ALBERTA WUCKERT

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ALBERTA WUCKERT had a great appetite. On February 24, 2005, after a full breakfast and lunch, while watching Canadian Women's Championship curling on TV, Alberta died peacefully. Born November 3, 1912, Alberta lived all her life in Winnipeg. Her roots in Canada were very deep. Her father, Henry Kolb (l883 to 1945) was born in Kitchener, ON (then Little Berlin). His family had come to Canada in 1824 from the USA. Alberta's mother, Sophia Whitting (l879 to 1949) was born near Port Elgin, ON, where her father's family lived since about 1850. Alberta skated and danced her way through childhood in Winnipeg's fabled North End, with caring big sister Irene and adventurous brothers Homer and Lloyd. Alberta was a very upbeat person. She felt life was good to her. Spring smelled so fresh. Summer was breathtaking. Fall colours were gorgeous, and Winter...well, how could you beat a fresh snow, hoar frost, or those pretty-pretty-pretty Christmas lights. Alberta's enthusiasm shone in letters whose scrawl inevitably would go up and/or down the sides of several pages. Within Alberta's cheery disposition was a competitive edge that could surface in curling or bridge games, usually supporting and sometimes persevering with Russ' more obvious fire. Alberta's resilience and positiveness was the subject of a November 1999 newspaper article titled, Senior Demonstrates a Positive Outlook on Life . In one paragraph Alberta lists six of her medical conditions and aids, ending with all parts work nice and I feel great . Alberta treasured loyalty and commitment as exemplified by three very long term relationships. The Woolworth Girls were seven women who worked at F. W. Woolworth Co. at Portage and Donald. They first met between 1935 to 1937. After marriages and the Second World War, they began meeting regularly each month. This continued for 50 years. Although Ruth, Bernice and Elsie have now passed away, Muriel, Glady and Vivian were planning to visit Alberta this week. Another huge commitment Alberta made was to her children, Rowena (husband Dave, sons Brett, Craig, Scott) and Grant (wife Doreen, son Lance, grandchildren Ty, Brooke). Sunday meals had Doreen, Grant and the dogs salivating blocks before they arrived. Alberta masterminded Rowena's surprise 60th birthday celebration in Waterloo. Alberta made Rowena and Grant feel special, nurturing self-confidence and freedom. She did not interfere with their lives, no matter how odd their choices must have seemed at times. Later in life, she insisted on not being a burden to her children. Alberta's biggest commitment was with Russ. They started dating when they were 16. Soon they became part of a great tradition - The Moonlight Special to Winnipeg Beach to dance the night away. Alberta loved planning. Many parties were held in their Fort Garry home of 48 years. They visited Hawaii often and Kitchener/Waterloo annually for almost 40 years. Alberta celebrated her marriage with elaborate 25, 40, and 50 year anniversaries. Although separated by illness the last three years, almost without fail Russ visited Alberta daily past their 65th anniversary last July. Russ died one month before Alberta. Alberta enjoyed where she was, what she did and who she met. She had a great appetite for life. A reception celebrating Alberta Wuckert's life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 6, at West Park Manor Personal Care Home, 2nd floor, 3199 Grant Ave. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to West Park Manor. For more information call Grant at (204) 837-9613.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2005