It is with heavy hearts that the family of Winnifred Whitney (Sherrard) Colburne of Calgary, Alberta, announce her passing on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the age of 79 years. Winnie entered the presence of her Lord and Savior at the Foothills hospital with her loving family by her side. Born on February 21, 1943, in Whitney, New Brunswick, Winnie was the daughter of the late Allan Sherrard, of North-West Miramichi, NB, and Ruby (Whitney) Sherrard of Whitney, NB.
Winnie will be missed by her beloved husband of 57 years, Stewart Ancil Colburne, and her daughters Angela Willberg (Wayne) of Didsbury, Alberta, and Karen Colburne (Lyle Simpson) of Calgary, Alberta. She will also be lovingly remembered by her five grandchildren; Alyssa Kendze (Dallas), Connor and Owen Willberg, Zoe and Luke Simpson, and great granddaughter Willa Kendze. Winnie is survived by her two sisters Gwen Childs (John) of Fredericton, NB, and Sharon McIntyre of Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Winnie was predeceased by her sister and brother in law, Irene and David Price, of Fredericton, NB.
Winnie grew up in the country and enjoyed sharing stories with her children and grandchildren about running away from sheep, her fear of collecting eggs from the chickens, and making mud pies which she baked in the sun with real eggs. She had a passion for teaching from a young age, and would play school for hours, pretending that her toys were her students.
Winnie attained her Teaching Certificate in Fredericton, NB, and taught for a year in the Miramichi. She married Stewart on October 9, 1965, after first meeting him at the young adults group at Brunswick Street Baptist church in Fredericton, NB. In 1969, Stewart and Winnie headed West to Calgary, Alberta for Stewart to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry. Winnie and Stewart were blessed with two daughters Angela (1968), and Karen (1970). Following a year in Houston Texas from 1978 to 1979, Winnie and family settled on 20 acres in West Bragg Creek where Winnie was able to bask in the delights of outdoor pursuits, and encourage her daughters in their passion for horseback riding.
During her time in Bragg Creek, Winnie decided to pursue a Bachelor of Education Degree part-time through the University of Calgary, and enjoyed many years of substitute teaching children in elementary schools, mainly at Elizabeth Barrett school in Cochrane. Over the years she spent many hours volunteering at church, including helping in pioneer girls, singing in the choir at First Baptist Church, and volunteering at ALPHA helping to introduce others to the good news of Christ, both through church and through the Mustard Seed in downtown Calgary. Later on in her life, Winnie found her passion and purpose in volunteering teaching English as a Second Language with students who were new to Canada through Intercultural Ministries at Foothills Alliance Church, which provides free classes to help newcomers settle into Calgary, make friends and feel connected. Recently, she had resumed teaching ESL in person and had plans to continue to do so into the new year.
Winnie had a passion for hiking, camping, cross country skiing, music, reading, baking, and sharing her faith in Jesus with others. She also spent many hours engaged in activities with her grandchildren and cheered from the sidelines for countless concerts and sports games. She made a special point to encourage her grandchildren with scriptures and prayed for each of her family daily. Winnie enjoyed spending many summers at the property she grew up on along the beautiful Miramichi river in New Brunswick, visiting with family and friends, kayaking, and relaxing on the deck, built by her husband Stewart.
Although Winnie encountered many health struggles in the latter half of her life, her life was extended by over two decades through the generous gift of a heart at the age of 57. She was also diagnosed with lupus and Parkinson’s disease, but was not one to complain, and focused on living life to the best that she was able. Even as her body was failing, her spirit and sense of humour came shining through. Winnie approached life with grit and determination. Faith, love, family and friends made life complete and rewarding.
A special thank you to Pastor Jerry Orthner for his friendship, prayers, and hospital visits over the years. The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the many medical professionals who cared for Winnie throughout her health journey.
A Celebration of Winnie's Life will be held at Foothills Alliance Church, 333 Edgepark Blvd. NW, Calgary, AB on January 24, 2023 at 2:00 pm. For those who are not able to attend the service, you are also able to watch via LiveStream at
Foothills Alliance Church LiveStream.
If people so desire, a contribution can be made to the
Love New Canadians Ministry or to
Heart and Stroke Foundation.
To view and share photos, condolences and photos of Winnie, visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.