With sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother, JOSEPHINE MACHACEK, beloved wife of the late Mr. Frank Machacek, at St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at the age of 84 years.

Josephine was born in Kuchina, Czechoslovakia on March 5, 1927, the eldest child of Martin and Annie Balaz. The family immigrated to Canada in 1931 to Barnwell, Alberta. In 1934 her brother Michael was born and then in 1938 the Balaz family purchased a farm in the Park Lake area, near Lethbridge.

On July 27, 1949 Josephine married Frank Machacek. Frank and Josie began their life together on a farm called the Cameron, near Turin, Alberta. Their marriage was blessed with 5 children - Shirley, Dennis, Jerry, Larry and Linda. Then in 1964 the Machacek family moved to Barons where they lived for about 16 years. During this time Josie was active in the Garden Prairie Women's Club, the Barons Royal Canadian Legion and the CWL.

In 1980 Frank and Josie moved to Lethbridge where they spent many happy years in retirement.

Josephine will be remembered most for her generous spirit and hardworking attitude. She was never one to sit still and she was always busy doing things for others. Her greatest pleasure came when she was cooking and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed gardening, dancing as a member of the Czech Society of Southern Alberta, playing cards with friends and of course her numerous crafts and hobbies. There was a constant supply of slippers, afghans, quilts and petit point pictures lovingly made for family members.

Josephine is survived by her daughter Shirley (Hugh) Schroeder of Edmonton, sons Dennis (Jane) of Vulcan, Jerry (Penny) of Canora, Saskatchewan and Larry of Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, as well as 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson.

Josephine was predeceased by her daughter Linda Ann (1972); parents Martin Balaz (1978), Annie Balaz (1982), husband Frank (2008) and brother Mike (2009).

Memories of Josie will be lovingly cherished by all who knew her and she will be forever missed.

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The View in Lethbridge as well as caregivers and staff of the Milk River Hospital, Riverbend Retirement Residence, Grey Nuns Hospital, and St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton. We appreciate the commitment, kindness and compassion you provided in care of our Mom. Thank you to all.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, October 17, 2011 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 - 12 Ave South, Lethbridge, with Father John Kohler, celebrant.

Interment at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine's memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K7 or to the Alzheimer Society Lethbridge Chapter, #402 740 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9.