Obituary of Aase Naylor

May 23, 1931 – Odda, Norway
November 15, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Aase Naylor, beloved wife of the late Dr. Gerald Naylor of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021, at the age of 90 years.

Aase was born on May 23, 1931, the eighth of nine children born to Alvida and Alfred Almaas, in Odda, Hardanger Fjord, Norway. She and her family of eleven survived the depression in their three-room house. Aase was an excellent student and athlete. Unfortunately, her schooling and family life were interrupted by the WWII occupation of her homeland and eviction from the family home. Following the war, she helped her mother with the family business of running a wash house. Her father worked in the factory while her mother boiled uniforms for the British sailors whose warships patrolled the fjord. While at a community dance, she met a young English sailor, Gerald Naylor. They stayed in touch through letters and Gerald returned to Norway to work in the summers. Aase joined Gerald in England and they soon married. In England, she worked in a clothing store while Gerald completed his medical training. John and Andrew were born before the family immigrated to High Prairie, Alberta, where Elizabeth was born. Paul, Mark and Margaret were born in Calgary where Aase worked as a homemaker and Gerald established a family practice in Cambrian Heights. 

Aase loved her home in Canada and stayed strongly connected to her Scandinavian roots. She celebrated her cultural heritage by singing in the Scandinavian choir and belonging to the Sons of Norway. 

Aase embraced her life with energy and style. Her fashion sense was impeccable and she always had to look her best. Aase loved hosting parties and entertaining her friends. She shared her joy of life and gave generously from her heart. 

Aase expressed her athletic skills through her membership at the Winter Club (bowling, badminton, tennis) and through skiing sports. She volunteered with guiding blind skiers. Aase remained competitive and happily obsessed with tennis and playing Skip-Bo in her senior years. 

Aase was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. She celebrated their success and has remained at the center of family activities since the passing of her beloved Gerald in 1996. Her joyful spirit has shone through her senior years. Despite disabling illness, she disliked complaining and proudly retained her sense of style. Aase greeted her visitors with a smile and tried to ensure that everyone enjoyed themselves.

Aase is survived by her son John and his wife, Shanda (Calgary) - grandchildren Matthew (Vancouver), Nicholas with Ellen (Kelowna), her son Andrew (Calgary), her daughter, Elizabeth with Garth (Abbotsford) - grandchildren Alec (Abbotsford), Graeme with Christine (Abbotsford), her son Paul with Diane (Vancouver), her son Mark and family, her daughter Margaret and her husband, Brian (Calgary). She also leaves her dear friend and caregiver, Merly Gervacio.

Aase was predeceased by her husband Gerald, mother, father, sisters and brothers.

A Private Funeral Service will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In living memory of Aase Naylor, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.