CARLYLE - After a long and rewarding career, Anita Kehler has decided to retire as a public health nurse, and Monday was her last day on the job.
Anita and her husband Eldon moved to Carlyle in 1993. Her hometown was Lanigan and she and Eldon met at the University of Saskatchewan.
Eldon has been employed at the Moose Mountain Lodge for many years and is also the maintenance man at the Carlyle Lions Club Pride Estates. Their two children live in Calgary. Daughter Breanna, 24, completed her studies two years ago at the University of Calgary and is now employed as a registered social worker. Andrew, 22, is attending Bow Valley College and is interested in justice and law enforcement.
After 28 1/2 years as a public health nurse, the decision to call it a career was made. In 2019, they purchased a home in Calgary and just recently sold their Carlyle residence on Third Street West. They plan on moving to Calgary later this spring.
Said Kehler: “Eldon and I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Carlyle all these years and raising our children. It is a friendly, progressive community with a lot of amenities to offer. Our family loves wide open spaces and having Kenosee Lake and Moose Mountain Provincial Park 15 minutes away has provided us with many memorable outdoor experiences.”
Kehler has been employed by the Provincial Government since September 1993 and has a lot of fond memories.
“My co-workers and the local residents of Carlyle and surrounding area have been great to work with over the years. This two year pandemic has been tough on everyone but we have persevered.”
With their children living in Calgary, combined with Anita also having her mother, two brothers, and nieces and nephews residing there, a retirement move to Alberta has been in the works for some time. Anita and Eldon are still relatively young and both will be looking for part-time opportunities.
While she is a registered nurse, Kehler’s specialty is breastfeeding and is an international board certified lactation consultant.
Living and working in Carlyle has been a great experience for the Kehler family and Anita wishes to thank all of those who they have met and made long lasting friendships over the years. “Eldon and I welcome anyone visiting Calgary to give us a call and arrange a visit. Everyone is welcome.”
Richelle McAuley, a co-worker and one of Anita’s best friends, made a beautiful tribute.
“Anita and I have worked at Carlyle Public Health for over 24 years. She has been so easy to work with, we have gotten along well the entire time. She is a kind, genuine person, nurse, co-worker and friend. She always has a smile, is very calm, organized, approachable and caring.
“She has a gift for working with new moms, and has a passion for helping them with breastfeeding. She has been an amazing role model to me, and her shoes feel very big to fill. We have worked through two pandemics, so have had our share of stress and tears, but also lots of memories and laughs. I wouldn’t be the nurse I am today without having the experience of working with her. She will be missed in our workplace and in the communities she has served for over 28 years.”
