PASHAK, Wilda Faye

PASHAK,Wilda Faye 

June 27, 1936 – Sept. 1, 2023

Surrounded by her loving family, Wilda Faye Pashak (née Kroon) passed away peacefully on September 1, 2023, at the age of 87 following a brief illness.

Wilda was born in 1936 and grew up in the village of Standard, Alberta, the youngest of four children of Frank Kroon of Grandview, South Dakota, and Johanna Louise Schmutte of Princeton, Nebraska. 

Leaving home at the age of 18, Wilda moved to Calgary where she worked in the oil and gas industry. She met her future husband, Larry Pashak, while skiing in Whitefish, Montana. They married in 1963 and had two children, Jennifer in 1964 and Frank in 1966. 

Wilda was an accomplished bridge player who also enjoyed spending time at the family cabin she and Larry built in Windermere, B.C. She loved to travel, including with her sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Dolores Michaud (née Pashak). Mexico and Hawaii were the last stamps in her passport, both within the last year.  

Wilda was predeceased by her husband Larry, her son-in-law Brian Millar, her friend and companion Barry, and her brothers Jean and Harris. 

She is survived by her children Jennifer (Robert) and Frank (Anne), her granddaughters Sydney and Alana (Matt), and her brother Gordon, who recently celebrated his 101st birthday. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews including Gerry (Ruth), Gail (Bryan), Gwen (Art), Karen (Phil), Norman (Maryanne), Morgan (Zhenni), Larry, Carol, Marilyn (Kevin), Michelle (Vern), Dan, Jacqueline (Greg) and Phil (Betty), and their children. 

If love and friendship are measures of a life well lived, Wilda was truly blessed. Thank you to Shirley (Shirl), Wilda’s friend since childhood. To Anne and Jo, thank you for your love, care and devotion. To Nick (the Silver Fox), thank you for the love, the smiles and the hot dates. You made a difference.  

Wilda’s family is in awe of the extraordinary women and men in our health care system. The care she received at Rockyview Hospital and Foothills Medical Centre was nothing short of outstanding in every respect. And the team at Southwood Hospice are angels to whom we will be eternally grateful.  

A celebration of Wilda’s life will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 2 p.m to 5 p.m., at the Glendale/Glendale Meadows Community Association hall, 4500 25 Avenue S.W., Calgary. Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Wilda during an open mic session. Donations may be made to the Kidney March and a tree will be planted in Wilda’s honour in the Sandy Cross Conservation Area.