Obituary - MOLLISON: Teresa Dale (Terri)

Terri was born in New Westminster, BC to Dan and Bunnie Mollison. Shortly after she was born, the family moved and settled in Govan, Saskatchewan where she lived until moving away as a teenager for secondary schooling. She lived in Alberta from 2002 until she passed away but Saskatchewan was always home.

Terri was adventurous and enjoyed life. She told many stories of antics she and her friends got into in their younger years. She told stories of owning an "open air" army Jeep and a motorcycle and of the many interesting jobs such as selling magazines door-to-door, working as a hospital care aide and being a road construction safety crew member. The last of which is where she met Leon, whom she married in 1974 after a brief courtship. They had two children, Tyler and Bree, and settled for a quiet life in Assiniboia, SK. The marriage dissolved in 1991 but Assiniboia remained home base for Terri and the kids until 1995.

During the 1990's Terri began taking university courses. She was always an animal lover and so it was a natural fit for her to raise dogs to pay for her tuition. After her children graduated high school and she earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree her work took her to Regina in Saskatchewan and Didsbury, Drumheller, and Cochrane in Alberta before she finally settled in Calgary.

Terri's work was emotionally and physically taxing but also very rewarding. She had succeeded in what she set out to do; she was using her skills to make a difference in the lives of families in crisis. After she retired 2009 Terri finally had a chance to slow down and enjoy life. She travelled the world with friends, taking cruises and exploring countries via guided tours and she always brought back souvenirs (especially Christmas ornaments!) for her children and grandchildren.

When she wasn't traveling the world, she spent time with friends dining and shopping around Calgary enjoying the Alberta landscape, as she absolutely loved the mountains, and taking every opportunity to be with her grandchildren whom she loved and was proud of more than anything else.

Terri was a talented artist and baker. She painted and made pottery in her younger years and through the years she loved to crochet and would always make sure that there were craft supplies and baking on hand for her grandchildren to enjoy. Only when her health and mobility declined was Terri really forced to slow down. She had always been an avid reader, but in her later years she enjoyed being at home and would often read as many as three novels per week.

Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her children Tyler Banadyga (daughter-in-law Kim, and grandchildren Ellie and Evie); Bree Austen (son-in-law Mark, and grandchildren Griffin and Elizabeth); sister Lana Aabol (brother-in-law Anthony, nephew Kevin and niece Donna and their families); brother Kim Mollison; and many dear friends and extended family.

Terri was predeceased by her sister Donna Mae (1952), her nephew David Aabol, her parents Dan and Bunnie Mollison, and her dearest friends Marilyn Jackson, Shirley Sundwall and Cliff Henrikson.

Terri was a determined and independent woman. Everything she did, she did very thoroughly. She cared for people and animals, and she showed her children and grandchildren by example the meaning of strength and perseverance.

A Memorial Service for Terri took place at the Govan Community Centre, Govan, SK on Friday, November 15, 2024. The Celebrant was Andrea Murphy. The Urn Bearer was Tyler Banadyga. The Eulogy was given by Bree Austen. The Pianist was Violet Beaudry. Special music was provided by the family. Interment took place in Govan Cemetery immediately following the service. A Memorial Reception for friends and family then took place in the Govan Community Centre.