Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother, Alice Kalika (Gore) (nee Krawdchuk) on Friday, November 26, 2021 at the age of 92.

Alice was born in Brokenhead, Manitoba on May 21, 1929 and was the second oldest of 5 children.  She is predeceased by her first husband of 51 years, Norman Kalika (1999), her second husband of 19 years, Steve Gore (2020), her daughter Janice Daniels (2014),  son-in-law Barry Kivinen (1995) and Great great grandson Phoenix Staudt.  She is survived by her son Russell and daughters Theresa and Dale (Chuck), son-in-law Terrance Daniels, 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, 2 sisters Shirley Culbreth and Doreen Zachar and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In 1946 – 47, Mom was a teacher for grades 1 to 12 in a one-room school in Ladywood, Manitoba.  Mom met Dad in Ladywood where he worked at the post office after returning home from WWII.  They  married in January 1948 and lived in Medika and then Beausejour, Manitoba.

Mom moved from Beausejour to Thompson in January 1960.  Dad had already been working in Thompson for about a year when Mom packed up their belongings and 4 kids, drove to The Pas, got on the train and 3 days later arrived at the Thompson train station where it was -35F.  She thought about turning around and going back but stayed and enjoyed many years in the new, young town.

Through the years in Thompson, Mom and Dad raised their 4 children enjoying fishing, skating, hockey and curling.  Mom worked for INCO in the Personnel Department for Northern Affairs and at Byron’s Real Estate.

Mom loved to cook and more so when she got to share that delicious food with friends, family and sometimes strangers.  We had many Christmas, Easter or  Sunday dinners with some lost soul that one of the kids or Dad brought home.  Some of mom’s favorites were pyrogies, fresh bread, Prune Busters and donuts, cabbage rolls, Galiano ribs and the list goes on.  Of course we can’t forget her Christmas cake loaded with rum.  Often, while cooking, Mom would sing and whistle.  One of her favorite tunes was “My Happiness” by Connie Francis.  She also enjoyed listening to Billy Vaugnn Orchestra and would hum along.

Mom loved to dance.  When Mom and Dad were out, people would stop and watch them dancing.  Mom also knew how to do the Maritime Jig and the Kalamyka.  (You know the one where you bend at the knees and kick your leg out all to a very quick beat.)  In the early years, many house parties were held on Walnut Ave. at our home or the Price’s home and later on, on Westwood Drive, at our home or Price’s, Duncan’s or the Summers’s.

Mom loved to travel and it was nothing for her to call up one of her old friends and say “Pack a bag.  We are going to  Spain or Australia or somewhere.”  When Mom and Dad were in Indonesia and they had to leave the country every 6 months, they would travel to places that were only dreamed of.  They would meet others from around the world, become friends and meet up in another year or so to renew that friendship.

Upon returning to Thompson from Indonesia, Mom and Dad lived on Riverside Drive until they retired.  Many summers they would have some of their grandchildren there and Grandma would say to them “Kids, you know what?”  The kids would reply, “What Grandma?”  And she would say, “I’m sooooooo happy!!!”.  They would all laugh and give hugs.

In 1989, Mom and Dad moved to Kimberley, BC, where they enjoyed being part of the community and were actively involved with the Masons, Shriners and Eastern Star.  Mom was also an active member in the Catholic Women’s League.

Mom became a resident at Kimberley  Special Care Home, The Pines, in 2018 after falling and breaking her hip.  The family would like to thank all the wonderful people in KSCH for the exceptional care and kindness Mom received while in their care.  Also a warm and special thank you to Mom’s good friend, Erika Lehr.  You went above and beyond, visiting Mom regularly and for that you have our deepest gratitude.

There will be no funeral service at this time but a memorial and graveside interment is being planned for the spring when the family will place Mom’s ashes in with our Dad.

“Peace and Love”