October 13, 1915 - July 21, 2018
It is with saddened hearts that we announce that our family matriarch, EMMA MARIE CHALA, passed away on July 21, 2018 at 102 years of age. She was the heart and soul of our family, a mentor who taught us so much about sharing, helping and working. She was a peace keeper, who with her quiet demeanour, had a calming influence on those around her.
Emma was born in Michel, BC on October 13, 1915 and would have been 103 later this year. She did not like recognition nor fanfare, but she did allow her family and friends to celebrate her Centenarian year. This year, she was one of the oldest people in the District of Sparwood, if not the oldest ever.
Emma is survived by her devoted daughter, Lois Halko; three loving grandchildren, Jason (Karen) Halko, Jennifer (Cory) Vanden Elzen; and Mark (Stacy) Chala. She also leaves seven delightful great grandchildren: Madeline, Charlotte, John and Paul Vanden Elzen; Emma and Adam Halko; and Callie Chala. She leaves two special daughters-in law, Elena Calvillo and Dorothy Chala.
Emma was predeceased by her husband John Chala, son Allan Chala, parents Pete and Mary White, sister Margaret (James) Walsh and brother, Michael (Jean) White. The Chala family is very cognizant of the fact that she was the last of the large clan to pass into eternal life. Having married into the large and happy Chala/Jarina family, she was predeceased by 14 sister and brothers-in-law and 12 of their spouses. Being the last surviving member of both the White and Chala/Jarina families, the torch for maintaining family harmony has now been passed to another generation and they accept that responsibility gladly.
Emma was the ultimate "coal miners daughter". Her father started his 49 year career in underground coal mining in 1906 in Michel. But added to that, she was a coal miners wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. Five generations of men in her immediate family worked in the coal fields surrounding Sparwood for the past 112 years!
Although she was born in Michel, her family of five moved to the Ukraine when she was seven years of age. As conditions were not what they expected, her family moved back to Natal after a six year stay. She attended school in Natal through to Grade 8. She then worked as a waitress at the Michel, Venezia and Alexander hotels. At 19 years of age, she married John Chala, the boy next door. They raised their son and daughter in "Little Chicago", on the outskirts of Natal. Emma was an excellent homemaker and seamstress. She cooked delicious meals, often entertaining family and friends over a home made dinner. She later taught family members to make Ukrainian and Slovak favourites such as perogies and borscht. She excelled in baking sweet breads. She kept her house immaculately clean, despite the challenges of blowing coal dust in Natal in the 1960's. She was happy to move to a new house in Sparwood in 1969 where she enjoyed an electric stove and automatic washing machine for the first time! Emma was active in the Sparwood Old Age Pensioners Society and St. Michael's Catholic Church and supported the Church through her involvement in the CWL.
Emma was blessed with a full life for over 100 years. For the last nine months of her time on earth Emma resided in Rocky Mountain Village.
Emma belonged to what has been called "The Greatest Generation"; those born between 1901 - 1924. They knew about survival and they "never whined nor whimpered".
Earlier this spring Emma was concerned how the grandchildren were doing, what the great grandchildren were up to and looked forward each day with anticipation to the visits with her daughter Lois. A soft voice, a kind heart and a great love for her family, Emma will forever be remembered by all those who were blessed to have known her.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the District of Sparwood - Emma Chala Memorial Project, Box 520, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0. A tax deductible donation receipt will be issued.
Memories & condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.
Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.