The family of Alma McLachlan (née Shaw) is sad to announce her passing June 10, 2021 at the age of 106.

She was predeceased by her husband Walter and is survived by daughters Marilyn McLachlan (Barry Millott) and Betty Poulsen (John), grandchildren Jason Poulsen (Jennifer), Kate Miller (Keith), Travis Millott (Jenn), Robyn Millott (Peter Holmes), great grandchildren Korban, Machlan, Maxwell, Lukas, Avianna, and Theo.

Alma was born on Jan 11, 1915 and raised on a farm just north of Nanton where her father Gus homesteaded.  Her mother, Miriam, was a talented musician and so Alma, her sister Dot, and Brother George were surrounded by farm life and music.

Alma loved to learn, with degrees from the University of Alberta in Calgary (B. Ed) and University of Washington in Seattle (BA). Summer school courses included the University of Victoria, Queens (Kingston), and U of A (Edmonton).  She received her teaching certificate from Normal School in Calgary and started her teaching career at the Stuart one room schoolhouse where she would ride a horse to work and make soup for the students on the wood stove. Her teaching career included schools in Nanton, Lacombe, and Calgary as well as teaching at Mount Royal College. Alma met her life partner, Walter, at a big band dance which was so common in the 40’s.  They married in 1948 and raised their two girls first in Inglewood and later in Rosedale.

Alma studied elocution, reciting for audiences into her 90’s, continuing to share her poems and stories until shortly before her death. Her ability as an elocutionist was exceptional, a talent for which she won many awards.  She is fondly remembered for her recitation of Deciderata at many a family occasion.  Alma and Walter enjoyed a retirement full of ballroom dancing, Bridge, Tea and Conversation, and as snowbirds in Venture out, Arizona. They were known for their fitness….. playing tennis, swimming, bicycling around Rosedale and frequently making the podium at the Alberta Seniors Games.  Alma’s passion for documenting family history involved digitizing old 8mm home movies onto her Mac using iMovie.  Playing video games with grandchildren and reading books to great grandchildren were activities she cherished.  She was always up for an adventure, embracing a positive attitude towards life.

Alma’s unassuming, gentle, personal, and insightful demeanor always left family and friends feeling important and loved. She will be greatly missed and remembered with rich memories from a full, long, and loving life.

Memorial announcements to celebrate Alma’s life will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Alma, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society (alzheimer.ca)

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2021-06-10
• Location : Alberta