After a life well lived and a courageous journey Josephine (Kotasek) Letal peacefully passed away in Calgary, Alberta, on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at the age of 96.
Jo was born on January 27, 1924 in Ratiskovice, Czech Republic. Her adventurous father, Peter, was motivated by a book titled “Kanada” and decided to immigrate to the country that looked so promising. In 1927, Jo’s family settled in Canada on a farm two miles east of Kuroki, Saskatchewan where she spent her childhood developing into an independent woman.
Josephine married John Letal in 1944 and moved to Raymond, Alberta. Ironically their villages in the Czech Republic were only 20 minutes apart; they had to come to Canada to find each other. “Heavens to Betsy!” to quote Jo.
In 1949 John and Jo moved to Carmangay, Alberta and purchased the butcher shop in 1951.
Friends and relatives may remember Jo’s knitted baby blankets and home cooked meals that appeared effortlessly.
After 59 years of marriage, Josephine was predeceased by husband John in 2003, son Miles in 1989 and grandson Brent in 1970.
Josephine continued to live in Carmangay from 1950 to 2012 where she was actively involved with the Roman Catholic Church, senior centre and the Agricultural Society. During this time, she was a caregiver at the Carmangay Hospital for over 20 years. From 2012 to 2020 Josephine resided at the Spruce Community Lodge in Calgary.
Josephine loved her family and is survived by her devoted children and their spouses: Lillian (Peter) Sherbaty and Robert (Linda) Letal; six cherished grandchildren: Robert and Craig Sherbaty, Grant and Brenda Letal, John and Andrea Letal: eight precious great grandchildren: Kyle Sherbaty, Jenna Porr, Ainsley, Hope and Peyton Letal; Jaxon, Brynlee and Aiden Quaife plus two treasured great great grandchildren: Carter and Cohen Sherbaty; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Josephine will be fondly remembered for her welcoming hospitality, kind gentle soul, and dedication to her family and friends. Our Jo was the family historian and connector. If you ever wanted to know anything, “Just ask Jo”.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers at the Spruce Lodge and Dulcina Hospice who took care of Josephine during her stay.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback celebrant. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Due to the restrictions in place from the Chief Medical Officer of Health – Funeral Services are now limited to 100 attendees. Including family and Funeral Home Staff.
Due to COVID-19 no reception will be held.
As per Josephine's request, flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, donations may be made to a charity of ones choice.
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