ANNETTE SCHALDEMOSE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ANNETTE SCHALDEMOSE 1932 - 2017 She loved to garden and her lawns filled with flowers were legendary; and in the same way she loved to tend her plants and watch them blossom, she adored feeding the visitors who soon became friends and learned to make her famous Ukrainian dishes in her kitchen. Annette Schaldemose passed away following a brief illness on July 8, 2017 at the age of 84. During those 84 years, Annette, originally from a small farm in Tyndall, Manitoba, moved to the big city of Winnipeg to teach and fall in love. Predeceased by her husband Gary Schaldemose, after 11 years of marriage, Annette unexpectedly found herself a widowed single parent with a 10 month old daughter. As the challenges of being a working single mom mounted, Annette created new opportunities and found that her circle of friends became her foundation - a learning she instilled in her daughter from an early age and which proved true upon her passing. Formerly a teacher, Annette left that profession to instead manage autobody repair shops, which would enable her to spend more time with her growing daughter (and one day this decision meant that her daughter would be behind the wheel of a restored sports car on her 16th birthday, courtesy of her hard-working mother). While she worked, her sister Mary cared for Lisa until she started school (teaching the basics of ironing and washing dishes, which didn't stick with Lisa in the later years) and thereafter neighbours provided 'daycare' in a time when such a service didn't exist. Life was hard managing the household, maintaining the cottage and feeding every stray animal Lisa brought home but, like her favourite song by Louis Armstrong 'What a Wonderful World', Annette made it inspiring and beautiful for her family. 17 years ago, Annette bought her daughter Lisa a publication of professional careers in Canada and instructed her to follow her dreams (and use those 11 years of university). Lisa applied for and accepted a position in Fort McMurray, a city the same latitude as Churchill, Manitoba (without the polar bears). At 67, Annette was able to retire and follow Lisa to spend the rest of her years gardening, cross-stitching, cooking and acting as "dog Grandma" to Lisa's rambunctious herd of canines who happily watched the Young and the Restless while they ate toast and jam with her every morning. Spring time would always find Annette and Lisa visiting the local Dunvegan Garden Centre, where Annette would stock up on the annuals that brought their yard to life every season, courtesy of her grand-dogs who faithfully presented her with gift certificates every Mother's Day. In addition to her garden and her cooking, Annette loved animals, including her beloved West Highland White Terrier, Abbee who filled her days with life, love and mischief, as terriers often do. Annette was also predeceased by her brother Michael and her sister Mary. Annette, who remained behind as her siblings and her friends passed on, focused her life on her daughter, their dogs and embracing the remaining years of her life with enthusiasm. She collected plants, recipes and experiences, enjoying every moment of the 84 years of her wonderful life. Annette will be forever missed and remembered by Abbee, a small pack of grand-dog huskies, and her daughter Lisa, who will always be her mother's daughter.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2017