Arlene Herrick

Arlene Dawn Herrick passed away peacefully at Foothills Hospital after a short battle with cancer on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the age of 88 years young.

Arlene is lovingly remembered by her children, Darrell Herrick (Lorrie) of Calgary and Dawn Krahn (Dave) of Calgary; her grandchildren, Paul Herrick (Devon), Alyssha Herrick (Travis), April Braun (Cassidy), and Avery Krah, she was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Annemarie Herrick who brought her continuous joy, and Ayla Herrick who Arlene was blessed to meet in January; her brother George Haw (Jean), as well as her brother-in-law Lloyd (Wendy) Herrick; sister-in-law, Elaine Herrick; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who were an important part of her life. She was predeceased by her parents, James and Edna; and most recently her husband, Ray, who passed away in March 2025.

Born in 1937 in Cabri, Saskatchewan, to James and Edna Haw, Arlene lived on the family farm until 1956 when she moved to Regina to attend nursing school. Three years later, Arlene went on a blind date with a young man named Ray Herrick. The two hit it off instantly and married a year later in Arlene’s hometown. This union lasted a remarkable 64 years of wedded happiness. In 1960, Arlene and Ray moved to Calgary where they started to grow their family – Darrell in 1963 and Dawn in 1966. While in Calgary, Arlene worked at the Glenmore Auxiliary Hospital, as well as the Rockyview Hospital in the ER and other units. While at the Rockyview, Arlene ran the Teddy Bear program to bring comfort to young children who were having surgery. She was known hospital-wide for her gentle, giving spirit. She finished her nursing career at the U of C infirmary in 1989. In their spare time, Arlene and Ray kept busy with many activities, including bowling, square-dancing, cross-country skiing, biking, curling, and more recently card-making with friends, and aquacise at the pool. Arlene also found happiness in camping with Ray and her family. Whether it was in the old army tent (that leaked like a sieve), the 13-foot trailer they took to California (in weather so hot it melted the butter, bringing ants in droves to eat it), the 17-ft they used to travel to the East coast, or more recently the first new trailer they’d ever owned, a good time was always had by all. In later years, Arlene enthusiastically shared her love of camping and nature with her grandkids. It didn’t matter if they camped 30 minutes outside of town or all the way to the east coast of Canada, those trips created countless cherished memories with Ray and the whole family. In 1990, the Herricks sold their house in Haysboro and moved to Didsbury. Arlene started volunteering at Ross Ford Elementary where she enjoyed reading with small groups of students and providing support for teaching staff. She was an exceptional part of the school for 9 years. She also volunteered for the Girl Guides as a record keeper and in other roles. Informally, she mentored several children in her Didsbury neighbourhood, providing them with a place to bake cookies, play, do crafts, and talk about their day. Arlene and Ray spent 34 content years in Didsbury and developed many close friendships. They enjoyed playing games and cards and would take turns hosting game nights with their friends. Arlene was always eager to learn new things and research new information; whether from the old encyclopedia set she’d held onto for a lot of years or more recently on the internet. At the lodge where she lived over the past 2 years, she was tasked as the one to find out the answers to life’s burning questions at the dinner table. And she always did it with enthusiasm and humor. Arlene’s life was defined by her strong work ethic, positive attitude, her caring and supportive nature, and her deep love for family. She wanted to be remembered for being honest, caring, and trustworthy; a person always willing to share with others. Throughout her recent medical diagnosis, she remained upbeat and positive despite a month-long hospital stay in November. She continually expressed how thankful she was for the time and knowledge shared by her medical team. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bergthal Mennonite Church, Road 310 in Didsbury, AB on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in memory of Arlene be made to the Didsbury pool or the local library, both important organizations in her life. Pool: donation checks can be made out to the Town of Didsbury, Box 790, Didsbury AB, T0W 0M0. Please specify the Aquatic Centre in memory of Arlene Herrick. Library: donation checks can be made out to the Didsbury Municipal Library, Box 10, Didsbury AB, T0W 0M0, in memory of Arlene Herrick.