Olga Margaret Alexandruk ( née Topolnisky ) of Fort Saskatchewan passed away on June 14 , 2012 . She became an RN at Archer Memorial Hospital in Lamont in 1966 , then continued at the University of Alberta to receive a BSc in Nursing in Teaching and Supervision . She taught nursing students at the School of Nursing in Lamont until 1971 . After receiving an Education Diploma from the University of Alberta in 1975 , she began a teaching career at Rudolph Hennig School in Fort Saskatchewan . In 1996 , she earned a BEd degree . When she retired in 2000 , she had taught Grades Two to Nine . She had also been active with a variety of curriculum committees and with the ATA as an ARA representative , on committees , and as president of the Strathcona ATA Local from 1990 to 1992 . After having served as a cooperating teacher , following her retirement she worked in the practicum program in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta .

Robert Donald “ Don ” Biamonte passed away in Edmonton on September 27 , 2012 , at the age of 80 . Don graduated from the University of Alberta in 1959 with a BEd , then taught English and was a principal at several high schools . He spent most of his career at Archbishop Macdonald High School . Don was also known as an actor , and loved to study Shakespeare and attend the opera . He gained most joy from his students , his friends and his family .

Tillie Chinneck passed away in Edmonton on July 28 , 2012 , at the age of 92 . Tillie was born in Myrnam and moved to Mellowdale in 1925 . She graduated from Normal

School and began her teaching career in 1938 . Tillie began teaching at Shoal Lake School , but later moved to Edmonton where she taught for Edmonton Public Schools . After her retirement in 1974 , she continued to work as a substitute teacher . Tillie was a reliable volunteer and loved painting , needlepoint and travelling .

Ethel May Davies passed away in Calgary on September 1 , 2012 , at the age of 92 . She had a long and rewarding teaching career , beginning in Spirit River and ending in Ponoka . She travelled widely in her retirement and enjoyed many years golfing at the Ponoka Community Golf Club .

Francis Edward Dembicki passed away on May 10 , 2012 , at the age of 96 . Born in Mundare , Francis volunteered for active service during World War II . He was a high school teacher in Fort Saskatchewan until his retirement in 1979 . During his retirement , he travelled and was an active volunteer .

Hendrikje “ Henny ” Dobyanski , formerly of Dapp , passed away on August 30 , 2012 , in Barrhead at the age of 88 . She actively worked for the Resistance in the Netherlands during the Second World War , opposing German occupation . In addition , her family hid a Jewish mother and daughter successfully until the war ’ s end . After the war , she moved to Flatbush and started a family . She began a thirty-year teaching career in Westlock that culminated with the position of vice-principal at R . F . Staples School . She was an active volunteer with the Legion , Meals on Wheels , the Westlock Library Board , Victim Services and the Westlock Museum .

Mary Nell Biollo Doyle passed away on September 16 at the age of 96 , after a life dedicated to family , friends , students , and her Roman Catholic faith . Born on September 26 , 1915 , Mary grew up in Venice , Alberta , which her father helped found and named for his home province in Italy . She taught school in Venice and Christie Creek , then moved to Edmonton where she taught for Edmonton Separate Schools , Sturgeon County and the County of Leduc . When she retired , Mary enjoyed choral singing , horseback riding , hiking and crosscountry skiing with the Edmonton Trekker ’ s Club , and traveling . She also spent time living in Victoria and Chemainus , British Columbia .

Eleanor Ferguson passed away in Victoria , British Columbia , on September 13 , 2012 . Eleanor was a high school teacher , and a diaconal minister in the United Church . She was an avid reader and well-known for always being ready to engage in a conversation to explore ideas .

William James “ Jim ” Ferguson passed away on August 27 , 2011 , at the age of 63 . After three years at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Education he spent a year teaching in Whitecourt . When he completed his degree , he began a 34-year teaching career with St . Albert Protestant Schools where he worked at the elementary , junior high , and senior high levels . Jim taught with creativity and dedication a wide range of subjects , from math , science , and chemistry , to physical education , outdoor education and work experience . He was instrumental in the development of the outdoor education program in St . Albert and Whitecourt . Jim also spent six years as a high school

ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS ’ ASSOCIATION News & Views Volume 19 21 , No . 32