Lyla Doris Sleno

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Lyla D Sleno (ne McIntosh) at the age of 99 years and 4 months. Lyla passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, December 14th 2025 in the Drayton Valley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 14th, 1926 in High River Alberta to George and Margaret McIntosh, Lyla lived a full and joyful life spanning nearly a century.

A long term resident of Drayton Valley, she came from Turner Valley in July of 1956 with her husband Wilf and their 4 children. (Their fifth child Roger was born three years later in Drayton Valley.) Moving from a large house in Turner Valley to a small trailer in Dodson’s Trailer park (with no running water or indoor plumbing) was certainly an adventure but I think one that Lyla thoroughly enjoyed. I believe that at the time of her passing Lyla was the longest living continuous resident of Drayton Valley and likely the oldest resident still living in her own house and on her own terms.

In 1944 during the height of World War II she married her handsome serviceman, Wilfrid E Sleno in a simple ceremony in Black Diamond Alberta. Wilf was stationed in Gander Newfoundland at that time and Lyla travelled alone by train to work in a war munitions factory in Ajax Ontario, to be closer to her husband and help in the war effort. She was likely only 17 at that time. Their enduring love lasted over 63 years until his passing in 2007. Since then Lyla became proficient in using a computer and was always sending email or looking up recipes on-line, cooking, reading book after book, or travelling and enjoying her many friends and loved ones. She was an amazing cook, and made the best rice pudding, yummy potato salad, and delicious cabbage rolls. Lyla loved being a wife and mother and adored newborn babies. Her many grandchildren could never leave without getting a warm hug from their gramma. Up until three years ago you would have seen Lyla driving around Drayton in her small bright yellow car named Tweety Bird.

Lyla was definitely the matriarch of the Sleno family and was loved, cherished and respected by all who knew her. She never judged anyone and made everyone know they were special to her. She is survived by her five children: Richard, David, Danny, Janet and Roger and their spouses: Terry, Debbie, Cora, Lee and Coreen: thirteen grandchildren: Trevor, Jeff and Darrell / Chris, Dana and Tienne / Matt and Craig / Shawn, and Angella / Brent, Lyla and Jennifer) and 29 great grandchildren.

Internment will take place at the Easyford Cemetery, 8417 RR 84A, Brazeau County, Saturday, December 20th at 1:00 PM. Later, next year, August 14th, 2026 a Celebration of Life is planned for what would have been Lyla’s 100th birthday.

At this time the family wishes to thank Dr Gossman, (Lylas’ Doctor and friend) along with Rizza, Preet, Shaunna, Jessica and Kendra for their kindness and care while Lyla was in the Drayton Valley Hospital.

Donations in Lyla's memory can be made to the Drayton Valley Health Foundation, (Greatest Need) 4550 Madsen Ave. Drayton Valley, AB. T7A 1N8

Arrangements in care of Colleen Sekura, Drayton Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services, 5029-48 Street, Drayton Valley, AB. T7A 1E1 Condolences may be sent to www.draytonmemorial.ca