Naida Chalifoux, 1931 - 2007

Naida (born Reade) Chalifoux of Falher, Alberta passed away on November 30, 2007 in McLennan at the age of 76 years. Naida was born on November 28, 1931, to Irish descendants George and Alice Reade in the small community of Kinmundy, located near Gibbons, Alberta. She was the fourth of six children. Naida is predeceased by her parents, her brothers, Clive, Ormond and Brian and sisters Marie and Valerie, and son Roger and daughter Vivian Thibault. Naida is survived by her sons Michel (Marianne) Falher, and Norman (Helene) of Falher, son-in-law Henry Thibault of Sylvan Lake and daughter-in-law Michelle Robichaud ( Mike) of Edmonton, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. At a very early age Naida and her family moved to Whitemud Creek. Her mother operated the post office in their family home and her father was a hard working farmer and veteran of World War 1. Through difficult times, Naida and her siblings had to walk to the little Smithreade School and had to also assist with daily chores. Naida married Gerard Chalifoux of Falher in 1949. They had four children, Roger, Michel, Vivian, and Norman. She spent many happy and busy times baking, cooking and sewing, especially new Christmas pajamas. Naida also enjoyed playing fastball with the Falher Goldies, playing scrabble, bridge and curling, and camping at 5-Star Golf Resort. After working over 35 years at Sears in many different departments, she retired in the summer of 1994. Shortly after, Naida became ill and had to undergo heart by-pass surgery, sadly the outcome was a stroke. After spending a week in a coma, she awoke to discover she was unable to use her right side and had lost her speech. Left with only three words in her vocabulary, Yes, No, a four-letter word starting with “S” and ending in “IT”. It’s amazing how one word can say so much... Her disability forced her to move into an assisted living home in Edmonton. Finding it difficult to visit her often and seeing how lonely she was, we looked into moving her to a group home in Falher. The move was made in December 1997. Upon closure of this facility she then made her home at the Villa Beausejour for the past eight-and-a-half years. Naida was very well taken care of and loved by the homecare providers and the Villa staff and was cherished by all. We could often find Naida outside soaking up the sun rays. Naida has been blessed with 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom have brought great joy and pride to her life. Her last week was spent surrounded by her loving family and countless friends. Naida being a very brave and courageous lady, fought hard to the very end. Gramma Naida, we will always remember your beautiful blue eyes, your radiant smile, your thumbs up, your YES HO-HO-HO, and your blowing kisses… Rest in peace, we will love you and remember you always… Funeral services for the late Naida Chalifoux were held on December 4, 2007 from the Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church in Falher, Alberta with Reverend Boniface N’Kulu Lupitshi O.S.B. and Deacon Reg Bouchard officiating. Organist and soloist was Ginette Aubin. Cross bearer was Tyler Chalifoux. Pallbearers were Jeffrey Chalifoux, Tim Chalifoux, Sean Chalifoux, Wayne Chalifoux, Chris Thibault and Henry Thibault. Cremation followed. Funeral arrangements were under Chapel of Memories. in Peace River, Alberta.