Melva Dianne (Brothers) Desjarlais

Melva Dianne Desjarlais (née Brothers) passed away on September 5, 2026 at the age of 77 in Claresholm with her son, grandsons and daughter-in-law by her side. Grateful for the time she was given to say goodbye Mel requested a celebration picnic this past June for loved ones to do the same.

Melva was born in Hanna, Alberta, to Harry and Norma Brothers (née Whaley), the eldest of their four children. Following their divorce, the family later grew to include five more brothers. Mel lived in many areas of Alberta moving to Claresholm in 2021 to be closer to her son and his family.

Family was at the centre of Mel’s life. She was a loving mother to three children and raised her oldest grandson from infancy, a role she embraced with all her heart. She organized family reunions and treasured old family photos, family history, and antique pieces passed down through generations.

Mel 's greatest loves were her grandsons. While everything they did was a source of pride, watching them play hockey over the years was especially fun for her. She enjoyed the big hits and brawls, joking that a game without them was “boring.”  An accomplished seamstress and crocheter, Melva had a natural talent for creating beautiful things. After raising her children, she enrolled in college and received a diploma in fashion design. Her creativity and attention to detail were evident in everything she made from wedding dresses to children’s clothing.

Melva leaves to cherish her memory; her daughter, Renita Mastel and her partner Max of Lacombe; her son, Neil Desjarlais and his wife Patti of Claresholm; and her beloved grandsons, Nicholas Mastel (Bri) and Grayden Desjarlais of Claresholm.

She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings and their spouses; Theresa Miller (Ken), Peter Brothers, Nancy Charlton (Darryl), Devno Brothers, Cody Brothers (Cindy), Chad Brothers (Julie), Rod Schmidt (Corrinne), and Steven Schmidt (Michelle). Grieving are her uncle Gary, step grandchildren Emily and Tristan, stepmother Fern Brothers, former stepdaughter Serena Pawluk, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and dear friends.

Melva was predeceased by her son, Lorne Desjarlais in 1996; father, Harry; mother, Norma Schmidt; stepfather, Allan Schmidt; Grandmother Christina Whaley; and her cherished friend, Michelle Fedyk.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Willow Creek Continuing Care for their care of Melva over the past month and compassion to her and the family. Thank you to Dr. Welke and the staff at the Claresholm General for their support over the last nine months.  At Melva’s request there will be no funeral. A simple graveside interment will be held in Brooks where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved son Lorne.

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