Obituary of Terry Kubin

Kubin, Terry Anne July 20, 1937 – May 21, 2021 Terry (nee Swanson) loved to sing, dance, create, paint, grow things, plan, entertain, direct, teach, shop, party, visit, travel, farm, donate, and serve God and her community. John is the true love of her life and when she married him in 1972, he had two young children: Joseph Kubin, and Michelle (married to Lane Christopherson). She brought three teenagers to the Kubin farm: Cynthia Edwards (married to Paolo Mancuso), Lisa (married to Marvin Topilko), and Lindsay Edwards (married to Kathleen Chernecki). Blending these two families was challenging yet rewarding, and Terry loved her flock deeply and generously. Two sisters, Carol Hill and Phyllis (Ben) Starling as well as sisters-in-law Velma Swanson, Joyce Evangeline Kubin, and Helen Novakowski cherish her memory, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Gone before her were her brother Gordon Swanson, sister Joyce Richman, and brother-in-law Michael Novakowski. Grandchildren enriched her life beyond measure. Lisa and Marvin had Blair (married to Crystal Marsh), Paul, and Adam Topilko (engaged to Mychaela Risling). Lindsay and Kathleen had Jaclyn Edwards, and Michelle and Lane had Riley Christopherson. It was exciting and joyful for her when Blair and Crystal brought three great-grandsons into the mix: Parker, Maxwell, and Myles Topilko. Adopted grand-daughter Maya Ding was precious to her, too. They share a love of “bling”! Courage, compassion, and grace were her trademarks. As someone who tolerated much pain and discomfort, empathy for others was still paramount. She could relate something interesting about every one of the numerous cities and countries that she and John had toured. She had the most beautiful handwriting and was a talented water-colour painter, a weaver, and a grower of all things beautiful. On her birthday every year, she reminded us that a person had walked on the moon on that very day! Did you know she was a cheerleader for the Calgary Stampeders? And that she used to smoke menthol cigarettes and drove a Volkswagon Beetle? The things she loved to enjoy included cats, white wine, milk chocolate, vanilla ice cream on a stick, sun tanning, handbells, black licorice, watercolour painting, Mozart, Klimt, salt water taffy, and raspberries. But singing remained at the top of her favourites, and she had an impressive vocal range. Featured prominently were church choirs, Barbershop chorus and quartets, singing for important events, Concordia Community Chorus, Bella Voce, musical theatre, and big productions for Mundare School. Her Kindergarten teaching career was her passion and former students and their parents stopped her on the street regularly to thank her repeatedly for her work with young children. So many friends far and wide brought laughter and joy to her life. A bright light and an intense spirit, she embraced all of life’s possibilities. Fiercely determined and independent, she sometimes drove us to distraction, probably because we simply couldn’t keep up. Terry lived to serve and the following were very dear to her: Vegreville United Church, Wendy Brook Music Festival Association, 4-H, Vegreville Agricultural Society (especially the Horse Show, Jr. Gardener and Exhibit Hall), Canola events, and Akasu Palliative Care Society. How fitting it was that her last days were spent in the Palliative Care Suite that she helped establish, furnish, and maintain as a volunteer for many years. Our entire family remains very grateful for this blessed space. We learned so much from Terry, a gifted teacher. We will strive to continue learning and keep contributing. In her name and to honour her memory, maybe you’ll plant something, have a glass of wine, sing a song, or help someone out. In lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations can be sent to Vegreville United Church (5126-48 Ave. Vegreville, AB. T9C 1M7), Akasu Palliative Care Society (Box 623 Vegreville, AB, T9C 1R7) or the Salvation Army (#200-5615-101 Ave. Edmonton, AB T6A 3Z7). Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. May she rise up singing!