January 14, 1958 – May 13, 2024
On May 13th, 2024 at the age of 66 years, Therese (Tress) Fay Halonen passed away suddenly at her home in Westlock, AB. She was born January 14th, 1958 in the old Radway hospital and named after one of the nuns who was working there. Her mother, Annie Zaplotinsky, often recounted how Tress stubbornly entered the world as a breech baby. At the time, who knew that Tress’s headstrong arrival would foreshadow the tenacity she brought to the rest of her life.
Tress was creative and hardworking. She was always proud that as a teen she was chosen to spend the summer of 1975 working in Waterton National Park as part of the National Parks Conservation Corps for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. After graduating from highschool, she spent most of her life working various jobs and raising her family on an acreage near Abee, AB. After retiring, she moved to Mexico for a short time, returning to be closer to her family. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and had various hobbies relating to crafts and natural health.
Tress is predeceased by her parents, Victor and Annie (nee Lega) Zaplotinsky, her siblings Shirley, Leonard, Vicky and Gail, and her daughter-in-law Cathy Litwin-Halonen.
Left to mourn are her children Erin Halonen and Tylor (Charissa) Halonen; grandchildren Dylan and Tyson Halonen; as well as numerous extended family and friends, who may find solace in knowing that Tress has now found the peace she strived for throughout her life.
“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” ~ Psalm 139:9
A cremation has taken place and a private inurnment will be held at a later time.