Myrna Jacques, 83, of Burnaby, Grande Prairie and Edmonton, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta with family by her side. Born when the flowers bloom in 1940, she was a beacon of wisdom, humor, and affection. Her enduring strength and selflessness set her apart as a pillar in her community and a beloved figure in her family.

Myrna’s commitment to education and nurturing young minds was apparent in her early years as an elementary school teacher, who later would turn the world into her classroom. She then took on the most challenging and rewarding role of all—being a stay-at-home mom. It’s said that home is where the heart is, and Myrna’s heart was a mansion with room for all and her nurturing spirit shone brightly raising her beloved daughters with love and laughter.

Later, Myrna continued her path of service by furthering her studies in Social Work. With her degree in hand, she became a champion for those in need; a child and family therapist who could turn tears into triumphs and utilizing her expertise to support those suffering from grief.

Myrna’s passion for helping others extended well beyond her professional life, volunteering was her middle name—not legally, but it might as well have been. Whether being in her daughter’s schools, supporting and providing sanctuary for abused women at Odyssey House, counselling and guiding youth at the Friendship Centre, advocating for AIDS awareness in the homophobic 1980’s, serving on the board of directors and supporting the Sunrise House Youth Emergency Shelter, or raising funds for the Arthritis Society, her dedication was relentless. Even as Alzheimer’s sought to dim her brilliance, Myrna channeled her experience into helping others understand and cope with their conditions.

Myrna’s zest for life was reflected in her hobbies. An avid golfer who knew that life is a lot like golf—best played with precision, patience and the occasional mulligan. A member of Beta Sigma Phi for over four decades, she built lifelong friendships and had a substantial community impact. She relished her daily walks, participating in TWO bridge clubs and hosting creative memorable parties filled with joy and laughter (Gatsby would be jealous). A symbol of warmth and magnetism, Myrna delighted in the company of loved ones, playing cards while having a ‘decking’ good time, going to musical theatre and her heart was never far from a melodious tune as she hummed throughout the day. Myrna had a special and limitless love for children and their laughter (and they loved her back equally). She loved to travel and fulfilled her bucket list by walking on the Great Wall of China, visiting the eternal Giza Pyramids, and exploring historic Moscow.

Myrna’s light shone brightest with her grandchildren and noted that they were the greatest gift of all. A dedicated matriarch, she spent endless hours playing, talking and snuggling them maintaining a delightful haven at her home. She would drive from Grande Prairie to Edmonton just to attend a game/performance/competition/recital. Her support was unwavering and palpable. The sign in her foyer said it all, “What happens at Nana’s, stays at Nana’s.” and reflects the special bond with her beloved grandchildren.

Myrna’s memory is cherished and kept alive by her loving husband of 63 years, Wayne; daughters, Michele Schuldhaus and Linda Jacques; sons-in-law, Martin (Michele’s partner) and Jason Rensen (Linda’s partner); grandchildren, Morgan, Justin, Dylan, Ava, and Noah; and an extended family of relatives and friends who were blessed to know her. Her wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.

CELEBRATION: A celebration of Myrna’s extraordinary life will tee off at the Highlands Golf & Country Club, 6603 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, on Feb 10, at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon. This gathering will offer a chance to share memories and honor a life well-lived. It’s not goodbye; it’s “Until we meet again on the back nine.”

As this is a celebration, the family requests guests dress in bright spring/summer colours as that was Myrna’s favourite time of year. If you have a panache for yellow, that was her favourite colour. Golf wear is also welcome—as Myrna loved themes and costumes. The celebration will also be live streamed and recorded.

To watch the recording of the service click the link below

Recorded Service: https://www.youtube.com/@Pointewestfuneral

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Myrna’s honor to Sunrise House or Odyssey House in Grande Prairie, continuing her legacy of support and kindness. She was passionate about both shelters.

Sunrise House: https://www.sunrisehouse.ca/ways-to-help/donate/

Odyssey House: https://www.odysseyhouse.ca/donate

It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Myrna Jacques, a beacon of wisdom, humor, strength, and boundless love. Her spirit will live on in the lessons she taught and the lives she touched. A woman who played the game of life with a full deck of love, laughter, and a joker always ready to surprise us.

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Myrna’s dedication to education and authenticity was evident even after the Alzheimer diagnosis. She participated in a U of A study which found that using digital storytelling can help trigger memories and fight dementia. In an Edmonton Journal story Myrna said, “You can’t be ashamed when you have something like this. It’s important that we get the word out, that it’s here and it affects people.”

Link to the video: https://youtu.be/rt4cxQrCDfs

Links to the news stories:

https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/digital-storytelling-can-help-dementia-patients-

recover-memories-u-of-a-study-finds

https://edmontonsun.com/2017/08/22/digital-storytelling-can-help-dementia-patients-recover-memories-u-of-a-study-finds

https://www.ualberta.ca/rehabilitation/news-and-events/news/2017/august/digital-storytelling-helps-people-with-dementia-trigger-memories.html

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-08-digital-storytelling-people-dementia-trigger.html