Opal’s Obituary
Mrs. Opal Edna Chalmers died peacefully on May 24, 2022, at the age of 94, in Fairview, Alberta.
Opal is survived by her children: Beverly McIver (Dennis) – Calgary, AB; Lennard (Miki) – Abbotsford, BC; S. Kenneth (Marian) – Sylvan Lake, AB; Steven (Michelle) – Fairview, AB; Marshall (Debbie) – Chestermere, AB; David (Teresa) – Red Deer, AB; James (Tanis) – Trail, BC; Gregory (Yvonne) – Boston, MA; and, brother Wesley – Grande Prairie, AB. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 18 great- grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Rod; her parents, Sanford and Gladys Henry- Fairview, AB; brother Rolly Henry – Salmon Arm, BC; sister Francis Edgeson – Fairview AB; grandson Bradley – Camrose, AB; and great-grandson Elijah – Abbotsford, BC.
Opal was born on February 14, 1928 at Fairview AB (Green Island District), the third of four children of Sanford and Gladys Henry, and granddaughter to John and Mary (Molly) Keillor, some of the first homesteaders to the Last Lake District. Opal grew up helping on her parents’ farm in Green Island, attended the Green Island School, and later taught at both the Dunvegan and Green Island Schools. On July 6, 1949, Opal married Rod Chalmers, another resident of Green Island, and her devoted husband for the next 66 years. To that union came one daughter and seven sons. In 1955, their first farmstead was purchased in the Red Star district where they farmed for 17 years and raised their family. In 1972, Opal and Rod moved to an acreage in Fairview, but continued to farm for several years. In 1992, the couple downsized to a new home in Fairview and continued to host countless family gatherings as well as daily impromptu ‘stop-ins’ where a meal was always served. In February 2016, they moved to the Fairview Harvest Lodge, where they continued to socialize with several from their generation; a generation still connected to the original pioneers of the Peace River region. Following Rod’s passing in May 2016, Opal was able to travel with her daughter to visit family and friends throughout Canada and the United States. Family and friends were everything to Opal as she continued to call on everyone until her last day. Over the past two years, Opal enjoyed zoom calls every Wednesday evening, when her family and extended family faithfully “zoomed in” to play music and reminisce.
Opal, known for her unending kindness and ability to make everyone feel special, was always giving of herself and considering how she could encourage others. She held a deep and abiding faith in her Savior, Jesus, who was her anchor and rock throughout her life. Opal lived her faith with great compassion and grace to the benefit of all who knew her.
The Chalmers family would like to thank Dr. Bob Irvine, Fairview Hospital staff, and the staff at the Harvest Lodge for the loving care you provided Opal.
Services:
1)A private family funeral service and graveside ceremony will take place. Afterwards., a video of the funeral service will be available on the obituary.
2)A public Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2:00 p.m. at the Waterhole Hall, in Fairview.
In lieu of flowers, the Chalmers’ asked for donations to be made to the charity of one’s choice.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Opal Chalmers 2022..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Fairview, Province: Alberta