August 23, 1930 - February 4, 2023
Frances Willene Kinney (nee Clark) passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at the age of 92. Willene was born on August 23, 1930 and raised on a farm east of Airdrie in the area known as Yankee Valley. Willene attended boarding school in Kathryn where she met her future husband Roger Kinney. They were married in 1950. Willene and Roger started their married life farming in Rockyford, before moving to Olds in 1963 with their children Lee and Kim.
Willene is survived by her daughter Kim Young, Airdrie (Ryan, Lindsay & Asher Young, Airdrie & Josh Young, Vancouver). Daughter-in-law Sharon Kinney, Grande Prairie; Angie Kinney (Rebecca, Sara, Jacob), Saskatchewan; Erin & Bill Griffin (Chase & Jade), Sundre; Michael & Jenny Kinney (Ryan & Katie), Grande Prairie; Kristopher Kinney (Hayden, Madisyn & Brielle) Grande Prairie. Brother Clifford Clark, Airdrie.
Willene was a loving, genuine person with an infectious smile. She was caring and generous and will be remembered for her kind heart, making everyone feel welcome with her warm hugs. She had a strong personality and strength of will that sustained her through the loss of her son Lee in 2000, and later her husband Roger in 2014. Family was her world, and her community was similarly important to her. She was an active volunteer with St John’s Anglican Church in Olds and she became a life-long member of Mountain View #1 Order of the Eastern Star, with which she proudly held the position of Worthy Matron many times, along with holding positions with the Grand Chapter of Alberta.
With our loss, heaven has gained an angel who never says ‘no’ to a cocktail or dessert. She had a sassy sense of humour and despite her quiet gentle nature, she was a force to be reckoned with if the situation required. She was an avid gardener, an excellent cook and loved to be creative. She will be dearly missed.
I would like to thank all the caring, compassionate nurses, doctors and staff who attended her end-of- life journey at the Dulcina Hospice. In keeping with Willene’s wishes no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Canadian Lung Association or Dulcina Hospice.
