August 29, 1922 – January 13, 2026

With deep sadness, the family of Ann Kowalski announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the age of 103, at the Davidson Health Centre, surrounded by the love of her family.

Ann is lovingly remembered by her five children: Virginia (John Blerot), John (Susan), Frank (Corinne), Mary Ellen (Garnet Davis), and Lyle (Janet); her eleven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Leo Kowalski; her parents, John and Mary Krpan; her four sisters and their spouses; Helen (Paul Kerpan), Kay (Bill Burgess), Cecele (George Cebuliak), and Isobelle (Ivan Duda); and her brother, Ken Krpan. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Val Krpan, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Born on August 29, 1922, on the family farm near Bladworth, Ann was the second of six children. Farm life taught her the values of hard work, prayer, responsibility, and caring for others—qualities that guided her throughout her life. While attending Silver Lake School, she developed a lifelong love of reading.

In 1943, Ann married Leo Kowalski, and together they shared 59 devoted years of marriage. They began their life on a farm near Kenaston before moving to a farm near Bladworth, where they raised their five children. Life on the farm was busy and demanding, but Mom and Dad were true partners in all they did. Along with farm chores, Ann kept a spotless home, cooked and baked for her family, sewed and knitted, tended a large garden, and preserved the harvest through canning, pickling, and making jam. She often took hot meals out to the field, turning them into family picnics. The children helped with chores and enjoyed a carefree farm childhood, while Ann quietly showed them what strength, patience, and dedication looked like. During these years, she also lovingly cared for her parents as their health declined. Sundays were treasured as a day of rest, spent visiting with family and sharing meals, and there was always room at the table for guests.

In 1980, Ann and Leo moved into a newly built home in Davidson, built by Leo and Lyle with help from family and friends. Though it was a change from farm life, Ann made the house a warm and welcoming home. She took pride in her yard, garden, and small orchard, and enjoyed early mornings tending to them before the heat of the day. With the church and school close by, her days often began with morning Mass and the rosary, followed by visits with grandchildren after school—usually accompanied by cinnamon buns or pizza pops. As Leo’s health declined, Ann devoted herself to his care, guided by her faith and her belief that she would do all she could and leave the rest in God’s hands.

After Leo’s passing, Ann continued to live independently until after her 100th birthday. She remained active and determined, spending her days in prayer, walking, knitting, reading, and watching the Blue Jays or curling. When she moved to the Davidson Health Centre, she was grateful for the kind and compassionate care she received and formed close bonds with staff and residents. Over time, it truly became her home.

Ann will be remembered for her unwavering faith, strong work ethic, independence, and quiet generosity. Her life was long, full, and well lived, and her legacy continues through the many generations she leaves behind.

Services:

Prayers: January 30, 2026 7:30PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Davidson

Mass of Christian Burial: January 31, 2026 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Davidson

September 1, 1949 – January 4, 2026

Surrounded by his family, Wesley Norman Chugg passed away on January 4, 2026, in Long-Term Care at Central Peace Health Complex in Spirit River, AB, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 49 years, Marion; daughters Melody Sample (Tevis) and Janet Thorstensen (George Karas); and five grandsons, Andrew, Landon, Carter, Cash, and Aden. He will also be missed by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Wayne and Doreen Walker, Ken and Judy Walker, and Marlene Shelly; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Sadly, his sister, Alice Bilodeau, passed away three days after Wes.

Wes was a man of quiet faith in God who loved his family dearly. He was an avid sports fan all his life and especially followed the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Toronto Blue Jays. He loved horses and enjoyed attending rodeos and chuckwagon races. Wes spent much time throughout his life playing cards, fishing, and camping with family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Allan and Shirley Chugg; brothers Wayne Chugg and Gerald Chugg; and brothers-in-law Norm Bilodeau and Tom Shelly.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Spirit River Centennial Hall (4812-44 Ave) with a lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Gospel Chapel (Box 507, Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0 / https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/id/44161) or Central Peace Health Complex Auxiliary (Box 866, Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0).

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Spirit River Long-Term Care for their loving care of Wes.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com.

December 31, 1940 – December 19, 2025

Pauline was born on New Year’s Eve and joined the family of John and Amalia (Molly) Gerwing. She was the last of thirteen children.

She was raised on the farm outside of Lake Lenore.

Following her high school graduation she worked as a nurse’s aid in the hospital. In May of 1962 she married Maurice Merkosky of the St. Gertrudes community South of Humboldt. They were wed at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lake Lenore.

Maurice and Pauline moved to Macklin. Amy was born in 1963 and Donna in 1965. They moved to Davidson, where Maurice became manager of the Co-op Hardware Store. Pauline was a stay at home mom until the girls were older. She worked at the School libray and the local dentist. She then started her career at the Davidson Credit Union. She was liked by the patrons and co-workers. She was called PM around the office. She was involved in many organizations, the C.W.L., Girl Guides, Town Coucil and Sarcan to name a few.

Following her retirement from the Credit Union, Pauline focused on her role at home as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She also took up Folk Art Painting and learned how to golf.

Pauline is survived by her loving family: husband Maurice, daughter Amelia (Clark) Puckett, daughter Donna (Phillip) Petit, grandchildren: Daniel Puckett and Tarah (Kelly) Degelman and great-grandchildren: Kaleb, Chloe, Carter, Jayla and Declan. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.

We would like to thank the First Responders for their care and compassion on her weekly checkups and during the day of her loss. Thank-you Todd for all you do during a very difficult time. You are a treasure to our community. Thank-you to Father Joseph and the Catholic community and thanks to Larry Packet for the delicious lunch after the service.

We will miss Mom/Grandma and carry her in our hearts forever.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Pauline may be directed to the CNIB. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.