Shafica Rita Wlodarczyk

Shafica Rita Wlodarczyk, adored by all who knew her, passed away at the age of 73 years on Thursday September 23, 2021. Shafica was born May 25, 1948, in Joub Jannine, Lebanon to parents Halim and Ajoni Nahas (although, according to Shafica and her Canadian citizenship, she has two official birthdays and celebrated on December 25 as well). In 1973, Shafica courageously left her family and friends in Lebanon to start a new life across the ocean in Canada. She was never one to back away from a challenge and her strong work ethic pushed her boundaries to new levels. While working as a waitress at the prestigious Palliser Hotel in Calgary, Shafica met John, a handsome bartender who swept her off her feet and they tied the knot on October 23, 1976. They had two sons, Steven and Jason, whom she loved and cared for fiercely.

Having nine siblings, Shafica took her role as “big” sister seriously. Her brothers and sisters looked up to her and she was always ready to give her advice (whether you asked for it or not) while sipping on the 4th or 5th “arabi” coffee of the day. A great presence in their life, she will be intensely missed by her siblings. Shafica was extremely fond of her multitude of nieces and nephews, always checking up on them and taking on the role as a second mother. She loved her family immensely and enjoyed meeting-up with and opening her home up to her many cousins and extended family members from Ottawa, Lebanon, and all over the world.

In 2008, Shafica was diagnosed with ALS. Never one to let anything stand in her way, Shafica took her disease in stride and lived her life to the fullest. She always had her award-winning smile on her face, made jokes and giggled, dressed to impress in the chicest outfits and with her immaculate hair and makeup, bending the rules, and never ever missed a chance to dance and party!

Shafica was infamous for her green thumb (her garden was the envy of her neighbourhood), her delicious zaatar manakish, her generosity, and most importantly the unyielding love for her children, daughters-in law, and grandchildren. Her ultimate joy was spending time with them and walking into her home was a gallery dedicated to photos and artwork of her beloved angels.

Widely known for her “gold heart”, Shafica had an infectious warmth that was felt by everyone she met. She lit up the world around her and made each person feel loved and special. Shafica, with her charm, vibrant energy, and lust for life, will be sorely missed by family, friends, neighbours, church community, the Lebanese and Middle-Eastern communities, and many others whose lives she touched and who were inspired by her.

Left to mourn Shafica is her husband John; her sons and daughters-in-law, Steven & Laura, Jason & Kalyn; her grandchildren, Jacob, Nathan, Ryan, Hunter, Lorelai, Finn, and Addison; her mother Ajoni and her siblings and their families, Maurice, Raymond, Ibrahim, Therese, Nazira, and Gabi.

Although she leaves behind many loved ones, her family is comforted knowing that she will be reuniting with her father, Halim Nahas, as well as her brothers; Nazir and Edmond; and her sister Raymonda, whom she loved so deeply.

The family would like to especially thank the dedication of her caregivers, nurses, doctors, and ALS caseworker for the tremendous care, support, and friendship over the years. You all meant so much to Shafica.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at a Visitation held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Those wishing to attend virtually may do so at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/37876.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Basil's Greek Melkite Catholic Church, 4903 – 45 Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Those wishing to attend virtually may do so at https://www.facebook.com/StBasilMelkiteGreekCatholicChurch/.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make an electronic donation to the Saint Basil Greek Melkite Catholic Church at [email protected] or The ALS Society of Alberta via https://www.alsab.ca/donate.