LAURETTA KALAU

1938 ~ 2017

Mrs. Lauretta Kalau of Milk River, beloved wife of Mr. Art Kalau, passed away at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at the age of 79 years.

Lauretta (Laurie) Marlene Kalau, née Baczuk, beloved wife of Art Kalau, passed away at St. Michael's Health Centre Palliative Care, Lethbridge AB on June 13, 2017, at the age of 79 years.

Born on January 7, 1938 in Milk River AB, Laurie grew up on the Baczuk family farm in the local community known as 1-17. She attended her early school years in the little one room school called John-Joe, also located in 1-17. In Grade 8 she began attending the Milk River High School where she graduated from grade twelve.

On October 28, 1957, Laurie married Art Kalau, of Milk River AB, and devoted her life to being wife, partner and mother. The farm and family were of utmost importance to her.

A person of many talents, Laurie displayed her artistic side in her art work, quilting, sewing, crocheting and her attention to detail in arranging her home. Her cooking and baking skills were beyond measure. She had a passion for gardening and arranged her vegetable and flower gardens with the same artistic flair.

After 39 years on the farm in Milk River, Laurie and Art retired to their home in Lethbridge. Retirement saw a continuation of Laurie’s passion for gardening and family, especially with the arrival of grandchildren. During retirement Laurie and Art enjoyed extensive travelling making several cross-continental trips.

Laurie is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Art Kalau, her children Pam, Todd (Lisa), Scott, (Julie) and grandchildren Alex, Emma, Brady and Victoria. She is also survived by her brother Louie Baczuk, sisters Bertha (Jim) Culver, Caroline (Ed) Makarenko, sisters-in-law Betty Baczuk and Leona Baczuk, and brother-in-law Lloyd Pedersen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, their families and many friends.

Lauretta was predeceased by her parents, Magdalene and Steve Baczuk, brothers John Baczuk, Chester Baczuk, Steve Baczuk, Joe Baczuk, sisters Magdalene Baczuk, Margaret Garber, Mary Gilchrist, Irene Pedersen, and brothers-in-law Frank Garber and Alistair Gilchrist.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 1:00pm - 2:00pm, on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL.

A Celebration of Lauretta’s Life will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 Street S., Lethbridge, Alberta.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.