Effie Amelia Wibberley, 93, of Brooks, Alberta, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 16, 2024, surrounded by family.

Effie was born on February 20, 1931, to Howard and Anna Johnson in a farmhouse near Swift Current, Saskatchewan. She had one older brother, Glendon Redvedt Johnson, also deceased. The family moved to a homestead in Tilley Alberta. Effie dreamed of becoming a surgeon, but lacking the support needed to accomplish this goal, she settled for the next best thing, and became a surgical nurse. Upon graduation from nursing school in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Effie received a medal for her achievements in this specialty.

Effie's childhood sweetheart, Donald Wibberley, who was in the air force and stationed in Whitehorse, Yukon Territories, proposed via letter. Effie accepted and this intrepid young woman flew all alone to Whitehorse in an air force cargo plane. Don's wonderful friends arranged a perfect wedding for the two and they were married on August 21, 1953. They lived in Whitehorse for two years.

They moved from the Yukon to Middleton Nova Scotia, where their first daughter, was born, then to Ontario, British Columbia, and Cold Lake, Alberta, where their second daughter was both. They moved to California for a short while, before returning to Cold Lake. From there they moved back to their hometown of Tilley, when they bought Effie's brother's farm, a mile down the road from Effie's parents. Effie continued to work as a surgical nurse, always on call, while helping Don on the farm, and caring for their two girls.

Don and Effie moved to Qualicum Beach in 1989 where Don worked as a hired hand on Turner Meadows. They stayed there until 1993 when they moved into a basement suite in their youngest daughter's home in Port Coquitlam, B.C. They provided daycare for their granddaughter for two years, but eventually retired so that they could travel and golf.

To anyone who knew her it was clear what a strong woman she was. At her best when she felt needed, she took amazing care of her husband when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. She worked hard for her entire life and was always there for her family. She will be sorely missed by family and friends. One friend in particular offered the most amazing support tor Effie in her later years The family is so grateful to Alma Volek for her unwavering friendship.

Effie was predeceased by her mother, Anna Johnson, father, Howard Johnson, brother Glendon Johnson (Marjorie), sister-in-law, Joy Albinati, brother-in-law, Norman Wood, sister-in-law, Doreen Wood, son-in-law Dale Christiansen, and husband, Donald Wibberley. She is survived by two daughters: Lynn Christiansen and Leslie Wibberley (Timothy,) five grandchildren: Michael Christiansen, Shannon Martin (Dallas,) Kathy Rice, Dr. Sarah Arthur (Brent) Jessica Arthur, and ten great grandchildren: Taylor, Ethan, Masyn, Jordyn, Kelli, Cameron, Kacey, Alexander, Amelia, and Jennifer.

At Effie's request there will be no service, but the family will have a memorial service in May.

In memory of Effie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks