Ethel Marie Baumgartner
January 11, 1921 –
December 20, 2012
To live in hearts
we leave behind, is not to die.
It is with great sadness that the family of Ethel Marie Baumgartner announces her passing on December 20, 2012 at the Norwood Hospice, Edmonton.
Ethel was born in Ponoka and lived most of her life there. Besides raising her eight children, she was an avid gardener, swam thousand of laps at the Ponoka Pool and volunteered with Community Friends. Ethel also enjoyed playing the piano, reading, baking, and socializing with her many friends. She worked for many years at the Ponoka General Hospital at the information desk. During her retirement Ethel enjoyed many winters in Arizona with her sisters, May, Florence and Hilda.
In later years Ethel’s eyesight continued to deteriorate due to macular degeneration. Ethel still enjoyed playing the piano and every week played for the residents at the Ponoka Auxiliary Hospital. She also enjoyed audio books and visiting with family and friends. The last four years Ethel resided in Edmonton with her daughter Rita.
She is survived by her children Vivian (Patsy), Nelson B.C.; Rita Dunn, Edmonton; Duane, Ponoka; Kevin, San Jose, California; Rick (Denis), Edmonton; Mark (Angie), Ponoka; Jim (Tammy), Red Deer; Janice Baron (Dwayne), Ponoka; and sister, June Talbot of Vancouver, B.C. Ethel is also survived by eleven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Ethel was predeceased by her husband Frank, parents Mary and Joseph Reid, seven siblings and daughter-in-law Debbie Baumgartner.
A celebration of Ethel’s life is planned for the spring of 2013 to be held in Ponoka (date to be announced). Memorial donations may be made to CNIB, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.