Obituary – Loretta Mae Hewko

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Loretta Mae Hewko (née Savill), a longtime resident of High Prairie, AB. Loretta passed away on Feb. 24, 2026, at the age of 88 years.

Loretta was born on April 1, 1937, at the High Prairie Hospital to Mary and Sidney Savill. She was the only girl among five children and was often lovingly described by her mother as being spoiled by her brothers. Loretta, however, would say that anything her brothers could do, she could do better and most of the time, she proved it.

At the age of eight, Loretta was sent to Friedenstal Boarding School just outside of Fairview, AB, which was run by Catholic priests. She often said she didn’t enjoy her time there and ran away a few times, but, she eventually adjusted. This was the Elvis era, and Loretta adored Elvis Presley and Elizabeth Taylor, keeping scrapbooks and records, carefully hidden from her father, who was not a fan of Elvis.

After finishing school, Loretta went to work as a telephone operator in High Prairie, where she enjoyed her job and made lifelong friends. In 1956, she met her future husband, Donald Hewko, who was working on a drilling rig outside of High Prairie. Her brother Jim, who was friends with Don, introduced them. The rig happened to be located on land that Loretta and Don would later homestead.

Loretta and Don were married on Feb. 15, 1957, beginning the life of a rig family. They started their family, welcomed two daughters, Laurie then Mickey. They moved away from Loretta’s parents, Loretta often said it was a hard life, but she made friends wherever she went, which helped. She deeply missed her mom and dad during those years.

Eventually, they returned to High Prairie, where Loretta and Don were expecting twins. Their twin boys Donald and Doug were born on Dec. 2, 1961. With Don frequently away working to support the family, Loretta relied on the help of her family whenever possible. Their fifth child Holly was born in the spring of 1965, completing their family. Loretta raised their five children largely on her own, and Don often spoke of how proud he was of her for doing so.

Don later accepted a job in Oran, Algeria, and Loretta packed up the children and embarked on one of the greatest adventures of their lives. It was unlike any move they had ever experienced and created memories that Loretta and the children cherished for years to come. After nearly a year overseas, the family returned to Canada. Loretta made many close friends during that time and stayed in contact with them for many years.

Back in High Prairie, they rented a home in town but soon realized they longed for farm life. They purchased a homestead in the Gillwood area southwest of High Prairie, cleared the land, and built their dream home. Loretta stayed busy working various jobs in town, including several years at the Vanderagens store and later at the House of Fashions, a job she especially loved, as she enjoyed dressing up and always looked beautiful.

Loretta also cooked at the High Prairie daycare for several years, where she thoroughly enjoyed all of the children. She also volunteered at the hospital in High Prairie in the maternity ward which she loved, also making receiving blankets to donate to the maternity ward. Loretta also served as a Cubs leader for her boys.

Loretta and Don lived on their homestead for many years, creating a place they were deeply proud of. Loretta was especially passionate about her flowers and gardens, tending to them with great care and pride. Her flower beds were always full, colourful, and meticulously maintained, and her gardens were something she truly cherished. The lawns were immaculate, the gardens were phenomenal, and their home reflected the hard work and dedication they put into it together.

Loretta especially loved when her children came to visit with their families. She delighted in spoiling her grandchildren and, later, her great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Loretta remained on the homestead until the fall of 2020, when she moved to J.B. Wood in High Prairie. During her time there, Loretta gained a beloved companion, Ruby, who brought her comfort, joy, and companionship. Ruby was truly one of the best things to ever come into her life.

Loretta will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was predeceased by: her husband, Donald Hewko; her son, Donald Darcy Hewko; her parents Mary and Sidney Savill; her brothers Sidney, Arnold, Ronald, and Jim; sisters-in-law Marie, Elva, and Yvonne; and her grandson, Brett.

Loretta is survived by: her children Laurie (Dale), Mickey (Kevin), Doug (Kathy), and Holly; her 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; as well as a dear family friend Allan, and, of course, her cherished Ruby.

At the wishes of our parent there will be no funeral.