June was born in Briercrest, Saskatchewan on June 26, 1927, the seventh of fifteen children. As a child, she learned the guitar and together with her father and siblings played the songs of the day. Music continued to play an important part throughout June’s life, whether she was engaged in a sing-along or tapping her toes to a well-liked song.
As a young woman, June moved with her family to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where she worked in retail and would meet and marry her husband Eric Mallmes on May 12, 1956. Together they raised four children. Over the years they lived in Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Calgary, and Wainwright, returning to Calgary in 1985. Family was very important to June, whether it was her own family or her lifelong relationships with her many siblings and their families. June was a devoted wife and mother. She was also a wonderful cook and gracious host who welcomed friends and family to her home with fabulous homemade meals, cakes, and pastries. Her carefully crafted handwritten recipes are treasured by her children who took over hosting family celebrations and holiday meals in her later years, maintaining the many traditions she had established. June was an avid gardener and reader. She also loved to crochet and enjoyed sewing for herself and others, whether it was new outfits, decorative dolls, or huggable bunnies. She loved to watch Canadian football and was a lifelong fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
June is survived by her husband Eric; her children Jeff Mallmes (Jan), Rod Mallmes (Donna), Maureen Mallmes (Cara Brown), and Karen Taylor (Bill); her grandchildren, Will Mallmes (Jennifer), Amanda Mallmes, and Eric Taylor; her great-grandchildren, Darius, Sebastian, Caleb, Abby, and Lilly. She is also survived by her siblings, Ed Ivers, Georgina Webb, Shirley Jackson, and numerous nieces and nephews. June was predeceased by her parents William and Eva Ivers (nee Townsend), four brothers and seven sisters.
June had a gentle spirit and was a compassionate listener. She selflessly gave her time and energy to those around her. She maintained her sense of humour throughout her life, even as she encountered challenges. It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who meant the world to our family. We will miss her dearly.
At the family’s request, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in June’s name to the CNIB Foundation at https://www.cnib.ca/
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