Ethel Louise Erlandson

Ethel was the daughter of Alfred and Jennie Berry and was raised along with her brother Gordon on the family farm in Daysland. She was home schooled until she was old enough to ride to school by horseback. She graduated from Daysland High School and then went to the University of Alberta where she studied to become a teacher. Her first teaching job was in a one room school north of Killam and lasted only four days because the school burned down. She taught in the Killam area for a year and a half and then at the Forestburg School where she taught grade 7 for one year. She then took a comptometer course at the McTavish Business College in Edmonton and went to work for Hudson’s Bay.

Ethel was living in a boarding house when she met her husband Dick Erlandson. Dick was on a holiday with his brother Lowell when they decided to visit their cousin Irene. After a brief romance Dick and Ethel were married on November 8, 1951 and settled down in Edmonton. Shortly thereafter was the arrival of Duane, Lyle, Neil, Keith and Bruce. When Bruce went to school Ethel returned to teaching as a substitute teacher for 17 years. Ethel and Dick enjoyed camping, family reunions, curling and, of course with 4 boys, hockey and baseball. Ethel loved to cross-stitch, knit, quilt and sew. She was also very involved in her church and community. Seven years ago, Ethel moved to Rosslyn Place where she enjoyed bingo, puzzles, Jeopardy and the company of the other residents. Ethel always remained quick witted, remembering events of long ago and everyone’s’ birthdays.

Ethel was predeceased by Dick and their infant son Lyle. Left to cherish her memory are her four sons; Duane, Neil (Bonnie), Keith (Joyce), Bruce (Trisha); five grandchildren Kristin (Peter), Cara (Joel), Cyndi, Brad (Laura), Tabitha (Ryan); four great grandchildren Cohen, Sofia, Frances, Beau; and her brother Gordon (Unity) Berry. In addition, her brother in-laws Lowell (Isabel), Ernest (Donna), sister in-law Marian and numerous extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to All Saints Lutheran Church.