It is with great sadness that family and friends announce the sudden passing of Myrna Ironside. She is survived by her husband, her soul mate, Derrick; her sister, Mabel (Murray) Pike of Red Deer; many Pickering cousins in Central Alberta and other parts of Canada; her nieces and nephews; her Godchildren, Derrick's family; and countless friends worldwide. The comfort is knowing she has been reunited with her beloved and talented daughter, Megan; her parents, John and Louise Pickering; and her brother, David Pickering. Myrna was born May 29th, 1951 in Eckville, Alberta and was raised and educated in the Red Deer area, graduating with honours from high school in 1969 and the University of Alberta, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, in 1972. It was in the first year of university that Derrick (although he knew Myrna before) and Myrna started dating; were married June 3rd, 1972. 1972 was a very eventful year, as the newly married Ironsides relocated that summer to Makulawe, Likoma Island, Malawi, Eastern Central Africa to teach what we know here as grades nine and ten (Form One and Form Two) at Likoma Island Secondary School for two years on a CUSO contract. This adventure was the catalyst to make them yearn to travel and travel they did—all ten Canadian provinces (in one summer) and one territory a few years later, many US states, Central and South America, British Isles, Europe, Africa, India, and many cruises (somewhere close to fifty countries all told). Upon their return to Canada and a short stint in Red Deer, they moved to Medicine Hat as Derrick started a business. Myrna returned to university, the University of Lethbridge, to attain her teaching degree (she graduated from the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education on the President’s honour role) and was employed by the Medicine Hat Separate School Division for her entire teaching career. It was here she touched and enriched the lives of many young children. She often joked about never being able to get out of grade three, she did not want to have students taller than herself. In East Africa, even students that towered over her, quaked in their shoes if they had shoes, when she started to give them a tongue lashing. You did not argue with her, if you knew what was best, you just cowered and took what she was handing out (Derrick never accepted this, he always held his ground as best possible). Megan was born shortly after her graduation and Myrna's world revolved around Megan and teaching. Myrna's goal was always to relocate to Banff, Alberta and after Derrick sold his business here, he purchased a business in Banff. Unfortunately, the move was never materialized. Besides teaching and being a phenomenal mom, Myrna threw her life into singing in St. Mary's Choir, Musical Theatre and Firehall Theatre. Not only did she act in a number of plays and musicals, but she directed many, often with Megan in them. Myrna may have been small in stature, but a giant in energy--building self-esteem, and creativity, she was a real firecracker, most definitely someone that you did not want to get into an argument with as Derrick found out far too often. Derrick often found out that having all his ducks in a row did not necessarily guarantee a win, she went all in to win even if she was wrong. The sudden passing of Megan fourteen years ago took its toll. Myrna never taught another day, she could not bear the thought of teaching someone else’s child when her gorgeous, talented, very artistic child was gone. Instead, she involved herself in drama and travel; however, the spark that made her such a dynamic person had disappeared, her vim and vigor was missing. Derrick would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support shown him during this exceedingly difficult time, most particularly friends and members of The Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat. A Memorial Service, a Celebration of Life, will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 10, 2022 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Those wishing to remember Myrna may donate to The Canadian Diabetes Association, 1400-522 University Avenue, Ontario, M5G 2R5 Canada. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Myrna Ironside.