May 4, 1928 – July 31, 2025
Cecile (Cec) Mary Tempany (nee Baptie), born May 4, 1928, said her final goodbye on July 31 and slipped away peacefully to join those that left before her. She was 97 years old and will be dearly missed.
Mom was the daughter of Gladys and Thomas Baptie and was born north of Cochrane on the farm with her twin sister Peggy. Homemade incubators, and help from Granny Coatsworth and Aunt May, ensured the 3-pound babies survived and thrived. Mom was the middle child and outlived all of her siblings.
Mom married Gordon Tempany on June 14, 1950, and together they had 3 children. Mom is survived by her two daughters Betty (Art) Frey and Barb Bundt as well as her daughter-in-law Laura Tempany. Mom is also survived by nine grandchildren with each of the Tempany children having three children. Mom’s grandchildren blessed her with 27 living great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Gail (Ed) Sanderson, several nieces and nephews from both sides of the family, and friends that are as close as family.
Mom was predeceased by her parents; her husband of almost 59 years, Gordon (2009); twin brothers Jim (1977) and Bob (2019); oldest sister May (2008); twin sister Peggy (2024); her great granddaughter Emma Bundt (2010); her son-in-law Sam Bundt (2014); her son, Bill Tempany (2022); and extended family on both the Baptie and Tempany side of the family.
Mom led a very full and exciting life starting in Cochrane and Calgary, then to Exshaw for 30 years, back to Cochrane for 6 more years before moving to Westbank BC for 9 years. From there it was a move to Drayton Valley for the next 21 years. There were a few other moves between 2018 before she returned to Drayton Valley in 2024.
Mom started her working years with the Royal Bank until she was married. Once all the kids were in school, Mom worked for Canada Post for many years and was proud to have been a Postmaster in Exshaw, then Cochrane, right up to her retirement in 1988. Mom’s 37 years of retirement included square/round dancing and over 20 years in Arizona for the winter months. Mom and Dad enjoyed cruises and travel with trips to China, Australia, the Amazon, Europe, Britain and most of the United States while their health allowed.
In addition to travel, Mom loved bridge, cribbage, curling and golf. She was still playing crib this July and tickled pink when she won, which was most of the time. Mom’s sense of humour and competitiveness remained with her to the very end.
Services will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church on August 11 at 2:00 PM.
We also want to extend special thanks for the care given by Dr. Gossmann, as well as the amazing staff at Drayton Valley Long Term Care. Your kindness and quality care did not go unnoticed. This gratitude extends to the entire staff (nurses, aides, housekeeping, kitchen staff, physiotherapy, recreation, etc.), volunteers (Mom LOVED the crib on Sundays – thank you Cecile) and the in-house services available (Kimberly – you made Mom so happy). To the residents of Drayton Valley Long Term Care, thank you for being so welcoming and kind to Mom and her family.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers; donations be made to the charity of your choice. There are so many worthy charities that need support.
Interment to follow at the Riverside Cemetery in Drayton Valley.
Please visit www.affinityfuneralservice.ca to leave your condolences.
Arrangements in care of Terri Shimenosky at:
Affinity Funeral Service
5001 45 Avenue, Drayton Valley, Alberta T7A 1L1
