Mona Widenmaier passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 19, 2022, in the presence of family members just short of her 101st birthday. She was the last of the large Duncombe family whose roots were in England and Western Canada.
Mona was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta in 1921 and lived on the homestead in Jenner, Alberta with her parents and two sisters, later moving to Tilley, Alberta and finally to Carievale, Saskatchewan in 1925. She received her education at the one-room rural Workman School.
She was pre-deceased by her parents, James Sr. and Harriet Duncombe, her husband, Albert, as well as all her siblings: Margaret, Marion, Phyllis, Kathleen, Jean, James Jr., Douglas, Richard and John, her son, Donald (Donna) and two grandchildren - Ursula and Richard, Sharon (Barry), Sharon (Ricky).
She is survived by her children: Lloyd (Shirley), Sharle (Hazel), Dennis (Beverly), Barry, Ricky and Wendy Gray (Ashley); Grandchildren: Darren (Annika), Kevin (Angela) Rein, Dean (Yadzia), Cary (Christina d.), Kelly (Shirley), Tami (Chris) Jennifer and Austin; Great-grandchildren: Sydney, Griffin, Kylie, Ryland, Logan, Joey, Allie, Josh, Olivia and Samantha as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mona raised her family in several small towns in Saskatchewan and Moose Jaw. She moved to Calgary where the younger family members finished school. When her husband passed away, she moved to Victoria, British Columbia. It was there that she worked in a Heritage Bed and Breakfast for several years. She returned to Moose Jaw in 2008 to be near most of her family in her retirement years.
She lived independently until 2018 and resided at several senior’s care homes including Providence Place. She suffered from declining health in the last years but kept her zest for life and her mind remained clear and engaging.
Mona celebrated her 100th birthday on April 30, 2021 - a goal she was striving for. A Zoom birthday party was held that included 25 people from Canada, England, and the U.S.A. A special tribute video was produced by Lloyd in Mona’s honour to mark this occasion. The family invites friends and relatives to view this video which covers her life and accomplishments. It can be viewed by entering this URL in a browser or clicking on it https://cdn.quadrant.net/100/
Mona will be laid to rest with her husband at the Rosedale Columbarium in Moose Jaw. A Memorial and dedication service will be held In Moose Jaw in the summer.
Several people have written to share favourite memories of their interactions with mom. They all refer to fond memories of her personality, spirit and capabilities. Even through pain and constant discomfort as well as hearing loss, she was able to make people laugh with her sometimes unintentionally ‘crusty’ comments.
We thank her favourite Nurses: Ashley, Erin and Thomas as well as Care Aides Rosie and Sheila for being extra kind to her as well as staff we didn’t get to know. Thanks to her hairdresser, Ellen, and companions Diane and Cheryl who brought her friendship and happiness from the outside world. We also thank the doctors and nurses at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital who comforted her as well as the family in her last hours.
People wanting to send a gesture of condolence could make a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Association in memory of her deceased grandchildren, Richard and Ursula.
In living memory of Mona, a memorial planting will be made by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries). Chrystine, Funeral Director Intern
