Fay Haeberle

Fay passed away peacefully in Didsbury, Alberta, at the age of 76, the community where she was born and spent her life. The youngest daughter of Ivy and Douglas Johnston, Fay grew up west of Didsbury with a deep love for horses and a natural gift for caring for them. After losing her mother to cancer when she was just 11, Fay stepped into a caregiver’s role for her father and brother while continuing her schooling—an early reflection of the strength and devotion that defined her life.

In 1965, Fay won a local Cinderella contest that took her to the Calgary Stampede, where she met Dale Evans and Roy Rogers—an unforgettable highlight for a horse-loving farm girl. She married Brian Luft of Didsbury in January 1971, and together they welcomed two children, Kristi (1978) and Stacey (1981). Brian’s passing on July 24, 1986 was a profound loss, and Fay faced it with quiet resilience and a fierce love for her family.

On February 2, 1990, Fay married Dallas Haeberle in Phoenix, Arizona, beginning a cherished partnership that lasted 36 years. Fay and Dallas wintered in Arizona for 34 seasons, sharing a passion for thoroughbred racehorses—owning, breeding, and operating a lay-up facility together. Their love of western life also drew them to rodeo, including many trips to the Canadian Finals in Edmonton, the Ponoka Stampede, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and communities like Pollockville.

Fay and Dallas were avid travelers and collectors of memories: Disneyland adventures, beach time in Mexico, an Alaskan cruise, a Hawaiian cruise, cheering on the Blue Jays in Toronto and Seattle, and countless lake holidays with family. At home, Fay found her greatest joy in simple, steady rhythms—tending a large garden, mowing the lawn, weeding flower beds, and most of all, spending time with her five grandchildren. She was the family’s consummate baker and thoughtful giver; her care packages—shortbread, date squares, ice water cakes, and her famous buns—arrived like hugs in a box and will be lovingly remembered.

Fay and Dallas retired to Valarosa Cove in 2018, where she enjoyed her yard in town, friendly neighbors, and frequent trips to the Israelson farm and garden. In March 2026, Fay faced a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Despite her determination, she passed on Friday, May 15, 2026, surrounded by the enduring love she had so generously given.

Fay is lovingly remembered by her husband of 36 years, Dallas Haeberle; her children, Kristi Gingrich (Andrew) and Stacey Israelson (Christopher); and her beloved grandchildren, Kendal and Chase Gingrich, and Ava, Chet, and Cort Israelson. She is also survived by her sister, May Bannerman (Bob); sisters-in-law, Dorothy Haeberle and Linda Johnston; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother, Ivy Johnston; her first husband, Brian Luft; her father, Doug Johnston; and her brother, Jack Johnston.

Fay will be remembered for her steadfast heart, her tireless hands, and the warmth that followed her into every room—and every kitchen. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the gardens she tended, and in the horses that always seemed to understand her.

Fay’s Celebration of Life will take place at Melvin Hall, West of Didsbury, Highway 582 on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Fay by sharing a favorite baked good with someone you love or by supporting Ovarian Cancer Canada https://ovariancanada.org/