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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
MEIKLE, Iona Fay (née HOWARD) - If you enjoy your freedom, thank a veteran. Let us thank the oldest lady veteran in Canada, as well as all of the veterans of Canada. Thank You, Fay!
Fay Meikle of Lethbridge, formerly of Taber, passed away peacefully at Extendicare in Lethbridge on Monday, March 15, 2010 at the age of 105 years.
Fay is survived by her guardians Roger (Cherylanne) Mueller, her son John’s special friend Helen Dye of Vancouver, as well as other relatives including niece Karen and nephew Robert.
Fay was predeceased by her son John, her parents Ernest and Daisy Howard, and all of her siblings, sisters Melba, Inez and Erlene and brothers Clifford and Claire.
Iona Fay Howard was born on December 20, 1904 in Cherokee, Oklahoma. In 1906, the family collected their meagre belongings and struck out for the Canadian Prairies, settling on a homestead in the Regina area. Fay came to Taber in the spring of 1929 from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Fay’s sister Erlene lived to be 101 years old - it is quite wonderful to have two sisters over 100 years old at the same time. Fay’s son John Howard Meikle was born on September 2, 1924 and passed away on January 2, 2005 at the age of 80.
In 1942, Fay enlisted in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, as a Wren, which is part of the Navy. Fay and her son John Meikle both joined the Canadian Navy at the same time - mother and son - a first for the Canadian Navy. Fay was demobilized in Montreal in 1946.
Fay worked for the Taber School Division from 1947 to 1968 as Divisional librarian, pioneering in school libraries.
In 1967, Fay was honoured to meet the Prince and Princess Takamatsu of Japan, when they came to Lethbridge to open the Japanese Gardens, acting as an intermediary for the Iwabuchi’s to meet the Royal Couple.
Fay was very active in the Taber Arts and Crafts Club for many years, doing such activities as ceramics, weaving and china painting. Fay enjoyed travelling the world over, reading, dancing and singing.
She moved to Extendicare in Lethbridge at the age of 97 and enjoyed her life there.
Fay led a very full and active life, and was very thankful for her many friends and relatives that have helped her along the way.
The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929-50 Ave., Taber on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Sandra Riddell officiating. Burial to follow in the Taber Memorial Garden. (Southland Funeral Chapel and Crematorium)
Source: Find-a-Grave
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