Obituary of Elizabeth (Beth) PARK

October 14, 1934 - December 24, 2019

Beth was born October 14, 1934 as Alzbeta Balakova in Zubrohlava, Orava, Slovensko to mother Alzbeta and father Martin Ballak. She lived there for four years with her mother farming whilst her Dad worked the coal mines in the Crowsnest Pass of Alberta. With World War II approaching they moved to Canada.

In Coleman she grew to adulthood, married her high school sweetheart Bob Park and then other adventures occurred: from Oklahoma City to the oilfields of Western Canada and finally back to Calgary raising five children and supporting her hubby in a prosperous career.

Mom was all about family and time spent together and was a master at achieving it. They bought a cabin in the Shuswap where they enjoyed summer holidays, spring and fall fishing and the salmon run. Summers were chaotic with five kids and spouses, six grandkids and dogs all together in their small cabin and friends thrown in as well and Mom loved every second. Salmon fishing trips to the West Coast brought us full circle. The salmon must be our family’s spirit animal. A condo in Palm Desert gave her great joy, because once Christmas was over, she hated winter.

Beth loved to participate in each of her children’s interests, shopping and movies with Michelle, watching Rob curl and golf, Bruce fish, displayed Jamie’s art with pride and even went on a trail ride with Deb and Stu in the mountains and trips abroad with all of them.

Alzheimers is neither fair nor kind. It’s a gradual erosion and creeping disappearance of the personality of the one you love. It’s a thief of their memories that has you grieving while they are still living and they struggle not understanding what is happening, to eventually living in a very small place in their minds. Mom was kind and loving throughout her disease, so very unusual, again a balm to her family.

On Christmas Eve Mom had enough, made the cross and passed, luckily with family beside her. Mom moved on at her absolute favorite time of year, Christmas Eve. For her it was the most loving, family time of all. Decorating every square inch of her house. Plotting stockings and presents, forgetting where she hid them and cookies, pies and all of her wonderful cooking. Friends from childhood and work, friends of her kids, an open door for all: this was her happy place.

Every cookie baked, present wrapped, every great-grandchild with eyes aglow, in every hug, kiss and Merry Christmas, Mom will be there. Love shines a light on everything that is good. Merry Christmas Mom!! Always with us, always loved.

Beth leaves behind her five children, Deb Bryson (Stu), Bruce Park (Mary), Rob Park (Yvonne) Jamie Park, and Michelle McQuade; and six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A small private service was held for the immediate family per Mom’s wishes. Mom’s ashes will be mingled with Dad’s and spread on their beloved river at the Shuswap. Thank you for being a part of her life. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Beth’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Elizabeth Park. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.