Obituary of Luella Irene Drever

Luella Irene Drever (nee – Bird) Luella Irene Drever passed away on October 30, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 102 years, just two months short of her 103rd birthday. Luella was born December 16, 1913 in a sod house in Halkirk, AB to pioneers James and Maggie (nee Arthur) Bird. She was the second youngest in a family of eight, and received her early education in the county school of Daisy Bank. She had a joyful childhood, talking often with pleasure of the various activities she and her sisters enjoyed, including performing plays, singing and reading. She married James “Jim” Drever at 8:30 PM on October 24, 1939 at the 1st Presbyterian Manse on 7th in Calgary, AB on a cold but clear evening. They had arranged to meet in Calgary, but were nearly unable to, as there was a great storm in the days leading to the wedding, so that each Jim and Luella struggled to get through. They settled into married life on a farm in Halkirk until 1951 when they moved into the town in Castor, AB. Luella taught elementary school for many years in Lanes Lake, Halkirk and Castor, AB. To her great pleasure, all four of her children also pursued teaching. Jim and Luella spent winters in Mesa for thirty years, and made many true and lasting friendships there. She was, until the end, spirited and active in many pursuits. In her nineties, she was the fitness instructor in her nursing home. She often reminded her family not to tell the other nursing home residents or caregivers her age, as she did not want to be treated “like an old lady”. Luella was predeceased by her husband James Drever and son Dale Drever; and is survived by her daughters, Mona McManus (Jack) of Calgary, AB and Marilyn Ross (Allan) of Spirit River, AB and her son Kent Drever (Trudy) of Carstairs, AB; daughter in law Darlene Drever. Her grandchildren, Warren (Goldie), Brad (Everdien), Lisa (Mike), Jeff (Lauren), Stacy (Matthew), Korli (Don), Braelyn (Jeremy) and Kale and 16 great-grandchildren will miss her very much. Luella will be greatly missed by her loved ones, but her memory, strong-will, and love lives on in those she has impacted. A private graveside service took place in Castor, AB on Friday, November 4, 2016. A Celebration of Luella’s Life will be held in the spring. Condolences may be forwarded through Parkview Funeral Chapels www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Castor Knox United Church.