Alexa Winnifred CHURCH
Alexa Winnifred CHURCH
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Alexa CHURCH Obituary
CHURCH, Alexa Winnifred
June 27, 1908 – Airdrie, AB
December 29, 2014 – Balzac, AB
Alexa Church passed away on Monday, December 29, 2014 at her home on the farm at Balzac, AB at the age of 106 years. Alexa was born on her parents' (Alexander and Gertrude Black) homestead in Yankee Valley east of Airdrie. She is survived by her five children, Robert and his wife Gina of Calgary, Gordon and his wife Rosemary of Balzac, Beverley and her husband Dale Wilson of Drumheller, Stanley and his wife Susan of Bearspaw and Mabel and her husband Gavin Hamilton of Innisfail; eleven grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren. Alexa was predeceased by her husband Bertram Cecil Church in 1984 and her sister Bernice Shuttleworth in 1997. Alexa graduated from Normal School to become a school teacher and started teaching school in 1927 at Columbia School, East of Airdrie and subsequently for five years at Didsbury. Education always played an important part of her life. She demanded that her children apply themselves and "do their best" at whatever endeavour that they took on. She was proud that her children and grandchildren graduated from not only Universities of Calgary and Alberta, but also Holy Cross School of Nursing, University of Edinburgh, University of California at Berkeley, Stanford University, University of Wisconsin, Colorado State University, Harvard, Queen's University, London School of Economics and University of Lethbridge. Alexa lived on the family farm at Balzac from the time of her marriage to Bert in 1934 until her death 80 years later. During this time she had an enduring presence in the local community and church. For all those years her home was a stopping off place for so many – a welcome place to visit. Funeral Services will be held at St. David's United Church (3303 Capitol Hill Crescent N.W.) today, January 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor's choice. In living memory of Alexa Church, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
49 Entries
April 16, 2015
Dear Church family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Alexa and her life well-lived.
For some reason I was just thinking about your Mom/Grandmother/Great Grandmother. She was a wonderful woman who I remember fondly. My parents had a picture framing shop and she regularly came in with her granddaughter even just for a friendly visit. She was such a kind and generous person, and gave us one of her beautiful tattings as a gift when Peter and I got married. It still proudly takes center stage in our dining room so she is often in my mind. I hadn't seen her for many years as we closed the shop 10 years ago but she was still going strong in her 90's! I am sure you will find comfort in your grief with all of your fond memories of Alexa. She was a very fine woman and has left a great legacy in her family.
Beverley McNeely
February 2, 2015
Sincere condolences to the Church family on the passing of your mother. We cherish our memories of dear Great Aunt Alexa. With Sympathy, Beverley and Brian McNeely and Families
Pat Hodge
January 16, 2015
Dear Church family members, your mother was a precious friend to my mother (Lynn Jackson), and your father a precious friend to my father (Emory Jackson). Your parents were very important to my family for the 13 years they lived across the road from each other. They have left a rich and far-reaching legacy to our community, which was fortunate to have them contributing over many years. My sincere condolences to you all, but please celebrate your mother's long and fruitful life and your good fortune in having her in your lives for so long.
Pat Hodge (formerly Jackson)
Judy Fenton
January 16, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the Church family on the passing of your mother. What an inspiration and to be able to remain in her home until the end was always her desire. She certainly was a lady who knew how to give guidance in a respectful manner. When she spoke we all listened--an inspiration to many! How fortunate you were to have her in your lives for so many years. Cherish the memories. Henry and Judy Fenton
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January 8, 2015
Deepest condolences to the Church Family,your mother was a remarkable lady and a life well lived.
Hilda Fletcher and family
January 7, 2015
To the Church families. May you find peace in the memories 106 years has created.
Sincerely
Kay, Walter, Marion, Roy & Allan Wearmouth
Anne & Bruce Brander
Janice Culp
January 6, 2015
Stan & Susan, Mabel and families,
This week, as the memories of the past years with your mom are in your thoughts and our communities mark the passing of another one of our pioneers, we pause to recall their spirit, guidance & support of the generations of the future. She was such a strength in the community, her church and your family, she will be remembered with love.
Celebrate her life and know that our thoughts and sympathy are with you all at this time.
Kind regards,
Glen & Janice Culp
Irricana
Debbie & Gary Malyk
January 5, 2015
Our most sincere condolences to the Church families on the passing of your mother. Your successes in life reflect back to her.
Jim Cattoni
January 5, 2015
My most sincere condolences to Bob Church, his siblings and families. Your mother was an unbelievable amazing human being.
Patrick Church
January 5, 2015
Bev, Mabel, Bob, Stan, and Gord - so sad to hear about your mom's passing. She was such a wonderful lady and I enjoyed and will treasure the times that we were able to get together. I am sorry that I could not make it out to the funeral, but you are in my thoughts.
Deb Russell
January 4, 2015
What a long life well lived. Who could ask for more?
Marie Browarny
January 3, 2015
We wish to extend our sympathy to all the CHURCH FAMILY.
Marie, Shannon & Allan Browarny
January 3, 2015
Our sympathy to the Church family.
Don & Alice Premak
JoAnn Jones
January 2, 2015
To all the Church families I send my condolences on the passing of Alexa. A huge presence in the Balzac community is now history.
sincerely
JoAnn Jones
Florence and Carol Campbell
January 2, 2015
To: Robert, Gordon, Beverley, Stan, Mabel. A Calgary friend forwarded your Mother's obituary. It is always sad when a Matriarch passes away but what a rich, meaningful life your Mother led. In addition to sadness, we feel a sense of privilege that we had the opportunity to know her so well while growing up. She was a pioneer in Alberta education and a true leader in the Balzac community: from myriad church activities (from music to organizing CGIT for young girls), the Ladies' Aid, preparing treats for community hall events, entertaining our family in your home, to inspiring us all to do our very best. Of course, there was also the time that your parents advised our parents that we were all smoking in Grade 8. We remember with gratitude that she was the one who called the ambulance when Dad had his heart attack so many years ago at your place. What wonderful family relationships we were privileged to share while growing up in a caring community. Our sincere condolences.
Irene Beddoes and family
January 2, 2015
We are deeply saddenedby the news of your Mother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families!
Roger Davis
January 2, 2015
Our condolences to all the family. An amazing woman and role model who had a positive influence on many people. Great genetics as well!
Alf Gould
January 2, 2015
I would like to offer my condolences in the loss of your family Matriarch.
Mrs. Church was a positive influence in the lives of her Grandchildren and all of those who came in contact with her.
I used to look forward each year in seeing her at the Graduation Ceremony at Bert Church High School.
She contributed greatly to her family,community and Province. She indeed was a true Albertan.
Alf Gould
Howard & Kathleen Verbeurgt
January 2, 2015
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Gary and Janet Brown
January 2, 2015
What a remarkable life...an inspiration to all. May you find the peace that passes understanding in the celebration of her life. With sympathy to all the extended Church family. Gary and Janet Brown (Stavely, AB)
Gladys Jones
January 1, 2015
Our condolences to the Alexa Church family from the Gladys Jones family. The Church and Jones families have had a long time friendship, and Alexa will always be part of Balzac's history.
Donald & Dawn Atkinson
January 1, 2015
To Mabel, Gavin and family: Please accept our condolences on the passing of your beloved Mother. Although we did not know your Mother, we can only know that she was a wonderful person, a devoted Mom, held in very high esteem. She has certainly earned her rest. Please know we think of you at this time. Donald & Dawn Atkinson
December 31, 2014
I MET MRS CHURCH ONCE SEVERAL YEARS AGO WITH BOB. SHE WAS A CHARMING LADY AND I WAS IMPRESSED HOW SHE HANDLED HER WILD SON BOB.ATRUE ALBERTAN AND LIVED A LONG AND FRUITFUL LIFE. BILL COCHRANE
December 31, 2014
Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She had a good life.
Susan (Burzloff) Laurendeau
Margaret Kinniburgh
December 31, 2014
Our sincere sympathies to the Church family on the loss of a wonder lady, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to so many. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Margaret Kinniburgh and family.
joyce anderson
December 31, 2014
I briefly assisted Mrs Church when I worked home care. Her strength and pioneer spirit were undaunted in her 90's. Condolences to all
Lois Gatcha
December 31, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with all the Church families. I was fortunate to meet Alexa at the hairdressers - I looked forward to seeing her. She was the most amazing woman I have ever met. Rest in Peace Alexa, you will be missed by many.
Rod and Shelley Bradshaw
December 31, 2014
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.
Muriel (Keith) McKinnon
December 31, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the Church family in the passing of your mother and grandmother. A strong and vibrant lady, her exceptionally long life enabled her to experience much...from horse and buggy days to a hot air balloon ride. You will cherish your memories.
Rob & Brenda Rennie
December 31, 2014
Bob, our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother.
Jim Bowhay
December 31, 2014
To the Church Family
Your Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and everyone's friend was a lady of great "Strength-Dedication and Vision" You must admit your Mom was a truly mother that lead the family, instilled passion and leadership into her children and extended family, and she lead by example! An Inspiration to all that knew her.
Alexa is in a better place an is smiling as she watches down over all of you as you pick up the torch and make her proud.
Please accept Condolences from the Bowhay family's
Jim & Nola
Jack and Heather Sinclair
December 30, 2014
Although we did not personally know Mrs. Church we felt we did through the many stories told to us by Mabel. She was a well loved mother and grandmother. Our sincerest sympathy to all.
December 30, 2014
Our sincerest condolences to all of the Church families. Mrs. Church was so treasured in the Balzac community and will be sorely missed.
Sincerely Danny & Janice Dunn
Kathy, Kial, Kori, George Church
December 30, 2014
How wonderful it was to be a part of "Aunt Alexa's" family. She was a very special person and a lucky women to have lived 106 years on this earth. But in reality, we were the luckiest of all, to have had her in our lives.
Keith & Bev Jones
December 30, 2014
Bob, Stan, Gord, Mabel and families, your Mom and Bert left a wonderful legacy in all you do, and all you contribute to our community and our province. Our thoughts are with you on her passing.
Janice Papp
December 30, 2014
Stan: My deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother.
Marci McPeak
December 30, 2014
Our thoughts are with you all during this very sad time. May your many memories help to make each passing day more bearable. Ted, Marci, Marina and Cameron McPeak.
Carol and Bud Sage
December 30, 2014
Alexa Church was a powerhouse of strength and dedication - to her family, to her friends, to her church, to her community and to her home. Her family is truly blessed to have such a unique and amazing woman touch their lives. Several years ago, on a warm Christmas Day, we had the pleasure of visiting with Mrs. Church in her home. Not only was she a gracious host, but we reveled in her stories of her experiences in life. The pictures on her walls were a testament for her love of her family. She made a day of celebration, even more special for us, which we shall never forget. She has a life to be celebrated. Our sincere condolences to her family. May you rest in peace, Mrs. Church.
December 30, 2014
Condolences to all of Alexa's family. She was a wonderful lovely lady. Such a fabulous long life she had and I was so honored to be a part of it. We laughed alot. You will be in my thoughts always. With Love Deanna Wise
Wayne&Donna Sibbald
December 30, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to all of Mrs Church famlies.She was agreat lady
Ab and Michele Brewster
December 30, 2014
Condolences to the Church family for the loss of a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. May God be with you all at this sad time.
December 30, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Cathie James and family
December 30, 2014
To the Church Family, our deepest sympathies. Mrs. Church had an incredible life and had huge impact on the community. We will always remember her flowers for the BCHS graduates.
Rick & Lynn Preston. Airdrie AB.
December 30, 2014
Stan
Sorry to hear of your Mother's passing, what a heritage she has left. You will have many good memories to keep her with you always.
Regg and Barb Poffenroth
Mike & Darlene Strachey
December 30, 2014
Our sincerest sympathy to all the Church families on the loss of your very special Mom, Granma, and Great Granma. Our thoughts will be with you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Mike & Darlene Strachey
Catherine Pace
December 30, 2014
Alexa was and still is a wonderful woman who touched my heart in so many ways and brought light and inspiration to those around her. God Bless you all as you mourn a great lady. May your hearts be filled with the wonderful memories you have and may your tears fall gently on your face. With love Rev. Catherine Pace
December 30, 2014
Our thoughts are with you during these tough days Jim and Shirley Dunn and family
Bill Morison
December 30, 2014
Deepest sympathy to the Church families
A life well lived
December 30, 2014
Our hearts and prayers to all of the Church families.
Dave and Joy Kernaghan
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5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5
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