Obituary
Surrounded by her family, Phyllis Jean Cleland passed away peacefully on September 24,2020.
Jean was born on March 19, 1924 to Wes & Eudora Thomas at Fishburn District, Pincher Creek. She was raised in Utopia area with 1 brother Bob, and 4 sisters, Bessie Halton, Shirley Mitchell, Audrey Gross and Grace Fitzpatrick.
She went to school in the Utopia District and then to Pincher Creek High for later grades. Then on to Normal school in Calgary for teaching. She taught school up north in Barrhead area and then back to Halifax district and Robert Kerr district. In 1946 Jean went to Calgary for music lessons and began her journey of teaching music.
She met Ralph Cleland at a dance in Pincher Creek and so it began. They were married on October 11, 1947. Ralph & Jean farmed and raised 6 children in the Cowley, Fishburn, & Robert Kerr area before moving to town in 1956 and started a carpenter business Cleland Contracting and a trailer park, Clelands Trailer Park.
Married 65 years, they raised 6 children Garry (Ruth), Bev MacPherson, Lorne(Faye), Kathy Lunn, Connie Firth and Gayle Lepard(Todd). The family tree grew with 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by her special friend Ken Nodge of Vista Village.
Jean’s love of music involved playing & singing for the senior choir at the United Church for many many years, she played weddings, funerals, sing songs at Crestview Lodge and Vista Village.
She enjoyed playing cards, camping and golf trips with friends and relatives and lead a busy life in retirement with Ralph. Later in retirement, Ralph & Jean resided at Vista Village until their passing.
Family was very important in her life so as a devoted mother and friend, she will be dearly missed.
Predeceased by husband Ralph, daughter Bev, daughter-in-law Sue, grandson McKay Lepard, son-in-laws Bob Firth and Doug Lunn.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at The United Church of Pincher Creek on Saturday, September 17, 2022. A come and go Tea will be held from 2:00 P.M.- 4:00 P.M.
Friends who wish may donate to the Pincher Creek United Church or to Good Samaritan Vista Village in memory of Jean.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Phyllis Jean Cleland March 19 1924 September 24 2020 (age 96)..
Décès pour la Ville: Fort-Macleod, Province: Alberta