Myrtle Christina Holmen

Myrtle Holmen of Dalum died peacefully in Calgary on May 5th at age 104. Myrtle was born on a farm in Theodore, Saskatchewan to Julius and Mary Hansen, who had emigrated from Denmark as children. Myrtle came to Wayne, Alberta to work as a housekeeper when she was 18. She married John Holmen, a Danish immigrant, in 1941. Thus began Myrtle’s lifelong and fulfilling commitment to the family, the farm, the church and the community of Dalum. She was a woman of strong faith and a gentle soul. She saw the good in everyone, and had a calm and contented demeanor. Hospitality was a central theme of John and Myrtle’s life and home. They had visitors aplenty. No one came through the yard without being invited for coffee or a meal, or both, even if they just came asking for directions! The farm became the focal point for celebrations at Christmas, harvest, birthdays and any special occasion. Myrtle is survived by her children (3), grandchildren (10), and great-grandchildren (17): JANICE (Tim), their children Ann; John (Tanya), their children Nathan and Madeline; David (Jenny), their daughters Lyla and Emmy; Peter (Marisa), their children Gabrielle and Samuel. Daughter-in-law BEVERLEY; her children Natalie (Greg), her daughter Eden; Carson, and his children Kennedy, Spencer and Mason; WALLACE and his children Kim, and her children Kayla and Daxton, Jonathan and his children Ariah, Blair, and Dalton. RHONDA (Frank), their children Dylan (Natasha), Christina, (Joel), and their daughters Elliot and Eowyn. Myrtle was predeceased by 9 siblings, husband John, son Lanny, granddaughter Shawna, and infant great great grandson Ace John. Myrtle maintained her gentle nature, and good humour through a long decline with dementia. The last 4 years she was with 2 wonderful caregivers, who came to be like family, Jenny and Geovahne. She always said she wanted to give to what she lived for, rather than what she died from. In that spirit, if you want to donate in her name, please give to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dalum or another ministry of your choice. Funeral services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Dalum on Sunday, May 24 at 2.00 pm.