Lucille Karambowich

It is with deep sadness that the family of Lucille Karambowich announces her peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer shortly after celebrating her 82nd birthday.

Lucille was born in September 1944 in Delia, Alberta, to Arnold and Eva Thomas. She was raised in the Drumheller area as part of a large blended family of 18 children. As the oldest girl still living at home, Lucille assumed significant responsibility for the care of her younger siblings. Those early years helped shape the caring, hardworking, and generous woman she would become.

Growing up in a household where resources were often stretched, Lucille learned the value of creativity and resourcefulness. She developed lifelong talents in sewing, knitting, quilting, and crocheting. These skills became both an artistic outlet and a labor of love for her family. Over the years she created countless quilts, afghans, doilies, table runners, articles of clothing, and even bridesmaid dresses. Many family members fondly remember wearing clothes lovingly made by her hands.

In keeping with her upbringing in a large family, Lucille never seemed to learn how to cook for fewer than six people. Her kitchen was always full of homemade meals, leftovers neatly stacked in Dutch Tupperware containers, and a welcoming place for family gatherings.

At the age of 17, Lucille married Ernie Burnett. Though the marriage was brief, it brought the blessings of two sons, Blane and Kevin. In 1965, she met the man who would become the love of her life, Terry, and together they welcomed two more sons, Darin and Allan.

Lucille and Terry built a life together centered on love, family, and perseverance. During the early years of their marriage, Terry worked as a long-haul truck driver transporting milk throughout Alberta, leaving Lucille to shoulder much of the responsibility of raising four energetic boys at home. In 1978, the family moved to Vulcan, where Terry's new work allowed him to be home each evening, a welcome change after years spent managing the household largely on her own.

While living in Vulcan, the family learned of Terry's heart condition, a challenge they faced together for many years until his passing from a heart attack in September 1997. Despite the hardships they encountered, Lucille and Terry worked hard to create a lifetime of cherished memories for their children.

A devoted caregiver by nature, Lucille pursued a career in nursing and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) designation through Bow Valley College. Whether caring for patients, raising her family, or helping friends and neighbors, she approached every role with compassion, dedication, and strength.

Lucille was known for her vibrant personality and unmistakable voice. Having grown up in a bustling household and later raising four boys, she learned early on how to make herself heard. She loved socializing, attending dances, and staying involved in her community. Later in life she became active with the Red Hatters and the Drumheller Pioneer Centre, where she enjoyed playing bridge and cribbage.

Never one to sit on the sidelines, Lucille could always be counted on to lend a hand wherever help was needed. She possessed a lifelong curiosity and passion for learning, especially about medicine, psychology, and health. She also enjoyed escaping into a good book, particularly romance novels and westerns. A gifted storyteller, Lucille delighted family and friends with tales from her life, often embellishing old favorites with newly remembered details.

Above all else, Lucille's greatest pride and accomplishment was her family. Her love, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering support will continue to guide those who knew and loved her.

Lucille is lovingly remembered by her sons, Blane, Kevin (Chantal), Darin (Debbie), and Allan (Tracey); her grandchildren, Ashley, Nicholas, Michelle, Shawn, Kimberly, Cayenne, Ethan, Quinn, and Kip; as well as several great grandchildren; and her siblings, Edith, Joyce, Barry, Charlotte, Lorne, Bob, Ronald, Trudy, David, Pat, Lylle, Rose, Tracy, and Darcey their partners as well as innumerable nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Terry; her parents, Arnold and Eva Thomas; and her siblings, Derrell, Delwin, and Valerie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Verdant Valley Community Hall, officiated by Pastor Larry Keddie.

“To our mother, thank you for always loving us. Even though you are no longer here with us, we can still feel your love guiding us. You will always be in our hearts. We love you and miss you dearly.”