Josie (Rollag) Williams
March 23, 1914-June 14, 2021
Josie was born in Wrentham, AB to John and Amanda Rollag. She was the middle child of seven, four girls and three boys. Josie attended school in Wrentham until grade 11 and took her grade 12 in Lethbridge at the LCI. While there, she met her lifelong friend Effie (Lothian) Jones. When the accommodation her Dad had arranged for her didn’t work out, Effie’s parents kindly allowed her to live with them. The bond between Josie and Effie’s families remained strong throughout their lives. Josie enrolled in the Galt School of Nursing where she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1937. She was very pleased to receive the General Nursing Award.
Josie married Harold Williams in 1935 and they had three children, Terry, Truman and JoAnn. She worked in many areas of Nursing while raising a family and spent time training in the X-Ray Department with Dr. Rose, which she enjoyed very much. Josie worked full time as Supervisor of Central Supply when the new Municipal Hospital opened in 1955. She remained there until her retirement at the end of 1971. She enjoyed her years with her co-workers and the many Nursing students who trained in the department. Josie loved walking, going to Keep-Fit and badminton at the Lethbridge Civic Centre. The whole family played badminton; Josie played into her 80’s. She attended the Nurses Alumnae Banquet each June where she connected with classmates and other nurses.
Josie was predeceased by her son Terry in 1996, her husband Harold in 1997, her grandson Faron Rose in 2015 and her son-In-law Ted Cuell in 2021. She was predeceased by all her siblings; her youngest sister, Helen Mackenzie, passed away in Lethbridge on March 14, 2021.
She is survived by her son Truman (Karin) of Kelowna, her daughter JoAnn Cuell of Canmore and her daughter-in-law MariAnne (Lee) Fairbanks of Edmonton, and 10 grandchildren: Shauna Gervais, Jody Smith, Kurt Williams, Karen Huculak, Todd Williams, Dennis Williams, Lori Williams Davies, Trent Cuell, Rob Cuell and Lisa Tonellato. Josie is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren.
Josie loved having family around and she and Harold moved to Canmore in 1992 to be closer to their daughter and family. She moved to the Golden Eagle View Long Term Care Unit at the Canmore Hospital at the age of 97 where she resided until her passing. She will be truly missed by the wonderful staff there and of course by all her Family.
We would like to give a Huge Thanks to staff at the Golden Eagle View for the Care, Kindness and LOVE shown to Josie over the years, YOU ARE THE BEST!! Thanks to Dr. Emma Morin for her care and concern for Josie.
A family graveside service will be held on June 29, 2021 at Archmount Memorial Gardens in Lethbridge where she will be laid to rest next to her husband Harold. Pastor Lee Loveridge of the Immanuel Lutheran Church will officiate.
If you’re able, donations to the Canmore and Area Health Care Foundation dedicate to the Golden Eagle View, would be greatly appreciated by the family (1100 Hospital Place, Canmore, AB T1W 1N2)
