Mildred Elizabeth McNarland

Mildred Elizabeth McNarland (née Fawcett)

Born September 10, 1941, to Ella and Ansell Fawcett, Mildred lived her life with energy, determination, and love. As she often said, she was “a handful” as a child—a quality that remained part of her vibrant spirit throughout her years.

When she was four, her father Ansell passed away, and at the age of twelve she lost her mother, Ella. Orphaned at such a young age, she eventually moved to Chin, Alberta, where she was lovingly cared for by Eulan and Lorendina Henry. There she became a big sister to Lyndon and Carson, and later welcomed the connection with her half-brother, Robert Findlay.

Mildred attended high school in Readymade and Coaldale, Alberta, before enrolling at Lethbridge College, where she completed her secretarial training. A weekend trip to Winnipeg for the wedding of Charlie and Donna Wilson changed her life—there she met her future husband, Lorne McNarland.

They married in Winnipeg on July 4, 1962, and soon made their home in Kelwood, Manitoba. In 1963, they welcomed their first child, Shannon, followed by Sherrie, Lorinda, Leanne, and Cordel. Together, Mildred and Lorne built a life rooted in family, farming, and faith. Mildred worked for many years as an administrative professional, making countless friends and lasting connections that she maintained throughout her life.

She was predeceased by her parents Ansell and Ella Fawcett, her foster parents Eulan & Lorendina Henry, her husband Lorne McNarland, her brothers Carson Henry and Robert Findlay, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Arnold and Olga McNarland, her sister-in-law Greta Gabler and brother-in-law Ed Gabler, her brother-in-law Arvene McNarland, her sister-in-law Pearl Henry, her nephew Scott Henry, her nieces Lori McNarland and May Cunningham, and her great-grandson Lincoln Gabler.

Mildred is survived by her brother Lyndon (Susan) Henry; her sisters-in-law Janet (Bruce) Stetar and Shirley McNarland; her children Shannon (Richard) Desjardins, Sherrie (Sheldon) Niemetz, Lorinda (David) Ablass, Leanne (Ed) Skelton, and Cordel (Gabriela) McNarland; her grandchildren Joel (Allison) Desjardins (children Zoe, Travis, and Oliver), Laine Desjardins, Julien (Nikki) Desjardins (children Rosa and Felix), Ashley (Shaun) Galger (children Isla and Addison), Kera (Faron) Gabler (children Aubrey and Finn), Kishia (Johannes) King (child Weston), Taylor McNarland, Liam McNarland, Sofia Ortiz Bautista, and Andrea Ortiz Bautista. She will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends—each of whom she treasured deeply.

She leaves behind her beloved pets Misty, Mufassa, and Toby, who brought her much comfort and companionship.

Family and friends were at the heart of Mildred’s life. She loved people, delighted in baking pies, and found joy in caring for others. Her faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses

was her foundation and remained central to her until her final day. Her favourite scripture was Jeremiah 29:11. Her family finds comfort in the resurrection promise found in the Bible (John 5:28; John 11:25; Acts 24:15; Psalm 37:11).

A funeral service will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kelwood Community Centre ~ Kelwood, Manitoba.

The service will be available to be viewed via Zoom:

Host ~ Dave Ablass

Meeting ID ~ 456 950 6987

Password ~ 8318

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