Lue Mikalson

1961 - 2026

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the peaceful passing of Luella Ann Mikalson in Taber on Sunday, September 13, 2026, surrounded by the presence of those who loved her at the age of 65 years. After a long and arduous battle with cancer, Luella passed peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a piece of herself in everyone who knew and loved her.

Lue was born in Taber, on August 21, 1961 and Taber remained her home throughout her entire life. She was a hardworking woman who knew the value of an honest day's work. Over the years, she worked as a parts runner, school janitor, sugar factory labourer, farm hand and in many other jobs along the way. Whatever she put her hands to, she did with determination and perseverance. She knew how to work hard, and she knew how to keep going, even when life wasn't easy.

But there was another side to Lue that those closest to her knew well, a creative and deeply thoughtful woman who could see beauty where others might not. In 2011, Lue found her love of art. What began as an interest grew into something truly special. She explored different mediums, colours, textures and canvases, creating beautiful painted works that were uniquely her own. Art gave Lue a way to express the way she saw the world. She had a gift for finding beauty in unexpected places. Where someone else might see something ordinary, forgotten, or even nothing at all, Lue could see possibility. She could take something simple and turn it into something beautiful. That gift was not only present in her artwork, it was a reflection of the way she lived her life.

Above all, Lue was a mother and nanny. She leaves behind her beloved daughter Nicole (Brandon) Armstrong of Lethbridge and granddaughter Sage. They were a treasured part of her life, and the love she had for them will continue to live on through the memories they shared.

Lue was predeceased by her parents Trudy and Emil Mikalson; partner John Jesperson Sr. and her uncle Albert Enns.

Although Lue's life was not without hardship, she continued to find reasons to create, to carry on, and to see beauty in the world around her. Her strength, perseverance, creativity, and unique way of seeing things will not be forgotten.

Her hands may no longer hold a paintbrush, but the colours she brought into the world remain. Lue’s artwork will live on as a reminder of the woman who created it, and her memory will live on most of all in the hearts of her daughter, granddaughter, family and friends. Lue's story may have come to an end, but the beauty she found and shared with the world will remain.

Rest peacefully, Lue. Your canvas is complete, but your colours will never fade.

The Funeral Service was held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. Burial followed at Taber Memorial Garden.