Iva M. Peel

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind such as a no-nonsense, tough-minded, and disciplined person. Iva fit the bill. She respected authority, was strong-willed, organized, practical and dependable. Above all else, Iva valued her family - her parents, siblings, husband, children and grand-children. Possessed with traditional morals and values, Iva clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. She was a well-respected stable force in her family and community.

Iva was born on January 19, 1915 at a hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shortly after her birth, the family returned to their farm near Atwater, Saskatchewan. Her parents, Iver and Tilda (Mathilda) Foshager, were both of Norwegian descent. Iva was raised with four older sisters, Marion, Margaret, Juneau (aka Juno) and Jeanette (twins) and one younger brother, Ivor. She was between the twins and the only boy in the family so she learned to fend for herself at an early age. She became decisive, independent and developed a matter-of-fact attitude. 

As a young girl, Iva did farm chores, and enjoyed social outings such as country dances and baseball. She did well in school and attended the Atwater Lutheran church, which was co-founded by her father. In order to attend high school, Iva and some of her siblings moved to Yorkton. In later years, Iva had an ever-growing respect for her mother and father and how they managed the family. Her mother ruled the family with a velvet glove and ensured all the children were well-educated and equipped to live independently. Her father was stern. When misbehaving children were placed on his lap, they immediately became silent, even Iva. In later years, her father would ask Iva's opinion about financial matters and cars. As a young woman, Iva bought a Model T Ford with her own earnings.

In school, Iva developed a lifelong passion for reading and was as a model student. A logical and focused thinker, she was good at following directions and setting and achieving goals. Her favorite class in high school was math. She received "100% on a math exam". Her least favorite subject was history because it was too dull. She utilized her talent for numbers throughout her life, eagerly keeping financial records, balancing checkbooks, investing money, settling estates, filling out tax forms, counting cards, pinching her pennies and sharing generously with others.

In both her personal and professional relationships, Iva upheld her standards and had a strong work ethic.  Her primary occupation was teacher. She received her Normal Teaching Certificate in Regina and later went to Business College. She was employed for several years as a school teacher in rural Saskatchewan. During World War ll, Iva sought adventure in Ottawa and worked as a civil servant for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Influenced by the women in uniform, she  joined the RCAF and was stationed as a Leading Aircraft Woman in Vancouver, British Columbia. After the war, Iva met Russell Peel, an RCAF airman, on a train in Saskatchewan. They had much in common - similar backgrounds, values, and teaching experiences. When Iva met Russ, she was working in the office at Neil Motors, a car dealership and repair shop. Iva and Russ married and soon had children. Iva returned to teaching kindergarten part-time for Cambrian Heights Community after her children reached school age.

Iva and Russell were blessed with three children, Judith (Judy), Robert (Bob) and Susan and five grandchildren, Shannon, Ryan, Robin, Russell, and James. Iva was ever watchful of her children and grandchildren, faithfully attending significant events.  She worried about them and was deeply concerned about their development. Iva was straightforward and family members knew where they stood. What they saw was what they got. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing and lived to see four great-grand children, Bauer. Jasper. Rahlen and Sterling. Sieger was born two days after Iva passed away. 

Often an encourager, Iva influenced her family, friends, co-workers, neighbours, and her students. A civic-minded person, she was ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was an active member of the Cambrian Heights Community Association and Pleasant Heights United Church. Christian faith was important to Iva.  In Calgary, she was a member of Pleasant Heights United Church for over 20 years, and attended the North hill Church of the Nazarene for about 10 years until she was age 93. She gave faithfully to churches and charities.

Iva was sociable and approachable. She enjoyed the camaraderie of friends, especially during her years as a service woman.  Later in life, playing bridge was the highlight of her week.  She liked her own company as well and was content reading, doing crosswords, and watching soap operas and game shows. She also enjoyed travel. While single, she traveled across Canada and through the United States to Mexico. After marriage, she went with the family on road trips to visit relatives in Saskatchewan. Many winters were spent in Hemet California after Russ received two knee and two hip replacements in 1975.  Hemet became a haven for renewing relationships with her sisters and old friends. When she was 75, Iva convinced her twin sisters to go to Germany for a family wedding.

After many happy years as snowbirds, Russ moved to the Bethany Care Centre when his health declined. Iva would visit him daily or have Russ come home to 27 Croydon Road on a regular basis. Russ died in 1992. Iva maintained the family home for several years and then decided to move to a condominium, the Manor in Huntington Hills, where she had a good time "living it up". Ten years later, she decided to move into assisted living at Edgemont Manor. Her final move was to the Bethany Care Centre, the same place where her husband resided for eight years. Iva passed away on February 1, 2012 at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. Her mental and physical abilities had deteriorated and she was ready to go to her eternal home. 

Iva was cremated and laid to rest in the Field of Honor alongside Russell in Queen's Park Cemetery, Calgary, Alberta on February 10, 2012

M is for the million things she gave me,

O means only that she's growing old,

T is for the tears she shed to save me,

H is for her heart of purest gold,

E is for her eyes, with love-light shining,

R means right and right she'll always be,

Put them all together, they spell MOTHER,

a word that means the world to me.

* * * * * * * * * *

Iva Mathilda Peel was born January 19, 1915 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On Wednesday, February 1, 2012 after a full life and at the age of 97, Iva passed away peacefully at the Rocky View General Hospital

Iva is lovingly remembered by her children, Judy (Tom) Doran, Bob (Mary Ann) Peel and Susan Peel; her grandchildren Shannon (James) Dueck, Ryan (Megan) Gilhooly, James (Zendene Smith) Gilhooly, Robin Peel and Russell (Noriko Nakajo) Peel; and great-grandchildren, Jasper and Sterling Dueck, Bauer, Rahlen and Sieger Gilhooly and numerous nieces and nephews. Iva was predeceased by her husband Russell Peel, her sisters Marion Sanderson, Margaret Gourlay, Juno (aka Juneau) Owen and Jeanette Thompson and her brother Ivor Foshager.

Born 5th in a family of five girls and one boy, Iva grew up on a farm in Atwater. Saskatchewan. Although she valued her family above all else, Iva was independent and career-minded. Good at academics, she gained a college education and taught school in rural Saskatchewan. When the war broke out Iva worked as an administrative assistant for the RCMP in Ottawa, joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was posted as a Leading Aircraft Woman in Vancouver. She met Russell Peel, from the RCAF, on a train after the war and they were soon married.

A family soon followed and Iva and Russell moved to Alberta making Calgary their home. Russell worked for the Post Office. and in the 1960’s-70’s Iva taught kindergarten at Cambrian Heights community hall to help with finances.. In later years, with the family raised, Iva and Russ became snow birds, enjoying time with family and friends in Hemet, California.. Iva loved her family and she loved to play bridge and was in her glory when she could do both. She won more than her share and was a competitor to the end. We love you Iva and will miss you greatly.