Olsen: Alice May, nee Barrack, March 8, 1929 – March 27, 2019
Alice May Olsen was born in Cereal March 8, 1929, to William and Gertrude Barrack, and was the fifth of six children. She died silently and peacefully March 27, 2019, at the Vulcan Community Health Care Centre, Long Term Care.
Alice attended Riddlevale, Hollywood, Cop Hill and Cereal School. Upon completing her schooling, she left home in 1946-47 to take Home Economics at Olds College. She moved back to Cereal and was a Health Care Aid at the Cereal Hospital until she married.
Alice and Charles (Bud) married November 29, 1947. They resided in Lehigh where Bud worked hauling coal in the mines at East Coulee. They then moved back to Cereal, living in town until they purchased the farm where they had their new house built.
In 2002, retirement from the farm took Alice and Bud to a new life in Vulcan, where they lived in their condo until 2015. After Bud’s death, Alice remained in their home for a short time and then moved into the Peter Dawson Lodge. In May 2018, she went into Long Term Care in the Vulcan Community Health Centre.
Alice dedicated her life to her family, faith, friends and her community. She ensured that home always felt safe, secure and filled with goodness and love. Alice was an amazing cook, and her family had a long list of favorites such as buns, pies, cookies and jam. She spent endless hours supporting her children in their sporting activities, interests and school events.
Alice had many of her own interests. She enjoyed curling, playing piano, singing in the choir, walking, visiting with friends, gardening, reading, traveling and playing crib.
Alice was strong in her faith and was a member of the United Church throughout her life. She was active in her duties as president and secretary-treasurer for the U.C.W. in Cereal for 40 years.
Both Cereal and Vulcan were blessed with Alice’s involvement and contributions to their communities.
Alice was predeceased by her husband Charles (Bud); parents William and Gertrude Barrack; brothers Lewis, Ronald and George; sisters Muriel and Eileen; grandson Curran; and sister-in-law Mary.
Alice is lovingly remembered by her children Crystal (Bob) Bomford, Kevin (Chris) Olsen, Kerry, Craig (Tracey) Olsen, Charlene (Deb); and 27 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Alice was a loving, kind and gentle soul. She was a woman of great strength and integrity, who emanated strong values with a gracious spirit. She will be fondly remembered and loved by the many lives she touched.
Memorial tributes may be directed to the Cereal United Church, Box 392, Oyen, Alberta, T0J 2J0; Vulcan Community Health Centre Long Term Care, 610 Elizabeth St, Vulcan, Alberta, T0L 2B0; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
A funeral service will be held Monday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cereal United Church, Cereal. with Rev. Helen Reed and Sue Macdonald officiating. Following the funeral service, family and friends are invited to a luncheon hosted by the United Church Ladies in the Church basement.
Funeral arrangements in care of MacLean’s Funeral Home, Oyen.