Adored wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother - Annie Stefano passed away peacefully at the age of 87 with family at her bedside in Elk Valley Hospital on December 28th, 2014. She was born November 28, 1927, to parents Michael and Mary Wakaluk in Bellevue, Alberta. Annie was predeceased by the love of her life, and husband of 66 years, Harold Stefano. She was dearly loved by her children - Larry Stefano (Jackie) of Cranbrook, and Leslie Siska (Don) and Lee Stefano (Anna) of Fernie. Loving grandmother to Peter Stefano (Sheila), Tracy Ball (Mathew), LeeAnn Smith (Chad), Shawna Fancy (Jeff), Chad Siska (Lindsay), Michael Stefano (Kristie), and very proud great-grandmother to Tyler, Aiden, Zavier, Charley, Keegan, Ava, Mya, Wyatt, Easton, Aspen, Dylan, Kylie, and Corbin.
Annie first attended elementary and high school in Bellevue, Alberta. Prior to graduating Annie was courted by her highschool sweetheart, and later married Harold on July 20, 1946. Together they settled into the communities of Bellevue, Natal, Albert Canyon, and finally, Fernie. It was during these years that their family began to grow. Annie devoted her life to raising and nurturing her family, always being there for them. They were her real joy in life, and she delightfully treasured each moment shared with them. Nothing made her more proud than the mention of her thirteen great-grandchildren. Annie loved baking, and her many hobbies included listening to music, dancing, swimming, crafting, crocheting, sewing, and quilting. With Harold by her side, Annie was happiest spending time at the cabin (Loon Lake), reminiscing about ‘old times’, and creating a lifetime of memories to share. She welcomed friends and neighbours with open arms, and always looked forward to cherished gatherings. Annie was the ‘salt of the earth’ - She was a beautiful soul, exhibiting great kindness and an abundance of love. Always patient, positive in spirit, and easy to please, her family fondly remembers how she appreciated and embraced everything that life brought her way. Annie lived, laughed, loved, and laboured with passion and a genuine, golden heart. Her loving memory will live on in each of us, always and forever.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and sincerest gratitude to the remarkable staff members and physicians, at both Rocky Mountain Village and Elk Valley Hospital. We are greatly appreciative of their many kindnesses and compassionate care during Annie’s final days. A service to celebrate Annie’s life will be held at a later date, on July 20, 2015. Also, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honour of Annie to The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.