In Memory

A Life Well Lived— In Memory of Pearl Fortunat

August 10, 1936 - January 6, 2022

Pearl Fortunat was a loving wife to Stan, amazing mother and mother-in-law to Jeff (Kathy) and Linda (Anthony Greaves), devoted grandmother to Mikelle (Caleb Djkowich), Matthew and Nikolas Fortunat, and Nakita Greaves, and legacy leaver to great-grandson Brooks Djkowich. She was also a friend, mentor, and “mother” to many not her own. Sadly, Pearl lost a brief battle with cancer on January 6, 2022, at 85.

Our family was blessed to have celebrated Stan and Pearl’s 63rd anniversary in June of 2021 in fine form—original wedding attire and all. December came with a mixture of joy and sorrow. Although mom wasn’t feeling that great, we celebrated Christmas together. She was blessed to meet Brooks and help Matthew celebrate his engagement to Rachel.

Pearl was baptized into the Edmonton Central Seventh-day Adventist Church on May 10, 1969. As the church grew, she was asked if she’d like to be a founding member of a new congregation in Southeast Edmonton. She was always up for a challenge! Along with several new church friends, she rented the St. Stephens United Church and began holding services as the “Edmonton South Seventh-day Adventist Church.” The new congregation prospered.

Pearl was there when the first shovel of dirt was dug for their very own church building… finished and dedicated in 1982. She was beyond thrilled when Stan, her devoted husband, was baptized into the church on December 14, 1996, in no small part due to her fervent prayers and living example. Pearl and Stan attended and supported the Edmonton South Church throughout their life, where lifelong friendships were fostered and still dear at her passing.

Pearl was a powerhouse of energy, ideas, commitments, and dedication. She served her community faithfully as Community League president, Cub Scout and Brownie leader, caring neighbour, and friend. She was further involved in community outreach as director of Vacation Bible School and instructor of vegetarian cooking classes. Notably, Pearl was also the director/ lecturer of the church’s “5-Day Plan to Stop Smoking” program at the Cross Cancer Institute for ten-plus years.

Pearl further served her God and church, including as secretary, Sabbath School leader, board member, deaconess, and elder. She also sat, for many years, on the volunteer board of Sherwood Park Nursing Home (now Sherwood Care).

In her later years, Pearl (and Stan) took care of the church gardens and took great pride in their beauty. Their hard work was recognized by the neighbourhood with a nomination to the City of Edmonton “Communities in Bloom” program.

Pearl will be GREATLY missed! Her unique and powerful influence lives on through her family and the lives of those she touched.

—Submitted by Jeff Fortunat and Linda Greaves