Erna Mildred Holliday (née Mills)
April 29, 1934 – March 8, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived that we announce the passing of Erna Holliday on March 8, 2026. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin and steadfast friend, she was the heartbeat of our family and a light to all who knew her.
Erna was born in Edmonton on April 29, 1934. She graduated from the Royal Alexandra School of Nursing in 1956 and soon after moved to Elk Point for her first nursing job. It was there that she met her future husband, Tom Holliday, and became part of the Holliday family and the Elk Point community she would call home for nearly 70 years.
Family was always at the heart of everything Erna did. She was married to the love of her life, Tom for 62 years until his passing in 2019. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter, where everyone was always welcome. Friends and family were welcomed into their home and their cabin at Muriel Lake for whatever time they needed, whether it was a few hours or a few months.
They raised their three children — Roberta, Tim, and Audrey — in Elk Point. They taught them the values of kindness, resilience, hard work, loyalty, and integrity by example every day. Erna raised their children with firmness and immeasurable love. Erna had a very special relationship with each of her grandchildren and shared her time and love with them generously. She could often be found at various arenas, cheering them on in hockey and ringette. She shared her special recipes with them in her warm kitchen. She made hundreds of meals for them at her home and at the cabin. Later in life, Erna experienced the special love of great-grandchildren, who called her GG.
She was always proud of the Royal Alexandra Hospital and of the nursing profession she was part of for so many years. Over the years she worked as a registered nurse at Elk Point Municipal Hospital and St. Therese Hospital, caring for and supporting many people in the community. Even years later, and right up until the time of her passing, former patients would share with her their memories of the kindness and care she had shown them and their family members.
Later, Erna worked in the office of Dr. Charles Anderson and in the dental offices of Dr. D. Lawton, Dr. L. Mandin, and Dr. G. Pinsonneault. She also spent time working as a constituency assistant for Member of Parliament Deborah Grey.
Erna loved visiting with friends and family and was always happy to travel whenever the opportunity came along. She was a world-class listener with a quick wit and a generous spirit. Whether you were a family member or a friend, you could or call or visit any time of the day or night for support.
She was very involved in her community and took part in many community activities over the years, including A.G. Ross Arena, the Elk Point Ski Hill, and the Elk Point Hospital Palliative Care Society. She was always active in political affairs at the local, provincial, and federal levels. Whether through her involvement in her workplaces and her community or her simple daily acts of grace, she made her community a warmer, kinder place.
Erna had a marvelous sense of humour and will be remembered for her beautiful smile and those sparkling dark brown eyes. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren and loved talking about them. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her family and friends.
Erna will be lovingly remembered by her children Roberta (Glen Stasyk), Tim (Cheryl Brown) and Audrey (Nelson Ostrup); her grandchildren Kendra (Tom), Josh (Shannon), Tyler, Kylie (Kyle), Jillian (Mike), Jillian (AKA Jay), Caitlin, Teague, Tarek, and Emma; honorary granddaughter Brooklyn; and her great-grandchildren Nevaeh, Maddix, Logan, Parker, Ruby, Maggie, Milo, Sully, and Henry. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Audrey and Ed Mantik; sisters-in-law Donna (Larry) Babcock and Florence Mills; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She will be greatly missed by her faithful canine companion, Bailey.
Cremation has taken place and a private inurnment will take place at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined.
Instead, in Erna’s memory, the family invites you to share a cup of coffee or lunch with friends or family, tell a few stories, and share memories of times filled with love and laughter as you remember her.
If you wish, donations to an organization she supported would be appreciated. Examples are STARS Foundation or the Elk Point Palliative Care Society.
My first job in Elk Point. Erna was the one that hired me in 1969. Always someone I admired greatly. May she now rest in peace and join her loving Husband Tom. I feel so privileged to have known her. Condolences to all the family.
I was personal friends with Erna for only a few short years and I loved her for who she was. She was fun, compassionate, smart, honest, understanding and witty, with a mischievous sense of humour. My condolences to her friends. As well, my deepest condolences to her entire family – you were most fortunate to have had a matriarch who taught you so much and set such a fine example. I hope one of you continues with Erna’s May 1st. “Hooray, hooray it’s the first of May, outdoor screwing begins today”. Rest in peace dear Erna, you are missed and you will always be fondly remembered.
Erna was truly one of a kind — a real spitfire with a strong voice, a sharp wit, and a heart that cared deeply about her community.
Erna was a mentor to me in so many ways. She never hesitated to speak her mind, stand up for what she believed in, or encourage others to step forward and lead. Her strength, determination, and passion were inspiring, and she helped shape the confidence of many people around her — including me.
Beyond that fiery spirit was an incredibly kind and generous woman who gave her time, energy, and support so freely. She made a lasting impact on our community and on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
She will be deeply missed, but her influence and example will stay with us always.
My sincere condolences to her family and all who loved her.
On behalf of the 2nd Chance Trail Ride Society, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Erna.
Erna was a truly wonderful supporter of our trail ride and organization. Her kindness, gentle spirit, and genuine encouragement meant so much to everyone involved. She had a way of making people feel welcome, valued, and inspired, and her presence will be deeply missed by our entire trail ride family.
Her legacy of compassion and community spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Thinking of her loved ones during this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to the Holiday family. Erna will be greatly missed by all. She was truly a great lady.
I earned my first coin babysitting for Erna. At first I was a little intimidated and worried I’d do something wrong, because her instructions were precise and her face stern. I soon learned she had a good sense of humour and a strong sense of fairness. I can hear her good laugh right now. She will be missed.
She was awesome and a great volunteer at Fort George/Buckingham House. She helped set up the gift shop there if my memories are correct. Prayers for the family.