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Willow Birse
October 5, 1976 - June 21, 2015
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<div itemprop="description">BIRSE, Willow Lara <br />October 5, 1976 &ndash; June 21, 2015 <br /> <br />On the first day of summer &ndash; a beautiful sunlit evening &ndash; Willow graduated from this life and returned home to her loving heavenly Father. <br /> <br />Willow lived her 38 years with faith filled determination. A life threatening illness at the age of one month took away some abilities but, contrary to the predictions of many, she persevered through the many challenges and accomplished much. Willow graduated from Grade 12 and spent the next 20 years studying many topics, growing in her faith and giving to her community as a volunteer. Her greatest desire was to help others with disabilities and to advocate on their behalf. She faced this last challenge of ovarian cancer with courage, strength, great faith and acceptance. She would want us to say a huge thank you to the staff at both the Red Deer Regional Hospital and the Lois Hole Hospital for Women in Edmonton for their excellent and compassionate care. Thank you to all our friends and family and the other professionals who helped Willow and us through this challenging time. A very special thank you to the Melnychuk family who loved her like their own. <br /> <br />Willow was predeceased by her Dad, Bill; her Grandpa, Archie; and Grandparents, Ada and Al. She is survived by her Mom, Sandee and Step-dad, Ted; her Brother, Ryan (Tara), niece, Tyler and nephew, Matthew; Grandma, Betty; Aunt Peggy; cousins Christopher, Kevin and Colin and their families; Uncle Ian (Laura). Also saddened by her loss is her new family of step-sisters and brothers, Rod and Janey, Rod and Julaine, Brendan and Marie and their children. She will be sadly missed by a huge circle of friends both young and old. Willow loved you all so very much. <br /> <br />A Celebration of Willow&rsquo;s Life will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on McKenzie Road, Red Deer County (just behind Leon&rsquo;s Furniture off Hwy 2) on Friday, July 17th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Willow would be greatly appreciated to one of the following or a charity of your choice: Aspire Special Needs Resource Center for Children 4826-47 Street, Red Deer, Red Deer Regional Hospital Foundation, designate funds to Palliative Care Unit, or to the Red Deer Seventh Day Adventist Church &ndash; designate funds to Missions. <br /></div>