It is with great love and sadness that we share the news of the passing of Alice Shelest. Alice passed away on November 1, 2019 in Kamloops, BC from complications in the final stage of Alzheimer’s.
Alice was born Lesia Olive Sorochan August 17, 1930 in Lamont, AB to Ukrainian Canadian parents. As a young child, starting school was difficult for the shy young girl as she spoke little English. Her family moved a few times but she found her ground in Prince George, along the way attending business college in Edmonton and serving as a civilian member stenographer of the armed forces. She met Frank in Prince George, marrying in 1953 and they were blessed with their two children.
The family relocated to Needles, BC in 1957 and to Chase in 1959 where they stayed for many years to raise their family, living an active life until they found the need to move to Kamloops in 2014.
Mom was a fabulous homemaker, wife and mother. She was a great cook, gardener, crafter and sewer. Many will remember her decorating their wedding cakes, buying her amazing petit point and viewing award winning entries to area fall fairs.
Although she had a busy home life, she worked alongside Frank in their endeavours involving the community, Lady Lions, Lions, the Curling Club, Arthritis Society, Chase Queen’s Committee and the Salute to the Sockeye. Alice was a charter member of the Chase Lady Lions and one of the first five women to be inducted into the Chase Lions Club. She earned community recognition as Chase Citizen of the Year in 1998. Many Lions awards made her proud and you would rarely see her without her small Lions collar pin.
Alice had a strength and resilience that bode her well through her life and she would never back down from a planning challenge involving family or community event. She enjoyed and valued the ‘coffees’ with friends and neighbours and the travels she and Frank took. Offering particular peace were the short but meaningful times they spent together at Lion’s conventions and their intermittent camping trips.
Alice will be missed by her loving husband of 66 years, Frank and their children Sandy (Glenn) Vogstad of Kamloops, Rob (Sherree) of Princeton, her grandchildren Lee (Yuki) Vogstad, Tessa (Scott) Cooper, Jen Shelest and Nikki (Brad) Wutke, great-grandchildren, Lily, Dylan, Leland, Emily and Noah. She was predeceased by brothers Robert and David, survived by her older brother Walter (Lucy) and sister Marie. Alice was so lucky to have her many in-laws as best friends. Many nieces and nephews will remember her smile and loving nature.
The family would like to thank the staff of Kamloops Seniors Village for their care and understanding of Mom’s needs.
In lieu of flowers donations in Alice’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or Chase Lion’s Club, Box 12, Chase, BC V0E 1M0. No service at this time.
26 Tributes
So sorry to read of Alice’s passing. She was a lovely lady! We met her through the Rock Club in Sorrento!
Just a great lose for Aspen Drive. Our thought our with Frank and the family.
my heartfelt condolences, I am so sorry, she was a wonderful lady and will always be remembered as one who made a difference in many lives.
To Frank, Sandy(Glenn), Rob(Sherree), our sincere condolences to you and entire family in the passing of Alice. A terrific neighbor and and friend to all.
Sending condolences to Mr Shelest and family. Mrs Shelest was a wonderful lady, always a sense of humour. She will be missed by many especially in Chase. Prayers for all of you.
Sandy Rob Mr Shelest I am so very sorry to hear of Alice’s passing. She was a beautiful person and I know she will be missed
We would like to send Frank and family our deepest sympathy. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Frank and family, sincere condolences for the loss of a wonderful lady. She will never be forgotten.
Uncle Frank and Family, sending sincere condolences on the passing of Aunty Alice. Fond memories of Alice as I grew up in Chase, such a kind and genuine heart. Prayers and Hugs
I was saddened to hear of Aunty Alice’s passing.Sending my deepest condolences. She was a very special lady and I will cherish her memories. Keiko Dolsen
My sincere condolences to Uncle Frank and family. Aunty Alice, was such a kind soul with the heart of gold and always had a smile.
love and hugs to you all.
We are so very sorry to hear of Alice’s passing. Knowing Alice was a blessing, he committment to the community of Chase was a wonderful thing to witness. May she Rest In Peace.❤ from Betty Ann & Ross Beatty and our family.
Deepest sympathies to Frank and Alice’s family and loved ones.
Wonderful lady and excelled in all that she did. Honour to have known Alice. Thoughts are with Frank, Sandra, Rob and families.
MR Shelest,, Sandy, Rob & families. I am deeply saddened to read about the loss of Mrs Shelest. This warm, wonderful caring woman saw me grow up, from toddler years…Both Frank & her were fantastic neighbors & friends with Mom & Dad. Our families have so many deep roots & memories. I can’t believe she is gone. Sending my love & heartfelt condolences to the Shelest family.
Such sad news. A wonderful neighbor for many years. My condolences to Frank and the rest of the family. Much love to you all at this difficult time.
Alice was Chase. So thankful for solid ladies like her that made Chase the beautiful community I knew growing up. And yes Alice made my wedding cake. Sending love to you Rob, Sandy, and Frank.
Sincerely, Brenda Ens (Larsen)
My deepest sympathy to you Mr. Shelest and your family on the loss of Mrs. Shelest who was always such a nice lady.
I had such a good visit with her in Chase a few years ago as I was dealing with my health issues. She was very kind in how she was giving me love and support at that time.
Many hugs to you Mr. Shelest, from me in Sk. I hope you can feel them
So sorry to hear of Alice’s passing. She was a wonderful, dear, kind lady, and an exceptional Lion. Heartfelt condolences from the Chase Lions Club and all its members. Hugs to you Frank and the family.
So sorry to hear the news of Alice’s passing . Sending thoughts ,prayers and hugs Frank to you and your family .
So sorry to hear about Alice’s passing. May God bring you comfort at this time.
Sorry for your loss Frank and Family Hugs and prayers
Please accept our sincere sympathy, Frank, Sandy, Glenn, Rob, Sherree and families. Alice was a woman I grew up admiring for her kindness, strength of character and many talents. I have so many memories of our families spending time together. She will be missed.
andy, I was so sad to read about your Mom’s passing. My deepest sympathy to your Dad, yourself, Rob, and all your Family. Your Mom will be fondly remembered. She was a lovely lady. She is at peace now.
To all that have posted condolences. Dad, myself, my brother and our families thank you all for your kind words. Mom was special. We’re sure you can sense that from the words we wrote for her obituary. We will miss her and see so much kindness coming from you…..plenty to add to our memories.
Dad, I and Rob and our families thank all of you for your kind words. Mom will be sorely missed but what you have said will add to all our memories. We appreciate you for whatever time you spent in Mom’s company. She was happier for it.