Angela Skapin (nee Lazar)

It is with heavy hearts that the Skapin family announce the passing of Angela Skapin, on Sunday December 15, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta. Born July 29, 1927, in Bač, Slovenia - then part of Italy before the end of World War II - Angela Skapin lived a life defined by hard work, resilience, and love for her family.

In 1949, like many Europeans rebuilding their lives after the devastation of WW II, Angela and her husband Rudolph came to Canada seeking safety and a new beginning. With little knowledge of English, they registered as farmers and they were sponsored by a Canadian farmer to help on his land outside of St. Paul, Alberta. They braved one harsh winter on the farm before deciding to move to Calgary. There, Angela and Rudolph built their own home, with Angela actively involved in every step of construction-carrying lumber, pounding nails, and painting. Her incredible strength and determination, especially for someone so petite, always inspired those around her.

Angela often credited her strength to her early life in Slovenia. Growing up, she helped her father with farm work, loaded logs from freshly cut trees to deliver to customers, and worked in a lumber factory handling heavy planks of wood. These experiences shaped her character and instilled in her a remarkable work ethic.

But Angela's life wasn't just about hard work - she also loved to have fun. She loved to dance, bringing joy to everyone around her with her graceful moves. Their home in Calgary became the hub of lively gatherings, often filled with music, laughter and dancing. Angela and Rudolph welcomed friends and family into their home, and this extended to parties that their children had, creating memories that many cherished for years.

In Calgary, Angela and Rudolph welcomed their three children: Rudy, Marlene, and Ed. As her children grew, Angela began working as a cleaner, eventually serving private residences of lawyers and judges. She was known for her meticulous work and dedication.

Angela's love of gardening was evident in her beautiful flower beds and large vegetable gardens, where she cultivated fresh ingredients for her much-loved homemade pasta sauce. Her green thumb and passion for creating beauty in her surroundings were admired by all who knew her.

Angela was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who worked tirelessly to care for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness.

Angela is survived by her children Rudy Skapin (Linda Verot); Marlene (Ken) Wallewein; and Ed Skapin; her grandchildren: Jason Skapin, Chad (Shauna) Skapin; Charlotte Wallewein (Adam Baranec); Brian Wallewein (Casey Bourget); Josh (Quena) Skapin and Jennifer (Todd) Hermann; as well as her great-grandchildren: Michaela and Alex; Amalia and Adria; Beckett and Linden; Annika; and Weston and Lynnae; and her great-great-grandchildren: Odin and Wrenna.

She was predeceased by her husband Rudolph; her sisters Mila, Marija, Paula, and Augustina; her brother Franc; her parents Stefanija and Franc Lazar, all of Slovenia; and her daughter-in-law Laura. Angela was the last surviving member of her immediate family from Slovenia.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Brighton West at AgeCare Seton for their compassionate care, and a special thanks to Dr. Stratton Steed for his dedicated support.

We will deeply miss our Mom, Nana, and Granny. Until we meet again.

A Celebration of Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) Friday, January 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Greg Coupal officiating. Interment of Angela’s urn will follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alberta Diabetes Foundation at their website https://www.albertadiabetesfoundation.com/ would be much appreciated.