MCLACHLAN, Alma

(née Shaw)

Alma Mclachlan passed away 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 (Jen), Robyn Millott (Peter Holmes), great-grandchildren Korban, Machlan, Maxwell, Lukas, Avianna, and Theodore. Alma was born on January 11, 1915, and raised on a farm near 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. From an early age Alma studied elocution, a talent for which she won many awards. She is fondly remembered for her recitation of Desiderata at many events. With her teaching certificate from Normal School in hand, she took on a one-room schoolhouse, riding a horse to work and making soup for students on a wood stove. She taught in Nanton, Lacombe, and Calgary as well as at Mount Royal College. Alma was a life-long learner with a B.A. from U of Washington, B.ED. from U of Calgary, and summer schools at Uvic, Queens and U of Alberta. Alma met her life partner, Walter, at a big band dance in the 40’s. They married in 1948 and raised their two girls first in Inglewood then Rosedale. She was an ever-present source of encouragement, guidance and support for her daughters. Alma and Walter enjoyed retirement: ballroom dancing, bridge and snowbirding in Arizona. They were known for their fitness; tennis, swimming, bicycling around Rosedale and making the podium at the Alberta Seniors Games. Alma loved technology. She digitalized her home movies. Google replaced her encyclopedia. She played video games with her grandchildren and encouraged their academic, athletic, and musical pursuits. She enjoyed reciting to great-grandchildren. Alma was always up for an adventure, embracing a positive attitude towards life. Alma’s gentle, personal, and insightful demeanor always left family and friends feeling important and loved. She leaves us with rich memories from a full, long, and loving life. A Memorial Service will be held at Wildrose United Church, 1317 – 1 Street N.W., Calgary, on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. Alma will be laid to rest in the Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery, 243208 Garden Road N.E., Calgary, at 2:30 p.m. Current COVID guidelines will be followed at the church. Please stay home if you are unwell or have had contact with COVID. Please wear a mask. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society (alzheimer.ca) To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com