Alvera Josephine Zolkavich

She will be forever remembered and loved by her children James (Jodi) Zolkavich; Joelle (Todd) Iwanic and their children Matthew and Alexa; Joy (Jeff) Marchant and their children Jaxon, Piper, and Maddie: all of Calgary, AB. She is survived by her siblings Nat Serdachny of Edmonton; Darlene (Eiko) Ohori of Prince George; Lovett Quattrucci of Calgary; and Karen (Ross) Wilkinson of Regina; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She is predeceased by her husband Joe, in 2024, sister-in-law Dolores in 2026, and brother, Larry (Linda), in 2023.

Alvera was born on August 18, 1936, where she grew up on the family farm near Stenen, SK. As the eldest of six, she had daily chores to help keep the farm running and her siblings in line before heading off to school.

After graduating from high school, she went to Teacher’s College in Saskatoon. She began her career as a teacher in Frame Lake, SK in a one room schoolhouse. Dad was teaching in Sturgis where they had met at an event. He later came to the farm looking for a girl by another name, but when Alvera came to the door, he figured out he had the wrong name. That is how a 62-year marriage began!!

They married on July 2, 1962, and started a family in 1965 while living in Kelvington, SK. They moved from Kelvington to Wadena in 1968 and finally settled in Saskatoon in 1972 where they raised their family and that remained home for them for 44 years.

Over the years, Alvera became known for her delicious baking and wonderful homemade soups. We were all the lucky beneficiaries of her famous ‘ginger snaps’ and decorated sugar cookies many times. It was a good day when you were gifted a jar of ginger snaps. She was a talented seamstress and there were many costumes and clothing items that she made for herself and her children. There was always an abundant supply of crafting materials no matter the school project. She also came to enjoy decorating the house, and if you knew her, you know that cobalt blue and silver were here favourite colours. Located in Saskatoon, their home was often a gathering point for celebrations or a convenient place to stay for family and visitors. Everyone was welcome and the kitchen was always open.

When her children were older, Alvera ventured back into the workforce at Charter House in Saskatoon. It was an antique furniture and collectibles shop with a café. She was called upon to use her exemplary baking skills to provide her delicious muffins and cookies for the patrons. It quickly became a go to spot for people to come for coffee to enjoy her delicious baking.

In her 70’s, Alvera battled some significant health challenges. Despite a long stay in the hospital, she showed her resilience and strength by overcoming many setbacks. She tackled those challenges and worked hard to regain her health and strength. In doing so, this brought on a new chapter for Alvera and Joe as they moved to Calgary in 2016.

Alvera took great pride in her family and extended family and looked forward to every opportunity to spend time with them. Being in Calgary allowed her to spend more time with her children and grandchildren and continue to support them by attending their many sporting events (and provide us with an unlimited supply of cookies and muffins).

Alvera’s strength, optimism, unconditional love, sociable nature and personal style that was uniquely hers is what we will all remember. When Alvera walked into a room, you could not help but notice. Today, every room feels a little emptier without her. She was a special Mom and an amazing Grandma, and she will forever be in our hearts.

Alvera’s family will be holding a celebration of her life at a later date.

This obituary has been authorized by the family for posting on Foster’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home’s website. As such, it is protected against any form of reproduction or redistribution without prior consent from the family