Alma Rode

Alma Spletzer was born in Klein Kuple Poland on January 3, 1928 and spent her early years on the family farm. In 1940, her father Johann passed away from Cancer, leaving her mother, Julianne alone with 8 children. That same year they were resettled to Litzmannstadt, Poland. In 1945 the family fled from advancing forces and found refuge in Gostau near Leipzig, Germany. Alma and her older sister, Ruth eventually fled to Western Germany and then in October 1948 immigrated to Canada, settling in Winnipeg Manitoba. They worked in a sewing factory, and regularly sent care packages to the family in Germany and also saved money to eventually help bring them to Canada.

In 1960, Alma met Erich Rode and they were married on May 6, 1961 at the McDermot Avenue Baptist Church in Winnipeg. They soon welcomed three children, Helga in 1962, Wilfred in 1964 and Richard in 1966. Alma was an amazing, devoted and loving mother and grandmother. She loved taking care of her family and made the home one that was a warm and welcoming place for family as well as friends.

Alma, and later Erich and the children, found community and a church home at the McDermot Avenue Baptist Church. This lasted for over 40 years from shortly after her arrival in Canada until she moved to BC in the 1990's. Alma was active in many areas of church ministry. She sang in the German choir, was involved in the ladies group, Frauenverein, and headed the Kitchen Committee. She also cooked at the church camp at Nutimik Lake.

In BC Alma and Erich attended the White Rock Baptist Church, until 4 1/2 years ago when they moved to Elim Village.

In approximately 2005, Alma was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease, Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsey, which gradually robbed her of all motor function and independence. Throughout her illness, Alma did not complain and had a kind and loving spirit that was evident to all around her. She completely trusted the Lord to help her through each and every day. Erich was by her side throughout this journey, helping her and supporting her in every way that he could.

Alma is survived by her children, Helga and Wilfred (Gaylene) of Surrey, BC, and Richard of Calgary, Alberta, as well as grandchildren Christian, Joyanna and Grace, who will all miss her deeply. She is survived by three brothers, Erwin, Rubin and Reinhard (Lydia) and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, the United States, Germany, Poland and Sweden. Alma was predeceased by her husband, Erich, as well as her parents, and siblings Ewald Spletzer, Ruth Bergen, Else Gietz, Arthur Spletzer, and two in infancy.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all of the caregivers who helped Alma. In particular, we would like to thank the loving staff at the Harrison Building, Elim Village, who took such amazing care of our mother, and treated her and our father with great love and respect to the end. We could not have found a more wonderful place for them to be through these difficult years.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Elim Christian Care Society in Surrey, BC or the Canadian Cure PSP Association: CurePSP Canada, P.O. Box 40 Station Main, Kingston, ON, K7L 4W6