Mary Ann Theaker of Halkirk, Alberta, passed away at Heritage House in Stettler Alberta on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 87 years of age. Mary Ann was born on August 11, 1924 at Halkirk, Alberta, the only daughter and oldest child of John and Edna Farnalls. Mary Ann’s parents, John and Edna Farnalls were pioneers near Halkirk, Alberta, where Mary Ann and her four brothers were born. She spent several of her school years living with her grandfather, Theophilus and aunt, Margaret on the present Lazy T Farm and attending Spruce Creek School. Theophilus gave her singing and music lessons and she enjoyed singing all her life. Mary Ann graduated from Holy Cross School of Nursing in Calgary in 1946 and began her nursing career with a job in Provost. Her bright red hair and blue eyes caught the eye of a young local farmer, Lorne Theaker.
From Provost, she took a job in Prince George and Lorne followed, taking a job in an autobody shop for the winter. In 1949, Mary Ann and Lorne were married at Halkirk, in the home of Mary Ann’s parents. In 1952, they purchased the present Lazy T Farm from Mary Ann’s family. Mary Ann and Lorne raised their five daughters on this lovely piece of land. Mary Ann helped all the girls with voice lessons. She loved to sew and made dresses, leather gloves, purses, jackets and cushions. She enjoyed gardening and all aspects of nature: cloud formations, flowers and birds (there was always a bird book in the kitchen) and nursing sick calves and baby ducks.
When Mary Ann and Lorne retired to Stettler, she volunteered at Heritage House, sang in the United Church Choir and enjoyed travelling and camping trips with Lorne.
Mary Ann’s memory is cherished by her five daughters – Helen (Ian) Whyte, Lois (Ion) Buicliu, Thelma (Don) Strome, Clara (Tony) Nibourg and Corinne (Michael) Saretsky. Mary Ann has twelve grandchildren – Arran (Gavin), Peter (Kim), Meg, Ang (Tim), Tom (Lindsay), Jeff (Jenn), Michelle (Des), Jenna, Sidonie, Luke, Lauren and Amy and four great-grandchildren – Sholeh, Natalie, Alexis and Brooklyn. As well, Mary Ann is lovingly remembered by her brother, Raymond and his family and six sisters-in-law: Victoria Halvorson, Violet McGillivray, Mabel Hope, Verna (Bryce) Mailer, Joan (Francis) Hochausen and Jean (Jack) Clipperton and their families. Mary Ann was predeceased by her husband, Lorne (2010), infant son, Archie, brothers, Hugh, Joe, Edgar, brothers-in-law, Horace, Ernie and Earl and sister-in-law, Vicki Farnalls.
A celebration of Mrs. Mary Ann Theaker’s life was held on Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Stettler United Church, Stettler, Alberta with Reverend David M. Denholm officiating. Mary Ann was laid to rest beside her husband, Lorne and son, Archie in the Halkirk Cemetery, Halkirk, Alberta.
Memorial donations in Mary Ann’s memory may be made to Stettler United Church, Stettler & District Music Festival or a charity of choice.