Obituary of Rena Mae Vanson
Rena Mae Vanson was born to Mae and Jean Rockarts in Stettler, Alberta on September 27,1958. She was the oldest of five girls, and is survived by the remaining four: Rhonda (Yvan) Pelletier, Dena (Rodger) Carlton, Della (Joe) Chalifoux, Sue (Shane) Kuhn, and her mother Mae. She was predeceased by her father Jean Matthew Rockarts.
Rena swam for the Stettler Swim Club, setting a record in a Medley Relay with her cousin Barb Clark, a future Olympian, that stood for years in the province. Rena studied at Red Deer College and met Bill during her noon swims at the downtown pool. Fate kept bringing them closer until they married in July 1978.
Rena made her home in Red Deer for over 40 years, raising their three children: Kjorven (Stephanie) Vanson, Drew-anne (Devin) Francon and Patryk (Annicia Fogal) Vanson. She managed offices for Doctors Sinton, Bhedresa, Bakken, and Wu until she and Bill struck out on their own. Rena worked the last 25 years as a Notary Public with her own LORMIT franchise with Bill, helping people from here and all over the world to process their documents. She was an active citizen, and used her vote wisely each election.
Rena was an assistant coach for the Catalina Swim Club, attaining her National certification, and loved working with the many young people, several of whom she still was in contact with years later. She also found time to volunteer at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. Her most hard-earned accomplishment was becoming a JAZZERCIZE instructor, again meeting and making many friends in class and when she and other Instructors travelled to Jazzerfests in the USA. Rena celebrated her 50th birthday in Paris, holidaying in Champagne and Province. She was also able to enjoy trips to Mexico and The Dominican with friends.
Rena was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and underwent many treatments to keep it at bay. Despite this setback, Rena continued to travel when possible, heading to Curacao twice and trips to Walla Walla wine country. She enjoyed rock and roll, catching many acts live all over Western Canada, often in the front row.
Rena was able to be a Grandmother three times over and loved every minute of it. Birkley and Hawkins Vanson and Vance Francon got to experience her love for them and know what she hoped for them in the future. She and friends vended jams and jellies at the Red Deer Farmers Market and gained a large following with their special flavours, and were always trying new recipes out on the family. While in remission, Rena twice did the Melissa’s run in Banff with sister Rhonda by her side for support.
Rena passed away with her companion “Norman” at her bedside and family attending. Our thanks to the many law firms and clients who have reached out to the family, some having worked with her their whole careers. The many kind gestures and contact from her wide circle of friends have helped our family understand that she gave so much of herself whenever possible to those who needed it. Special thanks to the Red Deer Regional Hospital staff for their valiant care for Rena over the past 12 years and their compassion shown in her last days.
A celebration will be held Mother’s Day 2021 pending virus abatement. A notice will be added to this online obituary (https://meaningfulmemorials.ca/tribute/details/148/Rena-Mae-Vanson/obituary.html#tribute-start). Bruce and staff of Meaningful Memorials are to be commended for their care and thoughtfulness to Rena and our family at this sad time.
Think of Rena’s life as well spent and far too short, and try to do as well in your own.
Thank you,
Bill and family
Condolences for Rena's family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944