Cecile Marie (Demarcke) Strembicki

A woman of remarkable patience and a true pillar of strength, Cecile Marie Strembicki passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 28, 2026.

Cecile was born to Leopold and Olivine (Née: Richard) Demarcke in St. Boniface, Manitoba, on February 25, 1939. She was the middle link in a lifelong, unbreakable chain of sisterhood with Shirley and Carol—a bond formed during their early years at boarding school and lovingly maintained for a lifetime. Cecile nurtured these connections with unwavering devotion, from daily conversations with Shirley to the tender care she provided Carol in her final years.

After graduating from Teacher’s College in Winnipeg at the age of 18, Cecile taught in remote schools in Northern Manitoba. She later ventured west to join her cousin Dorothy in Lebret, Saskatchewan, where she met Edward Strembicki. Ed and Cec married in 1967 and welcomed two daughters, Linda and Bridget. In 1973, the young family settled in Coleman, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta—Cecile’s home until her passing.

In her younger years, Cecile was an avid gardener and nature enthusiast who eagerly awaited the first signs of spring marked by pussy willows and crocuses. Though she did not return to the classroom professionally, her passion for teaching never waned. Known affectionately as “Mrs. S,” she spent decades tutoring children in her home, helping countless students find confidence and success in their studies.

Cecile’s community spirit extended to her leadership with Girl Guides of Canada, where she guided Brownies, Guides, and Pathfinders, and to the local Figure Skating Club, where she served as Vice‑President for many years alongside her best friend, Millie Cenerini. Whether operating concessions or catering events, she was a tireless supporter of the community’s “little skaters.” In 1993, Ed and Cec purchased the Pixie Bar in Blairmore, where Cecile became a familiar and welcoming presence. Residents and travelers alike fondly remember the famous Pixie Bar burgers, fries, and deep‑fried mushrooms.

To her grandchildren Logan, Therese, Will, and Hope, Cecile was an indulgent Gramma who made her home a magical place. She filled their days with books, games, and adventures—teaching them to read through shared stories or whimsical letters, notes, and poems about a “little elf” or the deer in the backyard. In retirement, she found joy in Wednesday art days with her dear friends Wendy, Mae, and Ainsley, becoming a talented watercolor artist. She was the heart of every Sunday dinner and proudly served as Logan’s best “Sous Chef.”

Her cherished chain of sisterhood also embraced Carol’s granddaughter Chynna and her children Sawyer, Piper, and Walker, whose frequent visits—filled with games and shared meals—brightened Cecile’s days.

Enduringly kind, patient, and selfless, Cecile would truly have given the shirt off her back to anyone she loved. A feisty matriarch and steadfast pillar of strength, she cared deeply for family near and far.

In her later years, Cecile lovingly assumed the role of family historian from Shirley, devoting countless hours to preserving the family’s 150‑year history. She meticulously updated names, photographs, and family pages as new members arrived, marking births and remembering those who had passed.

Cecile was predeceased by her parents, Leopold and Olivine; her parents‑in‑law, Mike and Anne Strembicki; her sisters and brothers‑in‑law, Shirley and Paul Desrosiers and Carol Bergman; her siblings‑in‑law, Berniece and Mike Koval and Ernie and Brenda Strembicki; her son‑in‑law, William Petrie; and her cousin, Dorothy Alexiuk. The sisters are surely together again, sharing endless games of cards.

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy and is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Ed; her daughter Linda Petrie and grandchildren Therese, Will, and Hope; and her daughter Bridget Graf (Terry) and granddaughter Logan Graf. She is also lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law, Vic Bergman (Shelly Medd); her nephews, Ronald (Debra Acton) and Richard Desrosiers; her nieces, Deanna Richardson, Gina Balasubramanian, and Corrie Garland; and her extended family: Chynna McGaffey and her children Sawyer, Piper, and Walker; Joey Garland; Kira Balasubramanian and Tony Balasubramanian; Midge Cardoso; Monique (Pat) Huberdeau and their children Arianne, Brielle, and Marco; Ryan Desrosiers; Sherry Desrosier; Nathan (Holly) Desrosiers and their children Parker and Brynley; Ecko Baldwin; Merv Richardson; Kaylan Richardson and Luke Richardson; and Joanne Alexiuk and her children Katherine and Laura.

Cecile will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her small circle of friends, including her longest and most devoted friend, Wendy Fabro, as well as Mae Gibson, Donna Newman, and Florette Crawford.

Though she will be deeply missed, a lifetime of loving memories will keep Cecile with us always.

Thank you to Dr. Penner and all the doctors and staff of the Crowsnest Pass Heath Care Centre and Continuing Care Centre for the care and support Cecile received.  Also, special thanks to Brandi and Vicki for engaging with her and encouraging her to participate in crafts and activities during her stay in Continuing Care.

With respect for Cecile’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Literacy for Life Foundation (www.litforlife.com). Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

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