math evaluator for the Alberta Distance Learning Centre .
He approached both teaching and learning with passion , and he continued to pursue his love of knowledge after his retirement by focusing on geology . Jim ’ s love of fish encompassed both the breeding of tropical aquarium fish and the catching and releasing of grayling and trout in Alberta lakes and streams .
Sarah Carolina “ Lina ” Flaig of Medicine Hat passed away on August 31 , 2012 , at the age of 102 . She was born in Belfast , Ireland , immigrating to Canada when she was two . She attended Normal School in Calgary and began her teaching career in southeastern Alberta , moving to Medicine Hat after teaching in several rural schools . Lina operated the Jack and Jill Kindergarten for fourteen years before returning to the public schools as a teacher and a teacherlibrarian . She returned to school herself , and earned her BEd in 1968 . Lina received the Children ’ s Service Award in 1992 from the Early Childhood Professional Association of Alberta for her work as a volunteer in her church , with Girl Guides and with many other organizations .
Edna Jacober-Stern passed away on December 23 , 2011 , at the age of 87 . She was born in Saskatchewan , but taught for over thirty-five years in the Schuler area and in Redcliff . Edna volunteered for many organizations and continued to do so after she retired . She enjoyed travelling , especially cruises .
Peter Lawson of Medicine Hat passed away on March 3 , 2012 , at the age of 90 . A long-time member of MHADRTA , Peter was born in Verigin , Saskatchewan . After he retired from the Air Force at the end of WWII , having flown convoy protection duty , he enrolled in education at the University of Alberta . He and his family moved to Medicine Hat where he taught Building Construction at Medicine Hat High School and did volunteer work .
Margaret Joan Leah of Sherwood Park passed away on August 21 , 2012 , at the age of 81 . She had a long and distinguished teaching career with Edmonton Public Schools . Margaret was also an avid golfer who loved to travel .
Please note the Calgary teachers who have passed away are remembered on the CRTA website at
calgaryretiredteachers . org
Anna Laura MacGregor of Calgary passed away on October 2 , 2012 , at the age of 91 . Anna took the eight-month teacher preparation program at the Calgary Normal School then began teaching in a one-room school near Kinsella . She later attended the University of Calgary where she attained her degree and subsequently was made principal of Rosemount School . She retired in 1983 after almost thirtysix years of teaching . During her retirement , she was elected councillor for the Municipal District of Big Horn and served four years .
Amelia “ Amy ” Nash ( née Werbisky ) passed away in Edmonton on August 10 , 2012 , at the age of 83 . Born in St . Michael , she moved to Edmonton where she completed her BEd with a Home Economics specialization in 1950 . She taught for four years in Drumheller before returning to Edmonton . She also worked for Edmonton Public Libraries . Amy loved cooking and sewing as well as world travels . In her later years , she was active in the Caring
Ministry at Canterbury Court in Edmonton .
Stanley Alfred Oracheski passed away in Edmonton on August 18 , 2012 , at the age of 84 . He was an educator for thirty-five years , and had a passion for running , swimming , skating , cross-country skiing , and biking . He participated in several Iron Man Challenges throughout the years and ran his last marathon when he was 80 .
Monsignor Felix (“ Father Fee ”) Edward Otterson of Edmonton passed away on September 9 , 2012 . He was 79 . He studied at St . Joseph ’ s Seminary and was ordained a priest in 1948 . He received a BA , a Diploma of Education and a BEd from the University of Alberta and an MA in Latin Classics from Fordham University in New York . He also studied at Notre Dame University . In 2011 , the University of Alberta awarded him an Alumni Honour Award .
Father Fee spent thirty-four years with Edmonton Catholic Schools teaching and guiding students at St . Joseph , St . Mary and Austin O ’ Brien High Schools in Edmonton . He presided over the Mass and commencement ceremonies at Austin O ’ Brien School for over thirty years . In 2010 , Edmonton Catholic Schools named an elementary / junior high school for him .
He loved theatre and travel and attended performances in Stratford , New York and London .
Norman Leslie Penner passed away on July 30 , 2012 . He was born in 1928 in Herbert , Saskatchewan . After teaching in various Saskatchewan communities , he moved to Medicine Hat in 1966 where he worked as a teacher and teacher-librarian in several schools . He and his wife operated a flower shop and later a bookstore . Norman ’ s life was characterized by service to others .
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ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS ’ ASSOCIATION News & Views Volume 19 21 , No . 32