Cochrane Country Funeral Home

March 12, 1931 – May 6, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stella Oldham of Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 90 years. Stella will be remembered dearly by her children Stanley (Eva), Beverley, and Lorna Ranson (Marc); grandchildren Seth (Laura), Kenna (Scott), Daniel (Caitlin), Keaton (Nivi), Brooklyn, Liam (Charlene), Cassidy (Ethan), Mikayla, and Kuper; three great-grandchildren, Solomon, Sophie and Nora; her siblings Alfreda McNab (Marcel), Armand (Rhea), Rheal (Annette), and Robert (Helen); and her numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Robert (Bob) Oldham, her parents Michel and Veronique Hupé, and her brothers Roland and Gérard (Emma). She was loved, was loving, and will be terribly missed by us all.

Stella was born and raised in Ste. Anne, Manitoba; educated in French and English, she was fluent in both languages. She married her husband Bob in 1950, moved to Edmonton in 1955, and was active in establishing the Athlone Community Center including raising money to build the community hall and the two rinks. An avid seamstress and cook, Stella had a flare for entertaining and took pride in her table dressing.

Her extraordinary life found her accompanying her husband Bob in the 70’s and 80’s on his African foreign aid projects.  Those years were some of Stella’s favorite memories, living and traveling in that beautiful continent and learning about the various cultures. She and Bob lived in Uganda, Lesotho, and Swaziland. While in Africa, she made a great number of friends and remained in close contact with many throughout the years. Together they undertook numerous adventures including trips to Victoria Falls (the source of the Nile), Kruger National Park, and exploring cities in Eastern and Southern Africa. It was always her desire to win the lottery and take her whole family on a trip of a lifetime to see the continent that she fell in love with.

Although she loved her adventurous life in Africa, her children and grandchildren were the love of her life! She found every excuse to have family and friends over for dinners and special occasions. In the kitchen is where she flourished, making everyone’s favourite foods and then spending quality family time around the dining room table! Some of our fondest memories of her include spending time with her while she completed her daily crossword puzzles (that was a must, up to her last day of life); enjoying a barbeque on the back deck with a houseful of guests; and the legendary family canasta tournaments that bridged 4 generations of Oldham kids. She seldom lost a match, even as she entered her 10th decade of life. She will be profoundly missed by her family and friends.

Special thanks to the Cochrane Fire Department whose efforts enabled the immediate family to say final goodbyes in person and by phone. Her family would also like to thank her daughter Beverley and Lisa for opening up their home, renovating a beautiful suite for her so she could spend her final years in comfort and with family.

Cremation will take place this week. During this time of COVID, a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation to the University Hospital Foundation in Edmonton at www.givetouhf.ca.

Arrangements entrusted to Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – Ph: 403-932-1039