Ann Kalef

KALEF _ Ann Ann Kalef, the original independent woman, died peacefully at home on October 19, 2007, exactly three weeks short of her 96th birthday and almost nine years after the death of Ralph, her dearest husband of sixty-six years. Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother Ann continued as the matriarch of a devoted and loving family: daughters Sandra Kalef, Calgary, and Marcia Kalef, Washington, D.C.; sons and daughters-in-law Robert and Sydney Kalef, Victoria, and Michael and Reva Kalef, Vancouver; granddaughters and grandsons-in-law Abbe and Simon Chivers, Vancouver, and Diana Kalef and Elliott Steinberg, Calgary; grandson and granddaughter-in-law Joseph Barak and Kathryn Palumbo, Vancouver; granddaughter and almost grandson-in-law, Nikka Kalef and David Alicandri, Hoboken, N.J.; granddaughter Mia Kalef, Vancouver; grandsons Justin Kalef, Nanaimo, and Joshua Kalef, Montreal; and her cherished great-grandchildren: Alan, Peter, and Steven Chivers, Vancouver, Jonah and Micah Steinberg, Calgary, and Luca and Zoe Barak, Vancouver. Ann is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Mona and Sandy Sandomirsky, Vancouver, brother-in-law David Moss, Vancouver; and several generations of nieces and nephews. Ann Kalef was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she married Ralph and where their first three children were born. The family moved to Calgary in 1945 where Ann was soon involved in charitable and volunteer activities and, when it was financially possible, in discovering the world. Long before it was even thought of by many, Ann began her travels: first to the U.S. and Europe, then Australia, Asia and the Middle East, then Mexico and South America, and finally Africa. She loved theatre and symphony, movies and opera, and had a passion for rock music and dancing. She left a legacy that extends far beyond her family, imbuing others with her zest for life, positive attitude, and appreciation of the natural beauty around her. Funeral Services will be held at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue (1325 Glenmore Trail S.W.) on Monday, October 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at the Erlton Street Cemetery (30 Avenue S.W.). If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Ann and Ralph Kalef Endowment Fund, c/o the Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary, 1607 - 90 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB, T2V 4V7. Arrangements in care of the Chevra Kadisha. Telephone: 244-4717.