Obituary of Pauline Mae Chalifour

PAULINE MAE CHALIFOUR 1924-2013 The family of Pauline Chalifour is very sad to announce her passing on Tuesday, August 20th at the PA Victoria Hospital at the age of 89 years. Her family was with her throughout her struggles. Our Mom was valiant to the very end, despite her discomfort, putting on a brave face for visitors and keeping smiles on the faces of people around her. Pauline Mae Owens was born at home in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan in 1924. Mom loved to work on the farm with her family. She attended school in Lucky Lake until the age of 17 where she completed high school in Saskatoon while working for her room and board. This continued at Normal School until her first teaching job at Wanakena, a country school near Debden. Mom taught for 32 years in country schools ending her career in Big River in 1980. We are still receiving condolences expressing gratitude from many of her students. Mom married Paul in 1945 where they took up farming near Debden. Mom loved the farm life and visiting and playing cards with friends. In 1983, Dad's health forced them to move to Shellbrook. Her volunteering started at an early age where she would correspond with many soldiers overseas. This love of helping others would continue her whole life especially after retirement. Belonging to several organizations in various roles was something Mom took pride in but her personal involvement with others was tremendous. Spending time at the Nursing Home by reading, playing keyboard, singing, pushing the "old folks" around (in their wheelchairs) and just visiting was a priority to her. She truly cared about others. Mom loved to golf wherever she could as long as she was walking the course, she curled until her heart attack in 2007, she crocheted, played games, wore out dictionaries doing crossword puzzles, read, gardened, but always preferred spending time with her family. When dad passed away in 1984, Mom could pursue another passion - travel. She visited 14 countries including China, Morocco, Switzerland and Spain and wanted to do more. She enjoyed her cruises and bus trips. She was always learning. Left to cherish her memory is her sister, Norma Procknow of Lucky Lake; her daughter Cheryl (Jim) Silver of Delta, B.C.; her sons Larry (Marlene) Chalifour of Shellbrook and Terry Chalifour of Saskatoon; Grandchildren Lance (Jen) Silver and Nadine (Trevor) Arksey of Vancouver; Great Grandchildren Emilia Siver and Adam Arksey. Pauline was predeceased by her husband Paul; her parents Arthur and Kate; brother Allan Owens in 1944; sisters Ruth Lougheed and Evelyn Owens. The Funeral Service for Pauline was held on August 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Knox United Church in Shellbrook, SK. with Pastor Dave Whalley as officiant. Interment was held at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. In lieu of other tributes, donations can be given to Donor's Choice or in Mom's true volunteering spirit of Paying It Forward. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences may do so by visiting www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Beau”Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart, Funeral Director, Shellbrook (306-747-2828).