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Bright Smile, Warm Heart
Elsie's Obituary
SHYBA – Elsie (aka Baba)
1925 - 2007
Elsie Shyba, beloved to all who knew her, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2007 at the age of 81 years. An extraordinarily loving person, Elsie was intelligent, generous, fun-loving, and inspired us all in ways that will forever make us better people. Elsie was born on July 11, 1925 in Vegreville, Alberta to Mary and Michael Powley. She attended Normal School in Edmonton and thereafter became a lifelong teacher and mentor, beginning her career in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Alberta. In 1958, she, husband Walter, and children Lori and Jack moved to Calgary where she taught Kindergarten and Grade One for many years at Westgate Elementary School and proudly taught Ukrainian cultural classes at St. Stephen’s Ukrainian Parish. After retiring, she, along with son Jack, formed Eat With Relish Catering where they pleased many a hungry crowd with their wonderful menus. Elsie was an excellent conversationalist, loved music, singing, dancing, and playing bridge, and always lit up a room the moment she arrived. All of us who knew and loved her will agree that Baba was larger than life, a respectful and loyal friend to all, and will be missed beyond imagining. She was predeceased by her husband , Walter, in 1990. She is survived by her loving children Jack (Carolyn), Lori (Paul), and grandchildren Austin, Warwick, Allyn, and Madelyn. Divine Liturgy will be held at St. Stephen’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (4903 45 Street SW) on Easter Monday, April 9, 2007 at 11:00. Interment will be at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens at a later date, where she be will laid to rest beside her husband Walter Shyba. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to share your memories of Elsie with us at http://memoriesofelsieshyba.blogspot.com.
3 comments:
I have known Elsie though my very good friend Lori, and have always been charmed by her immediate warmth each time I met her - she would take a genuine interest in people, and remember their names flawlessly.
You could tell that Elsie loved caring for her family, and many times at an auspicious event such as a screening of Austin's newest film, or a theatre production of Lori's, Elsie was there with the yummy sandwiches and cookies. Elsie always impressed me as not only a great mother and grandmother, but also as a person who related to and resonated with everyone she met. She always set an example with her generosity of spirit for all of us to follow.
I have known Elsie for 45 years or more through our association in the community, as teacher of two of my kindergarten age children, and Grade 1 teacher of my others. She was a kind, caring, enthusiastic person who nurtured them when they had problems. One such time was when there was a violent thunderstorm during the kindergarten class and my child displayed an abject fear. She handled it by love and putting together an impromptu and fun lesson on rain and thunder. My child's fear was overcome that day.
Westgate Community Association was just getting started many years ago and Elsie was always at the forefront of its activities and would be ready to pitch in with good ideas and helping hands, especially if singing was involved!
Bridge was a favourite activity of hers and playing with her meant hours of fun with challenging bids and many laughs.
She always had a smile to greet you and an amazing memory for details of the "old days". Everyone who knew her was enriched by her presence.
Elsie and I were Grade 12 classmates in Vegreville High School many years ago. After attending Normal School we taught in neighboring one-room country schools. Over the years we kept in touch so I have many fond memories of Elsie, a kind, caring, generous, and inspiring friend. I wish to offer my sincere condolences to her family.
Pauline Cloke (nee Hlushak)
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