It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Arlene Joan Murray (nee Edgar) in her 87th year after a heroic battle with cancer.
She will be greatly missed by her son and daughter, Wayne (Nicole) Wadley and Shelley (Ed) Henschel; grandchildren, Stephanie (Kodi) Hutchinson, Steven Wadley, Richard Henschel, Jessica Henschel; and great-grandchildren, Avery and Barrett Hutchinson.
She is predeceased by her husband, Norman Wadley (1975); and parents, Gladys and Mike Nesbitt (stepfather,) and Ken Edgar, and is survived by her sister, Joyce Bell.
Arlene was born in Edmonton, but grew up on a farm in Viking, Alberta. She loved the farm, especially the horses, and spent all of her waking hours either riding or driving them. It was in Viking that she met the love of her life, Norman Wadley, a local farm boy who had a zest for life and adventure. They were married on July 6,1956 and with the help of her parents, they started a farming operation raising cows and farming grain. Education and independence were important to Arlene and as such, she graduated from the Laboratory Technologist program at the Edmonton General. She worked as a Laboratory Tech at Viking Hospital which was a critical support to the success of their family farm operation. Norman’s sudden passing in August of 1975 ended their farming operation and Arlene retired, moved to New Sarepta spending the majority of her years travelling, participating in competitive horse driving events, and passing on her incredible knowledge of horse driving to other passionate horse enthusiasts. She served on several equestrian boards throughout her life and met many wonderful people who shared her passion.
Arlene was known for her warmth and kindness, and caring attitude she had for her family and friends. She was also known as a feisty person who spoke her mind on topics she was passionate about. She had a large personality with a great sense of humour, and could fill a room with her beautiful presence. This presence is what her family and friends will miss the most.
The family would like to thank the palliative homecare team (Carrie, Jenna) and the palliative care unit nurses and Dr. Huot from the Grey Nuns for the exceptional care she received while in hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 5th at 1:30 pm at the Cloverlawn Community Centre. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a tree in her memory through LivingTribute.org.
Barb Richard says
So sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing. She was a grand equestrian and carriage driver. Hadn’t been much in touch since moving to Olds but I have very fond and humourus memories of Arlene and the many driving events we both attended over the years. She was a special and kind friend to me and to many others. My condolences to her family from an old carriage driving friend.