Obituary of Alice Eklund

Alice "Girlie” Emma Eklund (nee Fancourt) was born on September 13, 1914 at the Lidgett Post office in the Sister Butte District, between Fir Mountain and Glentworth, SK. She passed away at the Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg, SK, with her son Dean by her side, on July 27, 2015, at the age of 100 years. Girlie loved being outside and living on the farm. Girlie had a passion for horses and as a young lady she saved her money and proudly bought a used saddle so she could work on horseback for some of the bachelors in the area. Girlie married Francis Eklund on December 5, 1944. They worked alongside each other on the farm for 46 years. They were blessed with two children, Dean and Clarence. Girlie and Francis enjoyed trips to visit family in Ontario, Alberta and the US. They were active in their community and were part of the Come and Go Club in Glentworth. They also attended many card parties at local halls and were back and forth with their neighbors playing cards. Girlie was a member of the Ladies Aid Society from McCord and enjoyed visiting with the ladies and being part of their events. She was a kind and gentle person, and loved spending time with her family and friends. Girlie enjoyed knitting and made blankets, socks, mittens and toques. She spent lots of time darning socks and patching shirts and jeans. Girlie always had a garden and loved the first potatoes of the season. She enjoyed picking wild berries, making jelly and canning meat. In 1990 Francis passed away, and in 1994 Girlie moved to the Eastside Court in Assiniboia. There she made many dear friends and was reacquainted with some old friends. Many card games, afternoon teas, and evening visits were shared in her new home. In the summer of 2011, Girlie moved to the Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg. Girlie was predeceased by her father Alfred George Fancourt in 1916; mother Alice Truscott (nee Castle) in 1945; brother George Edwin Fancourt in 1978; husband Francis Eklund in 1990; and their son Clarence Kenneth Eklund in 2010. Girlie is survived by her son Dean Eklund, grandson Troy Eklund, great grandson Tristan, granddaughter Jolene (Howard) Airth, great grandchildren Keely and Justin; daughter-in-law Kathy Eklund and grandson Scott (Kimberley) Eklund , great grandson Liam. Graveside Service was held on Saturday, August 1, 2015, at Waverly Cemetery, Glentworth, SK, with Reverend Linda Tomlinson-Seebach officiant.