“Gerty” Sorensen, resident of Teepee Creek, AB, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021, at the age of 77 years, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Gerty was born in Swan River, MB, to Alexander and Winnie Shinn. She worked as an Operating Room Technician before she met and married the love of her life, Albert Sorensen, on June 17, 1968. Together they took over the family farm and raised their five children. With hard work, determination, and love they grew the farm to include many successful enterprises including dairy, poultry, lambs, turkeys, and eggs.

Gerty loved her farm, especially the opportunities and experiences it provided for her children and grandchildren. It was often not a surprise to find bottle lambs, piglets, an incubator full of eggs, or a new batch of kittens in her house. She was extremely proud of her farm and loved to share her passion and knowledge. She was well-known for her farm raised turkeys, and beamed with joy upon hearing each delighted customer’s compliments.

Gerty’s love for her grandkids shined bright. She lived by the motto that she had a home, not a show house. Her home will be fondly remembered as being filled with family, love, and excitement. She loved her grandkids fiercely, rocked them to sleep, and wasn’t afraid to keep them in line. Her home was always equipped to provide hours of fun, whether it be with dish soap for slip and slides, or toilet paper rolls ready to be stacked like hay bales. Her secret stash of snacks was something her grandkids always found and enjoyed while playing in the middle of the living room. She had the magic touch when it came to her grandkids’ nap times. She would rock and hum to them in the big chair, and sometimes it was unclear as to who fell asleep first!

Gerty’s home was known as ‘the farm’ and everyone was always welcome. Her door was always open, and advice was given freely. Visitors were always greeted with, “Come on in, leave your shoes on, and make yourself at home!”. She was like a second mom to many and she had enough love for all. She accepted people for who they were, and saw the potential in people that they often couldn’t see in themselves. Gerty encouraged everyone to never give up, see that there is always a way, and to always move forward.

Gerty will be sadly missed by her five children: Allan (Shandell) Sorensen, David (Julie) Sorensen, Sheldon (Trina) Sorensen, Murray (Nicole) Sorensen, Raelyn (Ray) Peterson; 11 grandchildren: Shay Sorensen; Lane, Tom and Katie Sorensen; Brookelyn and Damon Sorensen; Bradley, Adam, and Carter Sorensen; Jenna and Kara Peterson; her brothers Ted (Joan) Shinn, and Gerry (Myrna) Shinn; as well as her many extended family and friends.

Gerty was predeceased by her husband Albert of 49 years, and her sister Joyce Brown.

A Viewing will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021, from 7:00 – 9:00pm at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 2:00pm at the EnFrame Building (Stampede Grounds) in Teepee Creek, with Fellowship to follow. Please dress for the weather as it is an outdoor service.

A link will be available 15 minutes prior to the service on Gerty’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website. In order to view the livestream of the service, please click on “Photos and Video” at the top of this obituary and follow the link to the livestream.

Condolences may be sent by visiting

www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2021-10-08
• Location : Teepee Creek, Alberta

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