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Obituaries

Astrid Tilly Vekved

July 06, 1939 - January 17, 2026

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Obituary For Astrid Tilly Vekved

Astrid Tilly Vekved, who lived on a farm near Sexsmith, Alberta, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the age of 86 years.

Astrid was born in Saskatchewan in 1939 to Norwegian immigrants. Times were sometimes hard, but Astrid had good memories of her childhood. After high school, she went on to teacher training and then taught for a few years in Saskatchewan. During that time, Astrid met Ivan Vekved when he came to her church as a musician travelling with a visiting minister. They were married in 1965, and from that time on, she made her home on the farm in Alberta. Here they welcomed five children, and then a sixth, whose time sadly was very short.

Astrid’s faith anchored her life as she put her trust in God through prayer and reading the Bible, from which she received a quiet joy that gently encouraged and cheered those around her. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing games, facilitating learning and creativity, while not worrying about the mess. She was a good listener and a wise woman. Her bits of practical advice—two’s the limit (for sharing cookies or anything indulgent)—still echo in her children’s minds. She was kind, gentle, and patient, and found it easy to laugh at herself. She wanted people to feel welcome and valued, to have good memories, and to know the peace she had found in Jesus Christ.

Astrid was an accomplished seamstress. For many years, her sewing machine was rarely silent for long as she sewed garments for her young family, special occasion dresses for her daughters, numerous bridesmaid dresses for local weddings, and many fixes and hems for all who brought a clothing item her way. When she discovered Sudoku, it became her favourite pastime, along with, more recently, making latch hook rugs.

She will be sadly missed by her sons, Stanley (Lisa) and Kerry (Monica); daughters, Diane (Gareth), Janet (Beckett), and Donna (Collin); grandchildren, Sam, Jonathan, Ethan, Abby, Bryn, Rhys, Lewis, Liam, Kara, Jared, and Rachelle (David); sisters-in-law, June and Carolyn; and her many nieces and nephews and their families.

She was predeceased by Ivan, her husband of 53 years; her infant son, Andrew; her parents, Fredrik and Jenny; brothers, Fanuel and Oscar; sisters, Anna, Alfhild, and Freda; brother-in-law, Ronald; nephew, Steven; and great-niece, Rachel.

A memorial service and lunch will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Assembly in Grande Prairie, AB (11449 92 Street), with viewing one hour prior. Interment will follow at Bethel Church Cemetery (734036 Range Road 80).

Memorial donations may be made to the Bethel Church Ladies Mission Circle (RR1, Site 9, Box 33, Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0) or to the charity of one’s choice.

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Condolences

  • January 25, 2026

    Lynn Scheidegger

    Dear Diane, Janet, Donna, Stanley, Kerry and families. What happy memories I have of sitting around your family's table, eating your mom's delicious food and laughing and celebrating all of Diane's birthdays! Have a precious time together as you celebrate, remember and honour your mom and her beautiful life she lived. With love, Lynn Scheidegger

  • January 24, 2026

    Gladys Schultz

    Aster, as she was known at the time, and I became very close friends at teacher's college. She came home with me many weekends because we lived close to Saskatoon. Our families became friends. My brother Richard married Freda and as a result became more connected. Astre was the bridesmaid at my wedding in 1960. A number of years ago we were able to visit your parents at the farm . She hadn't changed at all. We could just carry on and Ron and Ivan had a lot in common. I like that she went back to calling herself Astrid. It's such a lovely name. It was a shock to me to hear of her passing. The last time we visited was at Anna's funeral. My condolences to you. Gladys (Friesen) Schultz

  • January 23, 2026

    Tim Vekved

    I am so sorry Stan, Kerry, Diane, Janet, and Donna. Astre was a wonderful aunt...she was a kind soul and had a wonderful sense of humor. One of my vivid memories of visiting "the farm" was eating her homemade donuts and the lighthearted and welcoming nature of her and Ivan's home. Love from Bellingham WA; Tim, Nancy, Annie, and Rachel(in heaven).

  • January 23, 2026

    Kim Norton

    Condolences to all of you, Janet, Kerry, Dianne, Stanley and Donna. Your Mom was a lovely lady whom I have fond memories of; she was a very bright light in this world. Wish you didn't have to go through this process, but please find peace knowing she is home.

  • January 23, 2026

    Jannie Nyland

    My sincere condolences in the loss of your mother. God wipes away all tears and she is with her Saviour 💐💐

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