Erna Mamie Pullam (Leach)
June 9, 1931 – April 11, 2023
With deep gratitude for her life, Erna’s family circled her bed in the wee hours of the morning April 11, 2023, as she slipped from this life and flew onward.
Erna’s life was truly a gift to so many. She was deeply cherished. She made a difference. Her passion was people and caring for people.
Erna was born in Sunny Corner, New Brunswick and grew up in St. John, NB. Following High School graduation, she worked for a year at the bank to save enough money to enter nursing school in St. John. She nursed and taught nursing in St. John, NB and Toronto, ON. She did post graduate work at the University of Toronto to prepare her to teach nursing and to be a missionary abroad. She chose not to go abroad at the last minute and instead married a United Church theology student at the University of Toronto – Eric Gregory Pullam.
Eric and Erna married June 24, 1961, in St. John, NB. Following their honeymoon they drove to their first pastoral charge – Hudson Bay, SK. While in Hudson Bay for five years their three children, Ruth, Jennifer, and Gregory were born.
Eric and Erna subsequently served in Prince Albert SK, Estevan SK, Glenboro MB, and Swan River, MB., before retiring to Estevan and then Moose Jaw, SK. Erna worked in partnership with Eric in ministry. She was dearly loved by young and old alike and had a passion for youth ministry. Erna also loved her nursing. Nursing was a calling for Erna, not a career.
Erna will be remembered for her fabulous sense of humor, her loving, inclusive, and giving energy. Her nephew wrote: “She was a delight: earnest, empathetic, strong, and deeply loving. She will always be the cheerful, vital, can-do force of nature”. Erna was a wonderful Nana. Always there whether you needed a hug, a laugh, support, or a shoulder to cry on. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and cherished each and everyone. She was a source of strength and unconditional love for her grandchildren. “She is dearly missed”.
Erna’s last two years were spent in Marcie’s Private Care Home (House) in Moose Jaw. Where she loved and was loved in return. There is no better final home than Marcies.
Erna is survived by Daughter Ruth Pullam (Sony Ahluwalia) and their child Raj Ahluwalia Pullam; Daughter Jennifer Marcotte (Warren Marcotte) and their children Bryce Marcotte (Emma Maelde), and Sarah Graham (Lucas Graham); Son E. Gregory Pullam (Sintra Lewis) and their child Aden Pullam. Erna is also survived by her younger sister Kay Richardson (David Richardson); her sister-in-law Joan Sneddon (Pullam) and numerous nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Marcie Care Home 1221 4th Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK, S6H 3X6, or E-Transfer to info@marcieprivatecarehome.com
The dedication and dignity with which people in this home are cared for deeply enriches their quality of life. We are deeply grateful to all of Mom’s caregivers and want to honor your often unacknowledged and frequent grief inherent in your work.
A celebration of life will take place on May 6th, 2023, at Minto United Church Reception Hall at 2:00 PM. Della Ferguson will officiate. Those unable to attend can view a livestream of the service https://zoom.us/j/93404873497?pwd=SXJINlROQ2cvQTdxVVJEWWtYV05yUT09 In living memory of Erna, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries). Chrystine Dacey- Funeral Director
