At 4:20 am on Monday, April 29, 2024, my heart broke as I said goodbye to my sweet mother, Mona Marie Middleton. After an immeasurably challenging struggle with Alzheimer’s and rapidly failing health, her gentle soul moved on to a place where she could finally rest, free from these devasting conditions. She was 89.

Mom was the consummate caring mother, grandma and great-grandma. A classy lady with a keen sense of humour and fashion as well as remarkable storytelling skills, she enchanted all who crossed her path. She was fiercely proud of her Norwegian heritage, and she loved all animals, especially dogs and horses. She was courageous, witty, and a gifted pianist. An avid card player, she delighted in a lively game of bridge or whist. Her door was always open; coffee and homemade cookies were at the ready, and a bottle of whiskey stashed in the cupboard above the fridge for use when necessary. She was a brilliant gardener and became a proficient weaver and watercolour artist in her retirement.

Over the years, Mom worked as a secretary for the RCMP, Wembley School, Grande Prairie College, and the County of Grande Prairie, earning the respect of her colleagues along the way. She knew how to balance a busy career with family, fun, and farming.

Mona lost her parents, Marvin and Clara Floen, as well as her two brothers and their wives, Ron and Dorothy and Leo and Eileen, in years past. Her loving husband Lorne, cherished son Terry, and supportive son-in-law Barry Haughian also moved on before her. She held hope that she’d see them again on the other side. No doubt her beloved dog Trixie and horse Babe also anxiously await the arrival of their favourite human. I sincerely hope heaven is ready to receive this firecracker of a woman because she’s likely going to shake things up when she gets there.

Remembering Grandma Mona with love and affection are, her loyal grandsons Patrick (Candace), and Sean (Sandra); and her four adoring great-grandsons: Felix, Arlo, Tyson, and Wyatt. Fond memories of Mona will also be held by numerous friends, sisters/brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews from both the Middleton and Floen families.

We are grateful to River Ridge Retirement Home and The Citadel Care Center in St. Albert for their care and compassion. There will be a Celebration of Life for Mom on Sunday, May 5 at 12:00 pm at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

I, her devoted daughter Glenda, was privileged to be with Mom as she took her last breath. I held her hand, stroked her hair and told her how much I loved her. I like to think she did the same for me the day she welcomed me into the world. Mom, it was an honour to be your daughter and I will always love you to the moon and back. See you on the other side.

Some of you might wish to honour Mona in some way. If you are considering adopting a dog or cat from a shelter, or even feeding a stray, do it. If you are a gardener, plant a pot of pink petunias for her this spring. If you see a friend in need, go out of your way to help them. You may also consider making a donation to the Alzheimer Society (https://admin.alzheimer.ca/ab/en).