Obituary of Esther Sophia Bailey

Esther Hedlin was born on November 25, 1916 and raised in Renown SK. She received her BSc. in Saskatoon SK. And she received her R.N. degree @ the U of A in Edmonton AB. Esther was a well educated woman of her era and continued to be very well read during her whole lifetime. Books were a great comfort to her and she could discuss any topic – history through current events. She probably could have made some money on a T.V. game show because she always knew the answers. She continued to do crossword puzzles her whole life. After graduation, Esther worked in Athabasca for $7.00 a month plus room and board. She moved to Hemaruka to work as the Public Health Nurse. She lived in the office/house that was provided. She met Cyril Bailey and they were married in June 1944. Esther continued to work as the Public Health nurse for several years after she was married. This entailed going to Hemaruka on Fridays when the train came in with the mail. They would start the fire, shovel snow etc. at the public health house. She would boil water to sterilize the syringes and instruments. Baby Boomers born in the area have Esther Bailey’s signature on their immunization records (including her own children’s). After retirement she continued to receive many calls from the community residents to which she and Cyril responded. She gave numerous injections, dressed wounds, removed sutures, and made countless cups of coffee. She delivered a set of premature twins while 71/2 months pregnant with Richard. She regretted not being able to save the little boy, but was proud to have been able to save the little girl. This entailed wrapping her in cotton batton and tending to her in a little box in front of the open oven door all night. She had to feed her with an eye dropper in short intervals. Another maternity call came in the winter when the roads were blocked. Esther and Cyril took the team of horses across country leaving their children at home. They had cold food as Barb remembers and strict instructions not to cook or light the lamp. They were also instructed to only put small amounts of coal in the stove if the fire burned down. The delivery was a success and Evan Price did a medi-vac with his plane. Ironically, Esther didn’t get time to leave the farm when Margie was born, so Cyril did the delivery with strict instructions from Esther. Esther and Cyril worked hard on the farm. They raised cattle, pigs, chickens, and planted crops and gardens. They put up many hay crops. Esther continued to bake bread and can fruit until she moved into supportive housing. Throughout her life, Esther looked forward to her monthly A.W.I. meetings. She was a charter and a lifetime member. She worked tirelessly on their many project and was on the executive for many years. Esther always had some handiwork on the go and won many ribbons for her projects. She sewed many outfits for Margie and Barb and even made Richard a “cowboy” shirt. She also made sure that each grandchild had an afghan specially made by grandma. Esther suffered a great deal of pain with her arthritis and back, but always kept going. She didn’t complain or expect sympathy. Her determination kept her from being dependant which was her goal. She settled into life in Supportive Living and enjoyed the staff there. Esther is survived by her son Richard (Holley); daughters Barbara (Ray) Swyripa and Margie (Mel) Glasier; grandchildren Sarah, Douglas (Esther), Trevor (Rebecca), David (Donna), Grant (Lil), Nicole (Darcy); 7 Great grandchildren; sisters in law Clara Hedlin and Dorothy (Robert) McGill. Predeceased by her husband Cyril, brothers, David, John, William, Donald, and Ralph Hedlin; sisters in law Doraine Hedlin, Beth Hedlin, and Heidi Hedlin. Funeral services were held at the Veteran Full Gospel Church on Friday, January 21, 2011 with Pastor Darrel Durksen officiating. Linda Schetzsle played for the congregational hymns. Mr. Vern Durksen sang a beautiful solo. Pallbearers were Dave Glasier, Grant Glasier, Donna Glasier, Darcy Wiart, Nicole Wiart, Ken Hedlin and Murray Magill. Family and friends gathered at the Veteran Community Hall for a time of sharing memories and a luncheon by the Veteran Full Gospel Ladies. Memorial donations may be made to the Coronation Health Care Foundation – Assisted Living or to STARS. Parkview Funeral Chapels and Crematorium entrusted with the care and arrangements. For further information please call 403-882-3141. The family of Esther Bailey would like to thank the following people: Dean Ross and staff from Parkview Funeral Chapel for their support and professionalism with Esther's funeral Darrel Durksen for conducting the service and Vern Durksen for his solo. Linda Schetzsle for providing the music The full Gospel Ladies Group for the lunch and refreshments after the service The staff at Coronation Hospital and Continuing Care for Mom' s care We would especially like to thank the staff at Coronation Assisted Living for their kindness to Mom during her 7 years with them. She was happy living there and the staff helped her stay with them as long as possible. Barb & Ray & Family, Richard & Holley & Sarah, Margie & Mel & Family