Obituary of Julia Pfeifer

March 24, 1927 - Tyndall, Manitoba

May 12, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

 

Julia Pfeifer of Calgary, AB passed away suddenly, due to complications from COVID on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the age of 95 years.

 

Julia was born in Tyndall, MB, and grew up on the family farm. She married Fred Pfeifer on July 5, 1947, and they settled in Beausejour, MB, where they lived until 1986. They then moved to Winnipeg and subsequently to Calgary in 2001 to be closer to family.

 

Julia was the homemaker for most of her time in Beausejour, being the primary caregiver to their three children, Lawrence, Roberta, & Lewis. Once the children were more independent, Julia volunteered at the Beausejour Hospital Women’s Auxiliary and was a member of the Catholic Women’s League at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic church in Beausejour. Once grandchildren came into the picture, she was very generous in giving her time to look after them during their preschool and elementary school years. She took great joy from having been able to help in their nurturing. Time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren had been greatly minimized over the last years due to Covid restrictions, but Julia’s face would light up with delight when shown photos and videos of them.

 

Julia was always welcoming to Roberta & Lewis’ friends, adding another setting or two to the dinner table on many occasions, and before they left, making sure they had leftovers to take with them!

 

Julia wasn’t a big fan of travelling, however, if any or all the family were taking a trip, she was on board. Family destinations included Florida, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Mexico, Whistler, Toronto, and Texas.

 

After moving to Calgary in 2001, she continued her daily walking regimen that she had started in Winnipeg. While living at the Valley Ridge Senior’s Lodge, Julia was a floor rep at the monthly resident meetings. She made many new friends at the lodge and enjoyed taking part in the social activities, especially Bingo, where she was a frequent winner.

 

 Julia was moved to the Carewest George Boyack Care Home in 2015 as her mobility became questionable and she needed to be a wheelchair full time. It was a difficult move for her, being away from Fred, but with time, began to settle in. She carried on her winning ways at Bingo and always enjoyed the times we could take her out to the courtyards to see the flowers and visit. She was a puzzle aficionado and always had a big smile when she completed the challenge.

 

Julia will be dearly missed by her family. Julia is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Roberta Gunther (Gord); son and daughter-in-law, Lewis Pfeifer (Tracy); two grandchildren, Chandra Gunther

(Blaine), and Natalie Stenberg (Eric); and five great-grandchildren, Khloe, and Chase Kideckel, Kaylee, and Maverick and Bellamy Stenberg. Julia is also survived by one sister, Cecilia Mikoliew of Beausejour, MB, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by husband Fred, son Lawrence, parents Antonina and Nicholas Kazina, seven brothers, and four sisters. The immediate family will be celebrating her life, sharing memories and toasting her in the near future.

 

If friends & relatives so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Julia’s honour to Carewest George Boyack, 1203 Centre Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0A5, Telephone: (403) 267-2750 or Asthma Canada, www.asthma.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.

 

Julia’s family would like to thank all the staff on the fourth floor at Carewest George Boyack.

 

“Just let your love flow like a mountain stream

And let your love grow with the smallest of dreams

And let your love show and you'll know what I mean

It's the season

Let your love fly like a bird on a wing

And let your love bind you to all living things

And let your love shine and you'll know what I mean

That's the reason”

 

• One of Julia’s favorite songs, sung by The Bellamy Brothers, released in 1976.

 

In living memory of Julia Pfeifer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.