Obituary of Wita Louise HOLTE

January 19, 1937 – February 10, 2012 Wita Louise Holte beloved Mother and Grandmother passed away on Friday, February 10, 2012 at the age of 75 years. Wita was born in San Luis Obispo, California, near the ocean where she has fond memories of swimming at Pismo beach as a young child. Later, her family moved to Camrose, Alberta. Wita contracted polio at 11 years of age, and was told she would never walk again, but with her persistence she proved the doctors wrong. She moved to the big city, Edmonton, when she was 16 to attend University, which she left after she was discouraged from pursuing a career in Engineering. Soon after she met Donald, and they were married on August 29, 1959 in Edmonton. In 1966, Mom and Dad built the house that they and their two children would completely remodel twice and that she would live in for the next 45 years. Once her husband and children had all obtained University degrees, Wita returned to school, and received her Civil Engineering degree from the University of Alberta at the age of 60 in 1997. Although busy with kids and Don’s career, Mom never gave up her passions for country and bluegrass music, baking, gardening, action movies, police shows and television in general. Mom fiercely loved her grandchildren and would do just about anything to see them smile. Among other things Mom crafted beautiful Christmas Stockings for her grandchildren which will be treasured for years to come. Mom was renowned as a night owl and she was often up until the wee hours of the morning finishing a project or playing solitaire on the computer. Wita will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Laura (Michael), son Mitchell (Barbara) and the grandchildren she doted on; Marek, Shannara, Matthew, William, James and Clara. She is also survived by her sister-in-laws Lois and Anita and brother-in-law Warren (Faye). She is predeceased by her beloved husband Donald, and her brother Roderick. A Celebration of Wita’s life will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home, 5008 Elbow Dr. SW, Calgary, AB at 10:30 AM. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If desired, memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation at www.albertacancer.ca/witaholte. In living memory of Wita Holte, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200