Melba Florence Copithorne

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Melba Copithorne on August 10, 2024, at the age of 93. Melba was born on June 25, 1931, on the farm north of Cut Knife, SK. After high school, she headed west to Calgary to work as a nanny for her older sister Faith. Melba loved the prairie landscapes of Saskatchewan but was enamored with the foothills and the Rocky Mountains.

While working at the Midway Store in Bowness, she met Earl Estby, and they were married in 1951. Together, they had three daughters and a son: Shannon, Cherryl, Karon, and Forrest. In 1975, she remarried Jim Copithorne, and they spent 47 wonderful years together on the ranch in Jumping Pound, west of Calgary.

For over 20 years, Melba shared duties with Jim, driving a school bus in Rocky View County and safely transporting local kids to and from the schools in Springbank. She enjoyed watching the children in the community grow up and seeing them daily on the bus.

'Nonnie Cow,' as she was affectionately nicknamed by her grandkids, loved spending time on the ranch, moving cows on horseback or a quad, fishing with friends, and most of all, curling with her girlfriends. She loved traveling with her daughters to horse shows around Alberta and the US, the cabin in Sicamous, BC, and fun-filled trips to Mexico.

As a dedicated community member, Melba volunteered with the Cochrane Lioness Club for over 45 years and the Calgary Stampede Band Committee for 20 years. She loved her garden and was famous for her baked buns, especially the cinnamon ones.

Melba is survived by her daughters, Cherryl Menegoz and Karon Baldick (Steve); son, Forrest Estby, son-in-law Wayne Burwash; granddaughters, Holly, Amy and Hanna; grandsons, Mason, Jarvis, Yull, Justin, Ty, Adam and Jagger; great-grandchildren, Saige, Cale, Carson, Maysa, Triston, Lucas, Ryder, Madison, James, Sienna, Cooper, Mylah; stepsons Darryl (Lauri) and Dale, granddaughters, Kari and Megan and their families. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly Dean (Doug) and numerous nephews and nieces and their families. Melba was predeceased by her husband, Jim; daughter, Shannon Burwash; and grandson, James Menegoz. 

A celebration of life will be held with friends and family later in September. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation (101 Ranche House Rd, Cochrane, AB T4C 2K8).