Eva Kočalka
February 25, 1946 - January 4, 2021
As published in the January 11, 2021 World-Spectator
The brightest star, shining up above is our loving and devoted “mamička.”
Eva (Župančičova) Kočalka was born in Vrutky, Slovakia on February 25, 1946. She completed Teachers College in 1965 and then she was employed as a kindergarten principal in the mountain village of Malatina. There she met, and soon married, Vladimír (also known as Walter) Kočalka on June 18, 1967.
Together with their son, they emigrated to Winnipeg, Man. in 1969 for a challenging and exciting adventure. They came with not much more than a hope and a dream for a beautiful life. In 1973, they settled in the mining town of Esterhazy, Sask., where they raised their children Robert, Martin, Eva and Nadine. The community embraced them, and they created lifelong friendships with other new immigrants and locals alike. They built a life of solid family values, hard, earnest work and created many cherished memories while sharing their Slovak language and traditions with their children and friends.
Although a fully educated and accomplished kindergarten principal, Eva didn’t return to her career in Canada. She was a devoted mother who provided for her family by planting massive gardens, canning, preserving, making deer sausage, extracting honey, sewing, crocheting and knitting.
For many years the family enjoyed their cottages at Sandy Lake, Man. where they bonded around campfires creating more lifelong friends. Always adventurous, they saved carefully so that they could continue to travel throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, South America and Eva’s favourite, Hawaii!
Eva continued to educate herself throughout her life in arts, culture and her passion for world history. Her memory was sharp, and she could easily share facts on all topics right to her final days.
Eva was a graceful dancer, had a natural creativity and loved painting watercolour flowers. As an avid flower gardener, she shared plants that will continue to bloom as a beautiful reminder of her generosity. A generous and nurturing spirit, she was always willing to give of herself to her kids, friends, church and community. Her warmth and outgoing personality embraced all those who knew her. But that didn’t mean she’d let you win at cards or family games! She was a master at Chinese checkers and somehow was always first to get a Yahtzee!
Most of all, Eva was known for her mastery in the kitchen. Her traditional Slovak soups, stews, dumplings, cakes and cookies are surely remembered by anyone who had the great pleasure to taste them. No one who visited ever left hungry!
Of all her many talents and hobbies, nothing brought her more joy than her grandsons. Adamik, Alex, Quinn, Leif, Cohen and Max were the light of her life. Starká, we will miss you filling our bellies and our hearts.
Eva passed peacefully in the comfort of her home with her children and devoted husband by her side.
Now she will grace the dance floors of heaven.
Her life will be celebrated by her husband of 54 years, Vladimír (Walter), sons Robert and Martin (Samantha), daughters Eva (Christopher) and Nadine (Bradley), grandsons Adamik (Tylane), Alexander, Quinn, Leif, Cohen and Max, niece Alena Domitreková and extended family in Slovakia too large to name them all, childhood best friend Viera Liškova and many other friends.
She is predeceased by parents Alexander, Maria and sisters Božena, Alica and Maria in Slovakia.
The family wishes to acknowledge the Esterhazy Home Care professionals who provided the most compassionate care at this difficult time. We are grateful for your support in helping mom transition to her next journey.
The family wishes that you light a candle in Eva’s honour.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. A private visitation was held on Thursday, January 7, 2021 from the Peter Carscadden Funeral Chapel, Esterhazy. If friends so desire donations may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Canada or the Canadian Mental Health Association. Friends may visit www.pcarscaddenfs.ca to leave a message of condolence for the family.
Peter Carscadden Funeral Service, Esterhazy are in care of the arrangements (306) 745-3304.
Loan guarantees in budget will create opportunities
Some positive news came for Indigenous communities across the country in the federal budget, with some $9 billion worth of housing, policing, health c...
700 attend grand opening for new Redvers Ag Kubota dealership
Around 700 people packed into the building and lined up for lunch on Thursday when Redvers Ag held the grand opening for their new Kubota dealership a...
Age Friendly partnering with Moosomin & District Seniors Club on transportation project
Moosomin Age Friendly is happy to announce that they will be partnering with the Moosomin and District Seniors Club Inc. to pursue a project for trans...
-
Out of $2,650,000 to be raised: fourth stage of airport fundraising at $ 1,746,514
-
RCMP take questions on recruitment, amalgamation, drugs and missing people
-
Megan Kelly pursuing her love of music
-
Saskatchewan growing at fastest rate ever
-
Teachers working to rule starting today
-
Rocanville pool refurbishment on track for summer construction
-
I’ve never been more proud of our little corner of the world
-
Skout Brewing ready to open this week
-
Town paving plan includes arena parking lot
-
IJACK gives $500,000 to airport project
-
Elkhorn rallies for Filipino family in need
-
Ty Cutler wins Rookie Buckle at Man-Sask auctioneering competition
-
Fundraising strong at Chamber meeting
-
Firefighter curling championships a huge success
-
Esterhazy receives more funding for new hospital
-
Wawota’s Suzanne Eisler to receive Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal
-
Play Fair Daycare updates on second building
-
“The government of Saskatchewan is committed to making sure that there’s a CT scanner in Moosomin”
-
Update #1 – RCMP Major Crimes investigating deaths near Neudorf, Saskatchewan
-
Yorkton RCMP investigating rollover
-
Amaranth RCMP respond to fatal collision
-
Construction grows in Saskatchewan
-
Moosomin starts planning for Communities in Bloom
-
Moosomin MLA Steven Bonk: ‘Our government is committed to having a CT Scanner in Moosomin’