August 14, 1929 - January 4, 2019
It is with heavy hearts our family announces the passing of our mother, Nelda Maryka, at the age of 89 while living at St. Marguerite's Manor, Calgary, Alberta. Mom was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband Walter who predeceased her on October 06, 2011. She is greatly missed by her children Michael, David, Stephen, Jill, Lori and four grandchildren, as well as the many friends she has made along her journey.
Nelda (nee Caplette) grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan, near North Battleford, with 9 brothers and sisters and then she had 5 children of her own. There wasn't a person, child or baby that she met that she didn't welcome with her beaming smile and infectious laugh. She truly loved people and enjoyed life.
After her nurses training and several stops across Canada she settled down in Trail, BC, working at the Trail Hospital. It was here that she met and married Walter (Laudie) Maryka on April 07, 1956. With children on the way, the family moved to Genelle where we were so lucky to grow up in our own version of paradise. Through Mom and Dad's hard work and caring we never wanted for anything. We were spoiled with all the fresh garden produce which they freely shared with neigbours and friends and our own homemade swimming pool, skating rink and toboggan slide kept us playing all summer and winter long.
Mom and Dad were very active in the community, most especially with the Genelle Hall and recreation. Nelda was also deeply involved with the Genelle Catholic Church (St. Maria Goretti parish) and the Genelle school. She loved people and was eager to help out in any way she could. After all her children left home that natural caring continued with her work with the Trail Home Makers.
When it came time to take life a little easier they decided to move to the Calgary area to be closer to family. It was very hard for them to leave the lovely home and yard they created and all the friends they had made while living in the Genelle and Trail area. It wasn't long before Nelda and Walter were making new friends and thriving in their new community.
Though Nelda was suffering from dementia in her final years, her outgoing and caring nature never changed. She would always greet everyone with a big smile and a warm heart. Her laugh will never be forgotten and she will be truly missed by all.
An informal celebration of life for both Nelda and Walter is being planned for Genelle sometime during the summer of 2019. Please contact Michael (mmaryka@telus.net) for more information.