Adele Anthony

Adele passed peacefully after a short illness with daughter Michelle by her side. Adele was born in Roblin, Manitoba in 1937 to Gordon and Sarah Fitzgerald. Starting life in a 2 room house, she spent her youth in Dauphin along with her older brother Jim. Her family moved to Edmonton in the 50s and her Dad opened one of the first equipment rental companies in Canada. In 1960, she met our Dad and they were married in 1961. Mom was an accomplished singer and dancer, loving wife, successful businesswoman and wonderful mother to her children Rick, Brad and Michelle. Mom excelled at music and singing. With her mezzo-soprano voice, she performed on the SS Lurline on a cruise to Hawaii in 1953 and in many musical theatre productions in Edmonton in the 50s and 60s. Music was always present in our house, especially on Sunday nights when the stereo was tuned to Hawaii Calls, and Dad would play his Glen Campbell and Herb Alpert records. She spent many happy years living in Arizona with Michelle but moved back to Edmonton eventually. She was the perfect Mom, giving all her love and so much of her time to us growing up. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her kids. We had amazing experiences as kids, the best vacations, Disneyland, Hawaii and many others. Mom had a great sense of humour and could hold a room spellbound as she told a story. She rubbed elbows with many celebrities and traveled in many famous circles throughout her career as a personal shopper and fashion expert, and she always fit right in. She once had 40’s film star Dorothy Lamour send Rick a birthday card! Mom was the perfect hostess, the large family celebrations and dinner parties were worthy of being profiled in fancy lifestyle magazines. One of Mom’s favourite memories was attending the wedding of her dear friend Angela’s daughter Emmy in Cosenza, Italy. It was a beautiful experience that Mom spoke of so often. She was so kind and fiercely loyal to her family and extended family. So many lifelong friends formed the circle of love that we enjoyed. Kay Korb (nee Jaddock), Tom and Ruby Peet, Rosemarie and Neil Barnes, Eva Pocklington and Reg Hodgson were just a few that we considered aunts and uncles as they were so close and an integral part of our lives. There are so many cousins on Mom’s side, and she stayed in touch with all of them across many miles for many years until she couldn’t. Our thanks to them for staying in touch and their kindness to Mom and the cards of sympathy.

In 2010, she moved to Victoria to be closer to us and away from the brutal Alberta winters. Sadly, Alzheimer’s and eventually dementia stole some of Mom’s capacity to stay active, but never altered her ability to recognise us and tell us how much she loved us. She adored her Grandson James and loved the visits from her furry grand-dogs, Cooper, Murphy, Tango and Moki. It also never stopped her from singing and dancing during the many music events held at her care facility.

Adele is survived by her son Rick and daughter-in-law Christine, son Brad, daughter Michelle and her partner Peter, and her Grandson James.

Our thanks to the staff of the Kiwanis Pavilion where Mom received so much support and care, and to Dr. Alec Walton and Dr. Margaret Manville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Private family memorial to be held in the future.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com