Agnes Alida Noble

Agnes Alida Noble (nee Robinson) of Mitchellton passed away in Moose Jaw on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the age of 93 years. Alida was born on June 2, 1913 at Briercrest , Saskatchewan . Predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) Noble Jr. in 1967, Alida is survived by her two sons Bill (Jennifer) of London, England, and Barry (Susan) of Calgary, Alberta, and by her granddaughters Mary, Katherine, and Roberta Noble of London, England, and Rachel (Neil) Noble-Pattinson of Calgary, Alberta. She is also survived by her siblings Gertrude (Barclay) Ward, Ronald (Myrtle) Robinson, and Larry (Zena) Robinson, and by her sister-in-law Edna Robinson and her brother-in-law John Pickard. Alida was predeceased by her parents William and Eva Robinson and her siblings Lyle Robinson, Evelyn Pickard, Oma Pickard, and Waldo Robinson.

Alida grew up on the Robinson farm near Cardross , Saskatchewan , and attended Normal School in Moose Jaw in 1930. After teaching in a number of rural schools across south-central Saskatchewan during the Depression, Alida married Bob and they settled in the Mitchellton area. Together, and later with their sons, they developed the family grain farm, participating fully in community life and enjoying many family summer road trips in Canada and the United States . Following Bob’s passing in 1967, Alida attended the University of Calgary , obtaining a B.A. in English in 1969. During the ensuing years, she taught English at high schools in Mossbank, Hazlet , and Herbert, where she inspired and influenced many with her love of learning and achievement. Ever curious about the wider world, Alida travelled extensively in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America . A pianist, organist, and lifelong voracious reader, she also wrote poetry, built many interesting collections, played cards, and pursued local history projects. After retiring from teaching in 1981, Alida spent her winters in Yuma , Arizona where she relished the landscape, climate and culture of the southwestern states. Spending summers at the farm, she enjoyed observing and researching the wildlife, wildflowers, and cultural history of the Saskatchewan prairies. Alida’s long full life encompassed many seasons. She lived it with pioneering spirit, determination, and generosity.

The family extends its appreciation for their care and support to the staff of the Ina Grafton Gage Home where Alida had lived since 2004. A funeral service will be held at Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane , Moose Jaw on Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 2 pm, with a reception to follow in the Harvey Room at the funeral home . In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 1777 Victoria Avenue , Room 100, Regina , SK S4P 4K5 ( www.natureconservancy.ca ) or to a charity of your choice.