Marianne "Lexie" PAKULAK

PAKULAK, Marianne Alexis ("Lexie")
February 7, 1957 – Regina, SK
August 6, 2016 – Calgary, AB
Teacher, writer, and crafter, Lexie Pakulak passed away early in the afternoon of August 6, 2016 after a long illness. She was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and attended the University of Toronto, Victoria College. She graduated with a B.Sc. (Geology) in 1979, before moving to Calgary in 1980. Lexie was active in science fiction fandom for many years, and had several of her short stories published. She loved Classical music, singing in both the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus and the Festival Chorus. Performing in the 1988 Olympic Opening Ceremonies was one of the highlights of Lexie's musical life; she also sang in the opening for the Olympic Arts Gala and in two other concerts during the Games. Lexie taught creative writing through the Alexandra Writers' Centre Society, ending with her illness in 2008. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, beading, lampworking, jewelry-making, painting, and other crafts. Lexie is survived by her husband of 33 years, Stephen Pikov; her sister, Lorea (Mario) Eufemia of Saskatoon, SK; cousins Laurence (Susan) Clarke of Nashua, NH, and Alan (Vanessa Dao) of Larkspur, CO; and by numerous extended family and friends. She is lovingly remembered by friends Susan Trankovits, Petr Cespiva, and Janet Keele of Toronto, ON, and Vernona Slater of Hedley, BC. She was predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Jeannette Pakulak (neé Vasileff). Memorial Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North) on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 – 32nd Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 112, www.diabetes.ca. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Many thanks to the staff, volunteers, and residents of the Carewest Dr Vernon Fanning Centre for their care and friendship over the last few years. In living memory of Lexie Pakulak, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.