Margaret "Gail" Gail Pedersen

Margaret ‘Gail’ Pedersen of Drumheller, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026 at the age of 83. Gail was surrounded with love from her partner Roger and her family and friends in her final days and weeks. Gail, the middle child of 3 siblings, was born in Wayne, AB on July 2, 1942 to Agnar ‘Helge’ and Margaret Jean Pedersen.

Gail was raised in Wayne, her youth spent enjoying times with her friends and siblings exploring the hills on many adventures, as well as attending Wayne school from Grades 1-8, where she excelled. She attended Grade 9 in Rosedale and Grades 10-12 in Drumheller.

Gail spent her Saturdays in her early teen years working at the Stedman’s store on Centre Street, keen from an early age to earn money to shop for dresses.

At the age of 18, Gail attended the University of Calgary for 1 year, and then started her lifelong occupation of teaching soon after, her first job being at Munson school. Gail continued her education, taking 1-2 University courses every summer to further herself in the field of Education.

On January 3, 1963 Gail and Randy Pliva were married, and resided in Drumheller. Her only child, their son Anthony (Tony) Pliva joined them in February 1971.

Gail continued with her passion of teaching, being at Midland School, Parkdale School, and Central School in the early days. She also spent time filling in at St Anthony’s School, and ultimately settled in teaching the challenging junior high grades at both Greentree School and then DVSS.

During the 1985-1986 school year she took a leave from teaching, and returned to the University of Calgary, taking one year on site with a full course load to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Education. Tony was in Grade 9 at the time, and stayed back in Drumheller with his dad and family. Prior to that, Gail and Tony were an inseparable duo unless she was working. As a young single mother, she not only taught school but also worked uptown Friday nights and Saturdays at Foulon’s Jewelry store. As Tony grew into his older teen years, Gail’s easy going nature and welcoming home was the gathering spot for him and his friends on countless occasions.

Gail made a special friend on 2 occasions in her later years, leaving a loving impression on their family and gaining bonus kids and grandkids along the way.

These cherished people she impacted over time also included her students. So many Drumheller residents speak fondly and lovingly of their favourite teacher: ‘Ms P’. Gail taught school for decades and this was very obviously her passion, and what she gave so noticeably to our community.

Two additions to Gail’s life that were her pride and joy are her Grandsons Dale and Shaun. They were the apples of her eye, she was very enamoured with them and was a proud grandma, and they readily reciprocated their love to their most generous and gregarious Grandma.

Gail is survived by her son Anthony ‘Tony’ and Kim Pliva, Grandsons Dale Pliva and Shaun Pliva. She is also survived by older Brother Brent and Bonnie Pedersen, younger sister Maureen Moore and numerous cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. Equally important, Gail is survived by her special partner and loving caregiver of 14 years Roger Wakaruk. Gail was predeceased by her parents, her niece Rhonda, her brother-in-law Ken, and her special friend Jimmy.

The family would like to sincerely thank everyone at the Red Deer Regional Hospital, the Drumheller Health Centre, and all of the dedicated and compassionate caregivers and staff in Continuing Care.

In lieu of flowers, Gail would wish you to make a donation to the Arthritis Society of Canada. Memorial Service to be held at the Badlands Community Facility at 2:00 on Weds, January 28.