“A Mother is a mother still,
The holiest thing alive.”
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Stella Gammie (nee Teshier)
1925-2021
On January 1, 2021, Stella Gammie just two weeks from her 95th birthday at Jubilee Nursing Home passed away at the Royal Alex Hospital. She will be missed deeply by her son, ex-husband, surrogated daughters, relatives, and friends.
Stella had a long and remarkable life and even more when you considered she was born in Midland (near Drumheller) during the depression in a three room shack. Her loving parents Harry and Katherine Teshier, along with her younger brother John, were brought up with the value of hard work, integrity and gratitude. Stella loved school and dreamt of seeing all those countries and cultures in her lifetime. Tragedy came early to Stella as she lost her mother to brain aneurysm at the age of 12. Suddenly she was the lady and mother of the household. In 1943 she met the man of her dreams, John Gammie. And before being drafted John and Stella were married in 1944. On May 25, 1945 their son, Allen, was born but with a profound hearing loss. Determined to provide a meaningful and full life for Allen, Stella devoted years helping and guiding him with his schooling and socializing with people. The bond that developed between the two inspired many and resulted in Allen having a rewarding career as a High School English teacher and a fulfilling life.
Stella’s talents were never ending as she was always eager to try something new. For years Stella made her own clothing and became an expert seamstress from home and to a prominent ladies store in Drumheller. She was in demand by many of her friends for her sewing talent which she pursued till her sixties. In the fifties she worked for Simpson Sears Catalogue store as a bookkeeper after taking a business course in Red Deer. And eventually ended up being the accountant at Whitlock Lumber. While there Stella and John built their first home built in 1959. They were a popular couple with John’s involvement with sports and Mom’s congenial personality. When Allen left to further his education in Calgary, Stella at age of 41, decided to finish her High School Matriculation which was interrupted because of W.W. 11 and motherhood. From there she continued her quest for getting a degree in either Home Economics or Business Administration. The latter won out and in 1969 she graduated as a Business Administrator with a B.ED. degree. A very happy event in the Gammie household as no one in Drumheller Stella’s age had gone to University. Allen got his B.ED a year later. Mom first teaching job was in Archbishop Jordan that same year. In 1970 Stella and John moved into a house in Edmonton where Mom stayed till her death. John, after 36 years however found another life which made Stella plunged even more with her work which involved teaching at Albert Vocational Center, taking on every committee at the Grace United Church and pursued her quest for traveling. Her weekends and holidays were spend going on workshops at AVC from all provinces and met lifelong friends. This only fueled her passion to travel abroad.
For ten years Stella took in boarders which provided added to her growing family of friendship. Some became like sons to her.
At the age of 67 Stella retired where travel became her number one goal. Other than Rome or Paris (regretfully) there wasn’t a country or city she did not see once or twice.
The last trip was in 2008 with Allen, on an Egyptian Cruise and Washington, DC. Those memories were etched into both their hearts. After that trip Stella had the beginnings of Dementia. But amazingly after twelve years her optimistic persona remained with her.
To list her involvements with committees and clubs would be on the verge of bragging. But her Church, 55 Plus, Red Hatters, and Bridge were her favorites. But most importantly is the fact she stayed with most of them until her Dementia dictated otherwise.
Allen retired, added to Stella’s house and was her caregiver for her remaining years. A labor of love for him. Payback time as he liked to say. More laughter than tears came from those years. January 2020 a fall put her into the Jubilee Nursing home. Then came the pandemic and lockout till June. The lifting of restrictions allowed Stella to see people once a week. On Dec. 18 Stella had a card shower which touched her immensely and are still coming in. But sadly, on Christmas Eve she was taken to RAH and by New Year’s Eve, the pneumonia and it’s infection proved too much.
Stella touched all those with her kindness and gratitude. She loved deeply to entertain and have people over for meals, a cup of tea, or game of cards and scrabble. And everybody left happier than when they arrived.
Stella was very present in the now and appreciated what she had and loved nothing better than sharing that. An attitude of gratitude.
Allen would like to extend his warmest thanks and appreciations to the doctors at Good Samaritan, the Jubilee Nursing home, Sturgeon and Royal Alex Hospital for providing such care and attention to Stella over the past year.
A Celebration of Life will take place when circumstances allow. Hopefully in Spring which symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings…so like Stella.
Condolences, photos, memories may be shared by sending them to starstella@shaw.ca. as so many have during her 95th card shower. She was blessed and loved.
So farewell, Stella and thank you for being a more priceless gift than words can express. And Allen deeply thanks Stella for being his mother. She gave him life and years of bliss.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Jubilee Nursing Home (Edmonton), Good Samaritan (Edmonton) or Dementia society.
“No man is poor who has had a godly mother.” Abraham Lincoln
Adell Nyberg says
What a lovely tribute to your mother, Allen. She was truly an amazing woman who led a remarkable life. I am so glad that she was able to celebrate her 95th birthday in December.
Duane Stewart says
Stella was indeed a “priceless gift” to us all. We will treasure our memories of times we’ve shared with her.
Gwen Mazurek says
Allan!
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s death. I remember her at the time of her involvement at Grace. She was so competent.
I’m sure you will miss her a lot as she was such a big part of your life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gwen Mazurek
Clara (Jim) Thomas says
Stella and we (AVC gang) had so much fun (between work)!! We all loved Stella.
Allen, you are also a gem.
Helen Paterson says
Allen such a beautifully written story of your Mother’s life. You were so lucky to have her but then she was also so lucky to have you. Sending this on to the rest of the family. Hugs from me. Helen
Carol Cameron says
Allen, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Your love for Stella, and hers for you was, and will always be a beautiful gift for you both.
Liz Fraser says
What a beautiful tribute, Allen, to Stella’s life. It makes so clear the love of a mother for her son. What a life she led, accomplished so many things of such variety and was such a wonderful hostess to so many. She will be remembered with love.
Verna Zasada says
Dear Allen
My condolences go out to you on the loss of your Mom. Stella was such a good
friend to me as she and I worked together at the church. Men’s club was our
favorite as we served for so many years. I know you are going to miss her
cheery smile every day but what a wonderful tribute you have written.
May God Bless you as you continue in life without your wonderful Mom,
Your truly Verna Zasada
Joy Werner says
For many, many years, our Mothers always celebrated their Dec. 18th Birthday together. My Mum, Gwen Wilson, loved Stella so much, and you, Allen, always helped them, in later years, to get together. They both led happy, adventurous lives. I am sending you condolences and caring on your loss. It leaves a huge hole in your life, Allen, but I know you have the comfort of knowing that you helped your Mum to really enjoy her amazing life! Oh, the memories!!
Verna Zasada says
Dear Allen
You certainly are a wonderful son. I remember Stella and I serving the Mens Club
at Grace. She was a wonderful friend to me and I will miss her smile.
Yours truly Verna Zasada God Bless Stella as she flies up to heaven.
Yours truly Verna
Dixie Lane says
Hey Allen just saw this and wanted to offer my Condolences
Remember your mom well. Such a pleasant person.
Dixie Lane from the old Drumheller days
Duncan Brown says
Allen
A lovely story and memory of your mom
remember you all well as great neighbors in Drumheller.
She lived well and what a journey
Love and Life to you all
Duncan