LAURA EVELYN MYERS

“BUNGA”

March 22, 1937 – July 17, 2023

We are saddened to announce the passing of our Mom and Grandma, Laura Evelyn Myers, (nee Leonard) on July 17, 2023, at Barrhead Hospital at the age of 86. While devastated by her passing, we are grateful that she is no longer suffering and is once again with our Dad and Papa who passed away September 5, 2020.

Mourning her loss are her daughters, Charlotte (Chere) Myers, Debbie Myers-Waddell (Dave) and granddaughter Skye Myers (Lee). Laura is also survived by siblings Charlotte (Helmut), Gene (Marilyn), and brother-in-law Allen (Mary) and Debbie’s extended family as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband Ernie, she was pre-deceased by Ernie’s siblings and their spouses: Marge (Jim), Ruby (George), Sonny (Cecile), Robert (Edna), Donna (Harry).

While small in stature, Laura, (also known as “Bunga” to those who loved her), was a giant in her ability to communicate with people. Bunga was known to be feisty and a spitfire with a witty comeback for anyone. You needed to be on your toes to best her – congratulations to DJ for his onetime win. She always had a smile on her face and spread warmth from her very generous heart no matter who she was talking to. She loved meeting people. While on a Vegas trip, even the staff knew her by name after the first day. Mom always remembered everyone and their names.

Laura was born in Didsbury Hospital on March 22, 1937 (4 pounds) and raised in the Olds area to parents Bud and Kathleen Leonard. She was the oldest of three siblings.

In her early years Laura was employed as a telephone operator in Olds. Ernie worked as a linesman for AGT and so it began. Laura and Ernie were married on February 26, 1955, in Olds, Alberta and raised their family in the Stony Plain area before moving to the Onoway area.

A game of cards or a cup of coffee was always waiting for any visitors. The door was always open. Their generosity paved the way for many acts of kindness from family and friends being returned and the family is grateful for the support.

Laura had many talents that she honed over the years. She was a talented seamstress and sewed amongst other things, at least two wedding dresses and full bridal party dresses. She learned how to use a band saw to make lawn ornaments. She took painting lessons. Belly dancing – another talent! Knitting animals was also a pass time – we loved that orange kangaroo! Violin and piano, tap dancing and baton twirling – more talents.

Ernie and Laura had a farm and while Laura hated gardening, she still helped to plant it. Baling hay and driving the 3-ton yellow truck (picture it!) into town to deliver grain became her job. There were cows, pigs, horses, chickens, turkeys as well as exotic birds on the farm/acreage. It kept her busy – but maybe not out of trouble! When the baler broke down, she even tried to be a mechanic. Taking the parts off was easy – putting them back wasn’t. She also sold Avon using the big yellow truck to get around.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Alberta Beach Senior Centre from 2:00 – 7:00 – a time for remembering, sharing, and visiting – something that Laura loved to do. There will be a short remembrance ceremony at 2:30 with an open mike to follow. All friends and family are welcome. Please bring your stories and memories to share.

Donations to a charity of your choice or buy something for yourself in Mom’s memory.