BUZZARD, Faye (Ockey)
BUZZARD,Faye (Ockey)
FAYE BUZZARD (OCKEY) passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Airdrie at the age of ninety-four.
Faye was born on April 19, 1932, in Stavely, Alberta, to Herman Russell Ockey and Thelma Wynder Ockey. She was one of thirteen children and grew up in Rosemary, Alberta where she attended a one-room schoolhouse. As a young woman, she later moved to Brooks, where she worked as a telephone operator. It was there that she met Reginald Bunney.
Faye married Reg and together they had three sons: Michael, Clayton, and Richard. Later in life, she married Ralph Buzzard, and together they welcomed their daughter, Shauna.
Over the years, Faye’s life was full and rich with hard work, love, and adventure. After her time in Brooks, she, Ralph, and their family moved to Sardis, B.C., where Faye worked in the canneries, before later settling in Redland, Alberta. There she and Ralph raised calves, chickens, and horses. In the 1980s, both worked for the County of Wheatland—Ralph as a truck driver and Faye as a camp cook.
Faye was a deeply resolute partner, proudly supporting Ralph in his chuckwagon and horse racing pursuits, always traveling with him, and taking part in parades with their team of horses. She lived an active life and found joy in many simple pleasures—playing softball as a young woman, and over the years she loved gardening, and especially making music. She loved to play the guitar and piano, sing, and dance, and she delighted in sharing the fruits of her garden with family and friends.
When the day’s work was done, Faye cherished quieter moments as well. She loved playing games, doing crosswords and puzzles, crocheting, and reading; these simple joys brought her peace and contentment.
Her faith was a guiding presence throughout her life. Faye believed Sundays were a true day of rest—a time set aside for reflection, family, and worship, never for extra work. She often filled her home with music, playing beloved church hymns on the organ in her living room. She had a natural ear for music, and those melodies became a lasting part of the warmth and comfort she created for those around her.
Known for her warm smile and mischievous twinkle, Faye had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh and bring joy to those around her. Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by her family, whom she cherished deeply.
Faye was predeceased by her parents, Herman and Thelma; her beloved husband, Ralph; her grandson, Colin Brandt; and eight siblings: Reeva (Ron) Wilde, twins Thelma and Thelda Ockey, Ileen (Norman) Parker, Larene (Boyd) Gedlemen, Verene (Delmar) Sillito, Rex Ockey, and Sandra (Don) Sillito.
She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her children: Michael (Karen) Bunney, Clayton (Karen) Bunney, Richard Bunney, and Shauna Brandt; as well as her eight grandchildren: Steven (Samantha) Bunney, Courtney (Darcy) Douglas, Jesse Bunney, Jordan (PJ) Pescod, Jaydon Bunney, Curtis Bunney, Connor (Hailey) Bunney and Jason Brandt along with nine great-grandchildren.
Faye is also survived by her siblings: Dale (Lynn) Ockey, Daron (Pat) Ockey, Myrna (Glen) Dunphy, and Kaaren (Ron) Murphy.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff of Airdrie Care Community for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Faye throughout her years there. We are especially grateful for the friendships she formed and the loving support she received, which enriched her life and brought comfort to our family.
A celebration of life and funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 60 Maplewood Drive, Strathmore, AB, at 1:00pm on July 3rd. Family and friends are warmly welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Faye’s memory may consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories or a charity of your choice.