Ulla Pinel

Ulla Gabriella Pinel, 77, of Carstairs, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Ulla was born in Surahammar, Sweden, on September 11, 1949, to Finnish parents. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1951, settling in Richmond Hill, Ontario. She was very proud of her Finnish heritage and cherished sharing its traditions and culture with her children and grandchildren.

Ulla met her husband, Bruce Pinel, in Willowdale, Ontario, and they married at Black Creek Pioneer Village on July 31, 1976. In 1978, they moved west to Calgary with their young son, Todd. Their family soon grew to include three daughters: Tober-Nikol, Taren-Liisa, and Thyla-Jean. Ulla was blessed with 11 grandchildren who all lovingly called her Mummi, a childlike name for grandmother in Finnish. She was the centre of fun with all the grandkids and loved each and every one with all her heart.

After raising their children in Calgary and Balzac, Ulla and Bruce purchased a small farm near Acme, Alberta, where they raised alpacas. Ulla loved country life, cooking for family and friends, and planning gatherings and farm events. She was also a talented and creative crafter who enjoyed painting, knitting, crocheting, quilting, writing poetry, and spinning yarn from alpaca fibre.

Ulla loved God deeply, and her faith gave her comfort, strength, and hope throughout her life. Her love for God was reflected in the kindness, compassion, and devotion she showed to her family and others.

Ulla and Bruce celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July 2026. She will be lovingly remembered by her beloved husband, Bruce Pinel; her four children, Todd Pinel and his children Noah and Faith; Tober-Nikol (Chad) Clayton and their son Haakon; Taren (Stephen) Taylor and their children Ville, Austin, Jussi and Mirjam; and Thyla-Jean (Mark) Boeyenga and their children Taavi, Toivo, Teero and Tiimo. She was predeceased by her parents and older brother.

Ulla was specific in expressing her gratitude to Dr. Strum at the Arthur J. E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre for his compassionate care as well as the staff at Dulcina Hospice, for their care and support.

Ulla will be remembered for her love and devotion to her entire family and all the many cherished memories she created. Her life was a blessing, and she will remain forever in the hearts of all those who loved her.

A celebration of Ulla’s life will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Master on Friday, Oct 16, 2026 at 1:00pm in Airdrie, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. www.cancer.ca