Obituary of Alice Weipert

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Alice Weipert, longtime resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the age of  98 years.  A Funeral Service for Alice will be held at Reynars Funeral Chapel on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 1:00 pm

We are here to celebrate the life of our Mom, Grandma, GG, Alice Weipert.

She was a remarkable lady who touched the hearts of many.

Mom was born Wednesday, July 2, 1924, to Johan & Ruby Hoyseth in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

She was the eldest of eight siblings, is survived by her youngest sister Shirley Wray.

Mom met the love of her life, Theodore Joseph Weipert, at a dance in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He was in full Canadian Army uniform.  Mom always said, “Who could resist a gentleman in uniform.”  This is where her family journey began.

They got engaged, were married on March 28, 1944, and started their family, having their first 3 boys in Prince Albert.  Mom was a determined young mother; her doctor advised her that she should not have any more children after the first three. Like I said, she was a determined lady.

In 1948 they moved from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to Surrey, BC where she continued to increase her family with 2 more boys born in New Westminster.

In 1952 they were given the opportunity to homestead in the north, breaking the land for farming. Their long journey from Surrey to the Peace River District began, taking 4 days to arrive.  They lived for a couple of years in Dawson Creek and her 6th boy was born.  (She obviously took her doctors advise).

In the spring of 1954, they relocated to the Cow Camp in East Doe River, where multiple families were doing the same. Mom and Dad with the 6 boys started establishing our homestead.  Clearing the lands for our home, gardens, barns, farming, etc. leaving behind the comforts of city life. The running water became the boys with buckets, melting snow for our winter water, potties for the young ones which the older boys emptied, gas wringer washers, frozen clothes on the clotheslines, chopping wood for heat and cooking on the wood stove. Life was hard, but good, with the support of family and the developing community.

They got settled on the homestead continuously breaking the land, increasing the farm animals along with increasing her family. Her first daughter was child number 7 (stopping the baseball team roster).  Mom continued with her childbearing years having three more daughters and two more boys.  Totaling eight boys and four girls.  Mom had all single babies and finished having children at the age of 43.  Her family continued to grow with her children marrying and having families of their own.  Alice currently has 61 grandchildren/great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and counting. I wonder what her doctor would have thought, learning that she went on to have 12 children, not taking his recommend medical advice to heart?

The community always pulled together to help each other. Mom participated in social events, community dances, Sunday school, church services, and joined the WI (Women Institute) 1954-1970.

On December 28, 1970, the farm was sold, and we moved to Pouce Coupe, 8 children in tow to a 3-bedroom home.  Our new neighbours were in for a shock, learning that this large family will now be living next door. I’m sure they wondered how many families were really moving in. The neighbourhood definitely got busy after our invasion, but Mom, with her heart of pure gold, won the admiration of the community. 

Mom’s life got a bit easier with running water, a flushing toilet, bathtub shower unit, electric stove and oven, electric washer and drier, but she still preferred to use her clothesline over the drier.  Life was good.

Mom joined the Ladies Axillary, and Dad joined the Legion.  They enjoyed attending community dances and going to bingo ever Friday night. We always had friends stopping bye for dinner, and an evening of cards. Board games were always happening around her kitchen table.  When people would show up unexpectedly, mom would throw a couple of extra slices of bread and potatoes in the pot. Mom was well known for her home cooking, baked bread was always everyone’s favourite, as well as her canning, cookies, cakes and pies.  It wouldn’t be Halloween without her popcorn balls. Her door was always open, and everyone was welcome.

As if her life wasn’t busy enough, she decided to go to work.  She worked for the Legion and Village of Pouce Coupe as a custodian once a week at each and or as events happened at the hall.

In 1986 Dad passed away; Mom stayed on in Pouce Coupe, joining the Seniors Club, where she often volunteered with activities & events to enhance the community life for many.

Mom moved to Dawson Creek in 2004. She continued her social activities, bingo, card games and she discovered an exciting new thing at a new venue… Casino Gambling “SLOT MACHINES”!!  She loved the sound of the bells, whistles, lights and the energy in the establishment. Mom’s independence became challenging accompanied by a few health issues, so the family decided that she needed extra support and moved her to Rotary Manor. Rotary Manor became her extended family. Mom bonded with many of the staff and other residents.  Her big heart, contagious smile and open arms for her daily hugs were always anticipated by all who was in her vicinity.

Mom was a very strong respected lady, loved by all who believed that belonging to an organization, volunteering, attending social events, and supporting the community, were all major contributions to a happy content filled life. 

Mom always had a sparkle in her eye, a smile on her face, coupled with her witty personality. She often caught us off guard with her comments and remarks, leaving us with red blushed cheeks. 

She lived for her family, going without many things for herself, making sure her children & husband were well cared for.

She was kind and generous. If someone needed a hand up, she would be there to help.  She had a great sense of humour, and she always had a special smile to share with others.  As soon as you met her, you knew you had a friend for life.

Her family was her world, and she was our world too.  She will always be loved, dear to our hearts and never forgotten.   We will always love you, Mom.

Mom is predeceased by her husband Ted; sons Raymond, Melvin, Brian and Garry; daughter Marylin; son in-law Albert; daughter in-laws Alma and Donna; grand children Darren, Denny, Lisa and great grand child: Austin.

Mom will be lovingly remembered by her children Bob, Orville (Marion), Gale (Myles), Cathy (Wayne), Doris, Kevin (Nina), Barry (Reyna); sister Shirley (Howard); daughter In-laws Fern and Sharron and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grand children; as well as many extended family and friends.

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Alice to the Rotary Manor Resident Council Fund, 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 5A3

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium