February 24, 1929 – May 17, 2023
On May 17th Mona passed away peacefully at the age of 94. She was born on a farm south of Taber, AB, the 4th oldest of 8 children.
Mona was a fiercely independent and capable woman who lived life to the fullest despite the conventions of her time. She traveled extensively in the 1950s, hitchhiking through Europe and the UK. Always up for a party or travel, Mona enjoyed meeting people and making friends wherever she went.
Mona trained as a Registered Nurse, graduating from the University of Alberta in 1951. Nursing offered her the chance to see many parts of Canada, working in Ontario, Alberta and the N.W.T. It was in Yellowknife in 1962 where she met and married her husband Raymond (Ray) Ganton but moved soon after to settle in St. Albert to raise their three children; Steven (Anne), Robin (Joanne) and Jodi (David), 8 grandchildren; Katelyn, Carter, Jackson, Brody, Brayden, Delaney, Riley, Nolan and 2 great-grandsons Oliver & Ethan.
Mona was one of the first nurses at the Sturgeon General Hospital when it was built 1969 and was an integral part of the transition team that opened up the new Sturgeon Community Hospital in 1992. She retired from nursing in 1995 and continued to volunteer for the Hospital Auxiliary for the next 21 years and regularly volunteered as a nurse at: School/Scout/Guide camps; Meals on Wheels; United Nurses Association; Red Hat Society to name a few.
Mona’s garden was legendary and provided raspberries, rhubarb, jams and crisps for all her family and friends. Mona will be fondly remembered by her numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and all who knew her.
She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Ray, in December 2020 and her siblings; Richard, Isabelle, Kay, Dennis, Louise and Rene. Her youngest sister Marilyn still lives in Calgary. Although Marilyn may dispute, many believe Mona had the best legs of all the siblings, and there is ample photographic evidence from over the years.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the staff at Chartwell Retirement Residence in St. Albert and Capital Care Dickensfield in Edmonton for their care and compassion for Mona during her time with them.
Donations may be made in her name to the Sturgeon Community Hospital Foundation. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To express condolences, please go to www.connelly-mckinley.com/st-albert-chapel/
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
