ALICE BARBARA SHALKOWSKY (KRZYZ)

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ALICE BARBARA SHALKOWSKY (nee KRZYZ) December 1, 1916 - May 4, 2011 It is with heavy hearts that the family of Alice Barbara Shalkowsky announces her peaceful passing on May 4, 2011, at the age of 94 years, in Calgary, AB. Alice was born in Poland and worked as a secretary with the Polish government, eventually fleeing during the war in 1944 with her two young sons, William (Bill) and Christian to Denmark for safety. As a single mother Alice immigrated to Canada in 1948 and lived in Alberta and Ontario for a brief time until settling in Winnipeg in 1950. In 1952 Alice gave birth to her daughter Jennifer, a new sister for Bill. Alice worked hard to maintain a good life for her son and daughter. She would work at whatever job she could find and do - cooking, cleaning homes, a waitress extraordinare and eventually a cashier - along with other duties with Shoppers Drug Mart for many, many years. Alice loved the theatre, music and singing and was a member of the Polish Sokol Choir for 25 years. She was able to go back to Poland when the choir went on tour a few times. Alice remarried in 1987 to Ernest Shalkowsky which started a new chapter in her life. For the first time since 1940 she had someone to take care of her. Alice and Ernie moved to Calgary in 1995. Her love of music continued and at the age of 79 she discovered Karaoke and became an instant star with her family, friends and audience. Alice kept singing Karaoke till she was 90. Alice is survived by her son Bill Schmidt (Kathy), daughter Jennifer Ferenc, grandchildren Cheryl, Darren, Dean, Ian, and great-grandson Keaton. She was predeceased by her son Christian Schmidt, and husbands, Waldamere Schmidt and Ernest Shalkowsky. We love you Mom and we will miss you. You were a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. We are who we are because of everything you were in our lives. Everyone loved you and you will be missed greatly by everyone who knew you. Cremation has taken place and a private family service was held.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2011