Obituary of Anna Ruth Palamarek

November 14, 1937 – Hanna, Alberta

May 6, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Anna ‘Ruth’ Palamarek (nee Anderson), beloved wife of Stanley Palamarek, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Ruth was born in Hanna, AB, on November 14, 1937. She was brought up on a farm near Sunnynook, AB. Ruth graduated from the OLPH (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) Commercial School in 1955 and worked for the Hanna District Agriculturist as a secretary.

Her next job as a Bank Teller at the Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB) in Hanna was where she met the love of her life. Ruth married Stanley on November 20, 1959, about a year after Stan had moved to work at the Hanna ATB. With his job, they moved all over the province, including Edmonton, Peace River, Rycroft, Vulcan, and Calgary, finally ending up in Lacombe, AB.

Ruth and Stan lived in Lacombe for over 40 years. She worked as a much-loved bank teller at the Bank of Montreal in Lacombe for many years before she retired. Ruth and Stan eventually moved to the Lacombe Seniors Lodge, until Ruth moved to Calgary in early 2024.

She volunteered at the Lacombe Kozy Korner Community Centre by helping to serve meals to seniors in Lacombe for many years. She also delivered food for Meals on Wheels in Lacombe. Ruth accomplished much throughout her life and was particularly proud of her five grandchildren, whom she loved very much. She also loved to crochet, garden, and go to garage sales for her collectibles.

Ruth’s most memorable vacation was when she and Stan were able to fly to Maui, Hawaii, with the whole family to celebrate Christmas there in 2012. She also enjoyed camping when her four kids were much younger.

She will be most remembered for her easy smile and her kindness. She loved to host family gatherings, which often included vegetables and fruit from her garden.

Ruth is survived by her children, Barb Angel (Chris), Dianna Palamarek (Ron Bray), Wendy Kolesar (Randy), and Michael Palamarek (Marlene); and her grandchildren, Nigel Sharp, Eric Kolesar, Jillian Kolesar, Ethan Palamarek, and Logan Palamarek.

Ruth is also survived by her sister Carolyn Ward (John Mason), her brother Leonard Anderson, her sister-in-law Linda Anderson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband Stan, her parents, Edwin and Lillian Anderson, and her brother Bob Anderson.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Parkinson Canada (4211 Yonge St #316, North York, ON M2P 2A9) Telephone:1-800-565-3000, https://www.parkinson.ca/.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ruth’s family here.

In living memory of Ruth Palamarek, 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: 403-276-2296.