Luana Cordell Hiebert

Luana Cordell Northcut Hiebert was born June 5, 1960. The third of four children, born to Garnet & Martha Northcut (nee Harris) in Brandon, MB. Luana grew up water skiing at Metigoshe Lake, figure skating, and helping out at her parents’ motel.

As a young woman, Luana left the Prairies to backpack in Europe with close friend Sandy. On her return to Canada, Luana worked with troubled youth, introducing them to the wonders of the great outdoors.

She met her husband, Wayne Hiebert in 1980, embarking on a 40 year marriage together, having two children (Dane & Daryl Anne). She and Wayne built their cabin at Big Shell Lake where she shared her love of water with her children and countless others through swimming, canoeing, kayaking and beach days. Anyone who ever shared an afternoon with her on a pontoon boat knew her love of the sun. Mom’s laugh was one of the best sounds of summer.

Luana’s early working life spanned many roles, from preschool teacher to Wilderness First Aid instructor. She found her professional home at MD Ambulance as a 9-1-1 call-taker and dispatcher, a career she loved. In the course of her career, she helped innumerable people and helped deliver three babies. Luana’s dedication to emergency services also led to her becoming one of the first female volunteer firefighters in the province with the Langham Fire Department.

After retiring in 2014, Luana volunteered with the Saskatoon Open Door Society and spent many hours on the Meewasin Trail in Saskatoon. She loved to ride her bike from one end of the city to the other.

Luana loved to travel and enjoyed trips with daughter Daryl to Thailand, India, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. Luana visited son Dane in Pakistan and later Kenya, where she launched a trip through Africa with new friends. She witnessed incredible sights she would speak of for the rest of her life.

Her love for her family was strong; she adored being a grandma to Hutchinson and Rowan.

Following her diagnosis of lung cancer, shortly after hiking Machu Picchu, Luana found her house was extremely high in radon gas. She campaigned on behalf of Lung Sask to raise awareness of this lethal threat, and raised over $66,000. She helped countless people test their homes, saving others from the same fate.

In the final phase of her life, Luana continued to travel, introducing her partner, Jim, to many of her favourite places. Jim stayed by her side through the good days and the bad, and was a major source of strength, love and hope.

Left to mourn her memory are son Dane (Sarah), Daryl Anne (Sean), grandchildren Hutchinson & Rowan, brother Ford (Wendy), sister Annadee, partner Jim, and many friends and colleagues. The family sincerely thanks the Palliative Home Care Nurses for their support and professionalism, as well as the many dear friends who supported her throughout her illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lung Sask.

Please watch Luana's story here https://youtu.be/z_jImEmykzM

Cherished Memories is honoured to be entrusted with the care and arrangements for Luana.