1937 – 2024
Mrs. Pam Gisler of Red Deer County passed away with her loved ones by her side at the Innisfail Health Care Centre on September 28 at the age of 87 years.
Pam was a force with a no nonsense presence. Born in Bristol, Connecticut, USA, she was raised in Alburgh, Vermont, the eldest of eight. As a teenager she moved to Quebec to work for her grandmother whose values of hard work and business sense shaped her own. She moved north and received her nurses training at the Salvation Army Hospital in Lachine, Quebec.
Going against convention in 1961 she headed west, ending up in Calgary for a nursing position at the Grace Hospital. She was introduced to a handsome Swiss and Vern convinced Pam to marry him in 1963 rather than continue her travels. In 1964 they bought a tiny, rundown dairy farm east of Innisfail. She reluctantly gave up nursing but quickly took to farm life. Through hard work and determination, over the next thirty years, with Vern’s brother Ernie, they grew Gisler Brothers Dairy into a thriving farm operation.
Pam and Vern retired in 1992. They then spent many exciting years traveling all over the world, visiting friends and family and finding adventure along the way. She did not give out her love and respect easily but once gained she was viciously protective and loved unconditionally. The farm became a haven for many young people who always knew they had a place if they needed.
A sincere thank you to all the doctors and nurses at the Innisfail Health Care Emergency, Acute Care and Home Care and to the staff of CBI Home Care. We cannot thank you enough for your devotion and professionalism.
Pam will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Merna and by many dear close friends in Canada, Switzerland and New Zealand. A private gathering will be held with a memorial planned for June 2025.
If desired, Memorial Donations may be made to the Salvation Army in Red Deer. We ask that you pour a glass of wine and toast in her honor. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006
