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary #67, Morrin Hall Board, and a list of other organizations.
After Bob’s passing in 2007, Vella moved to Drumheller to Manor 2, followed by moves to Sunshine Lodge, and finally Hillview Lodge. The family would like to thank the management and staff at both Sunshine and Hillview Lodges for their caring and the support they have shown our mother over the past several years.
Vella never lost her sense of humor and loved to “kibitz” with friends and family. A very strong woman, she would laugh equally hard on jokes about her, as jokes she told on others. She was a good listener, confidant and supplied us with so much loving advice over the years. Her door was always open, coffee on, and sometimes it was happy hour.
Vella is survived by her children: Sharlene Ryks, Lynn Orr, Gordon McGechie, Janice Brereton (Darryl), and Ellie Rosgen (Jeff). Grandchildren: Shawn, Jamie, Robert, Wayne, Elyse (Jeremy), Whitney (Adam), Tyler (Amanda), Chris (Farnaz), Steve (Eloise), and Dan (Jana). Great Grandchildren: Kiera, Aiden, Brooke, Madison, Dasha, Joni, Lily, Colt, Tommy, Lyanna, and Reyhan. Extended family: Wayne, Lenore, Angie, Cameron, Shantel, Erin and Ryan.
Vella was predeceased by her husband Bob, parents Buzz and Lily Byer, brothers Floyd and Bud, sister Betty, and son-in-law Leonard.
She will be forever missed by those who loved and knew her. She touched the hearts of many.
A memorial service for Vella and Bob McGechie will be held on Saturday, August 17 at 1:00 pm in the Morrin Community Hall.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements 403-823-2666.
