Elfrieda Parmley

Elfrieda Parmley, (Mom, Sister, Oma and Auntie) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the age of 90 years.

Elfrieda was born in Romania (formally known as Bessarabia) on December 5, 1935, to parents Papa Christian Klauss (deceased 1945) and Mutter Adaline (Haase) Klauss (deceased 1943).

Elfrieda immigrated to Canada in 1949, following the Second World War, with three of her sisters. Her eldest sister, Emma, remained in Germany to raise her family. In Calgary, Elfrieda met the love of her life, Albert. They married in 1954 and together built a life filled with love, raising their two children, Wayne and Debbie.

Elfrieda found joy in sewing, knitting, gardening, and preparing delicious meals, especially her beloved cabbage rolls. She took great pride in creating a beautiful home and garden. Her yard was known for its stunning flowers and abundant vegetable garden, and her great-grandchildren cherished memories of picking raspberries by her side. The gazebo she and Albert built together became the backdrop for countless family photographs and treasured moments.

After retiring in 1993, Elfrieda and Albert returned to the Parmley homestead near Kelvington, Saskatchewan, where they spent three happy years gardening, hosting family gatherings, and enjoying farm life. Bonfires, snowmobile rides, and visits from local wildlife created lasting memories. In 1995, they returned to Calgary to be closer to their growing family.

She faced a brief battle with cancer with remarkable courage, grace, and determination. Even after learning her illness was incurable, she met each day with strength and resilience, inspiring her family with the same unwavering spirit that defined her life.

Elfrieda will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Debra Parmley of Calgary; granddaughter Michelle (Stephen) Stolz of Calgary; great-granddaughter, Cassandra (Justin) Haacke; great-great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Rhys Haacke of Calgary; great-grandson, Alexander Stolz of Calgary; sisters, Irma Knarr (and family) of Stratford Ontario and Holly Olinger (and family) of Calgary. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Phillip (Valerie) Parmley and family of Courtney, BC; sister-in-law, Beatrice Parmley of Wadena, Sk. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 58 years Albert Marlowe Parmley (2012); son, Walter Wayne Parmley (2022); sisters, Emma Bucher (1992) and Carmen (Hilda) Möhl (2013).

For those who can not attend in person may join the livestream of the service at the following link. Join the livestream