Wanda Ruth (Kirkham) LITKE
October 2, 1930 – June 4, 2023
In the presence of her loving family, Wanda Litke passed away in the evening of Sunday, June 4, 2023 at the W. R. Keir – Barrhead Continuing Care Center. She leaves to mourn her loss: her three sons Dean (Delores) Litke of Barrhead, Jay (Pat Lagore) Litke of Calgary, Del (Denise) Litke of Fairmont Hot Springs; one daughter Heather (Karl) Baker of Barrhead; seven wonderful grandchildren – Derek, Deanna, Christopher, Jacqueline, Brittany, Kyle and Eden; and nine precious great-grandchildren. Wanda was predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years John, her father and mother Fleetwood and Esther Kirkham, her sister Barbara (Ron) Weeden and her brother Travis (Joyce) Kirkham.
Wanda was born and raised in Innisfail, Alberta, daughter of an influential community leader. After graduating from high school in Innisfail, Wanda set off for the “bright lights” of Calgary to find her place in the world. When working at a bank in downtown Calgary, Wanda met a young clothier from Hanna, Alberta – Jack (John) Litke - and the young couple fell in love. They were married on December 22, 1950 at the home of Wanda’s parents in Innisfail.
In the following years, the ambitious pair moved throughout Alberta seeking opportunities, residing in Grande Prairie, Calgary and Edmonton. In Grande Prairie, the young couple welcomed their first child John Christopher Dean in March of 1952, and two years later, Lawrence Jay joined the crew in September of 1954. In 1957, an incredible opportunity materialized with John and his partners (his chief one being Wanda) purchasing a men’s wear store in Barrhead, Alberta. The renamed store, John’s Mens Wear, quickly became an integral part of the Barrhead business community, and Wanda’s influence as a “not so silent” partner was key to the success of the fledging business. Additionally, two more children joined the family in Barrhead: Cary Del in July of 1958 and Heather Dawn in March of 1965.
Wanda was an engaged community member. She brought her early training and love of dance to the community as a teacher (tap and Highland dance) in the early 1960’s and was a staunch advocate in the early development of Barrhead’s wonderful fine arts community. She was also a key member in the Barrhead Kinette club and, of course, a very familiar face in the local arenas and ball fields in supporting her children’s love of sports. Later, Wanda continued to serve her community, volunteering on committees such as “Meals on Wheels” and support for additional low-income housing in Barrhead. Universally, Wanda was recognized as a woman of great taste, grace, and class; however, those close to her also knew her as a feisty and formidable adversary when the circumstances required it.
During their “golden years” John and Wanda loved to travel, visiting Europe, the Caribbean, Eastern Canada and Hawaii. The last number of years of travel took them to Palm Desert, California for a couple winter months – “but only after the sale in January!” They also loved to host their expanding family, especially their beloved grandchildren, at their cottage at Thunder Lake in the summer.
During the last decade, Wanda’s exhausting struggle with dementia put an end to travel and much of her ability to connect with community friends. However, despite her struggles with this dreadful disease she maintained her snappy, humorous responses and her dry humor until the day of her passing.
At Wanda’s request, there will be no public funeral. The family would like to sincerely thank the W. R. Keir – Barrhead Continuing Care Center for their incredible,compassionate, and kind support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you join them in making a donation to this wonderful facility.
