Obituary of Elsie Helen Stevulak

1928 - 2022

Elsie Stevulak of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2022 at the age of 93 years.

Born in Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass midst mountain vistas and wide-open spaces. Growing up, Elsie dedicated herself to studies, cooking, gardening, sewing and to her family and relatives throughout the Crowsnest Pass.  Upon high school graduation, she became a dental assistant in Blairmore, and then attended St. Paul’s School of Nursing in Vancouver, specializing in pediatrics. 

She married her loving husband John in 1953 and moved to Alberta, where they were transferred from Peace River, Dawson Creek, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Fort Macleod and finally to Calgary in 1959. 

First in Haysboro and then in Braeside, Elsie shared her talents generously to the children’s schools, St. Gerard’s and Holy Spirit Parishes, Catholic Women’s League (52 year member), Haysboro community association.  She co-founded the first kindergarten in Haysboro, and was constantly active in organizing community events, all the while helping her children with homework, making sure there were fresh cookies in the cupboard, and being there for relatives as need be.  During the over thirty years that John needed medical attention, until his passing in 2005, she was fondly known by him as ‘chief nurse’ and ‘beautiful bride.’ Elsie loved to dance and found frequent joy in listening to polkas and accordion music. She had a way to make everyone feel welcome, and her generous hospitality often included fresh food and flowers from her bountiful gardens.

Elsie will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Cathy (Leonard), son Michael (Dana); grandchildren, Robert and Marianne (Cal) and great-grandchild Oxford; brothers-in-law, Jerry and Milan (Jacquie), sister-in-law Mary; nieces, nephews, and the many relatives, wonderful neighbours, and friends with whom she shared her talents, love and friendship.  She joins again with her predeceased husband, sister, brothers and parents.

We are grateful for her service to others and we will miss her beautiful smile, positive attitude, and delightful laugh. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 – 24th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with graveside service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens, Field of Honour. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. In memory of Elsie’s work with children, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice, the Catholic Women’s Leagues of Holy Spirit Parish, https://holyspiritcalgary.com/and St. Gerard’s Parish, https://stgerards.ca/.

The family appreciates the dedicated, compassionate caregivers of Lake Bonavista Retirement Village, Providence Care Centre, South Health Campus Hospital, and friends.

In living memory of Elsie Stevulak, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.