Alpha Angels
This page is dedicated to Alphas who have gone before us, fought the good fight and gone to their reward. Because of them, we will continue to learn and make others aware of this genetic disease that affects so many families.
The information on this page was gathered from family, friends and public sources. We know of other Angels whose families did not give us permission to list them here, but our thoughts are with them too.
Just as we do not know of all Alphas in Canada, we do not have any way of knowing of all Alpha Angels, so if you know of an Alpha Angel who is not honoured here, please contact us.
Sue Garrison
by Lesley Kimble
It is with deep sadness that I pass along the news of the death of Sue Garrison. Sue died in Ottawa, in hospital, on March 27, 2004, having been on a respirator for 12 days. Her death was both sudden and very unexpected. Sue’s family reports that she died with dignity, and on her own terms, which would seem to me to be very much the way she lived her life.
Sue was a pioneer for Alpha-1 patients in Canada. In 1997 she began to band together with other Canadian Alpha’s in search of desperately needed answers about the disease, and to provide support for each other. Her work with the Alpha-1 Association in the U.S. put her in contact with many Canadian patients who were thrilled to be referred to someone in their own country, someone who understood the Canadian medical system and had some experience with the disease.
Sue’s efforts on behalf of Alpha-1 patients were tireless. Together with a small group of patients and caregivers she was the driving force behind the very successful 2001 patient meeting in Toronto. It was not long after that her health began to slow her down, but certainly not in mind or spirit. Most recently, Sue felt that she needed to step back and watch the fruits of her labour unfold. While she was still actively consulting with the newly formed Alpha-1 Canada, she declined to serve on the 2003 conference committee, choosing rather to continue her work with the Alpha-1 Canada newsletter, a project that she herself had developed and sustained for acouple of years. At the same time she also researched and developed an earlier version of the Alpha-1 Canada website, which launched at the November 2003 conference, and which Sue continued to fine tune until her death. That website continued as the main source of information for Canadian Alphas until the current site was launched in mid-2008.
The task of moving forward with Alpha-1 Canada is a large one. Somehow now, it seems a much more daunting one without Sue’s wisdom, expertise, coaching and enthusiasm. However, knowing that she so exemplified those qualities will give us the strength and motivation to carry on in her name. She was a dear friend, a willing teacher, a cheerleader in every sense of the word. She was the “wind beneath our wings”, and she touched the lives of so many people – patients, their families, caregivers, physicians and healthcare workers alike. She will be missed, but never forgotten. Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of the many people for whom she made Alpha-1 easier to cope with.
On behalf of the entire Alpha-1 community, I offer our thoughts and prayers to Sue’s family. May you take comfort in knowing that she touched many lives, and played such an important role in bringing information about Alpha-1 to the attention of so many Canadians.
Gloriana Bremner
BREMNER, Gloriana Bremner was freed from her earthly restraints on November 19th, 2008. She breathes deeply now, knowing her race was well run; her battles valiantly fought. Gloriana started her life journey on January 2nd, 1966 at Calgary, Alberta and moved to her beloved Victoria in 1988. Cherishing her memory are her mother and father, Vie and Rolland Bremner, and two sisters, Selena and Eddee Joanne. She also leaves behind countless friends, too many to mention. Flowers are greatfully accepted or donation in Gloriana's name to Alpha-1 Canada would be appreciated.
Jean Shirley Gilbert (nee Chatterley)
GILBERT, Jean Shirley - Of Wiarton passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2008 in her 82nd year. Cherished wife of Fred for 62 years. Beloved mother of Sheila (Reinhard) Toellner of Seaforth, Gary (Sheila) and Dave of Wiarton. Special grandma of 8 and great grandmother of 10. She will be sadly missed by her brother Jim Chatterley of Michigan and sister-in-law Betty (Don) Waller of Brampton. Her faithful companion Boots will miss her dearly. Jean was predeceased by her parents, son Rick and daughter-in-law Nancy. Spring interment Bayview Cemetery. Donations made to Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Canada, the Alzheimer Society or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family as expressions of sympathy.
Stedman, Mary
STEDMAN, Mary Margaret (nee Cooke) OCH-56A-Retired Passed away in hospital after a lengthy illness with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency on Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at the age of 75. Survived by her loving husband Robert Arthur "Art" Stedman, sons Bruce (Jennifer MacLeod), Brian and best friend Marianne Vessel. Cherished grandmother of Devon and Morgan. Predeceased by her parents Chamney and Frances Cooke and infant twin brothers. Mary was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she will be dearly missed by all of us. She was very devoted to her profession being Director of Nursing at Thompson House, Home for the Aged, Don Mills, Ontario for 23 years. Friends are invited to visit at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Avenue at Richmond Road on Saturday, October 4 from 12: 30 p.m. until Service time in the chapel at 2:30 p.m. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Perth, Ontario at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial donations to Alpha-1 Canada, 1638 Northway Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3L9 (www.alpha1canada.ca) or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. The family is grateful for all her medical care, especially to the respirologists, Dr. Peter MacLeod (retired) and Dr. Alikhan, the doctors and nurses at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital for their excellent compassionate care.