Mrs. Alice Helena Belanger

Alice often spoke of her wonderful experiences growing up on the Cortus homestead in the Stranraer hills. She preferred helping her Dad with the animals and the fieldwork while leaving the house chores to her sisters. She was tall and strong so excelled in outdoor sports and participated in many field days. Her parents valued higher education and saved the pennies during the depression to send Alice to teacher’s college in Saskatoon. She was loved and respected by her students and enjoyed visiting with them years later at local reunions.

Alice partnered a successful farm north of Herschel with her husband, Emile and gave her children the most loving and generous support until the day she died. As a grandmother, she invested into the lives of her grandchildren in countless ways. She took grandkids to swimming lessons, Sunday school and the annual New Year’s celebration at the Rosetown rink. She taught her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren how to bake, garden and make crafts. Alice’s love for others extended well beyond her family. She volunteered for years within her church community, on the hospital auxiliary and most memorably for decades caring for the seniors at the Rosetown Lodge and nursing wing. Many residents were younger than Alice and her commitment to serve others was unwavering. Alice had a playful nature with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes which never faded with time. She used to tease about “whooping it up”. Being an optimist, she sought to find laughter and joy in all circumstances. She was also a woman of deep faith and shared her love of Christ with her family, friends, neighbors and community members. She enjoyed Bible study and working in summer Christian camps for kids as part of the cooking crew. Alice was selfless and incredibly generous, giving of her time and resources many times in secret. Humility, kindness and prudence were guiding principles of Alice’s life.

Alice was acknowledged by the Kingdom of the Netherlands Canada Embassy for her family’s Dutch heritage in Saskatchewan and honored her with invitations to a number of events in Calgary and Saskatoon. She was a truly remarkable lady. Those of us who loved Alice, will miss her deeply. Being part of her life, has enriched ours and we give thanks for the blessing of our mum, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Alice celebrated life and although we grieve, we will choose to celebrate just as she did. After all, she is “whooping it up” now in perfection with her beloved Savior.

In lieu of flowers, Alice would like donations to go to the Rosetown & District Health Centre Foundation for the new Long Term Care Facility. There will be a come and go event to celebrate Alice’s life on Saturday, November 9th, 2013 at the Rosetown Alliance Church from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Cards for the family can be sent to 177 Sunset Dr S, Yorkton, SK S3N 3R8. Condolences for the family may be left at www.clementsrosetownfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Amanda Starosta of Clements Rosetown Funeral Home (306) 882-2662.