We Remember
KROL, Theresa
November 1, 1927 — October 15, 2022
Mrs Theresa Krol, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15, 2022, just two weeks shy of her 95th birthday, at the Cottonwoods Care Centre in Kelowna, BC. Theresa was born in Jarkovac, Yugoslavia to Johann and Susanna Kaufmann. At the end of WW2, the family fled to Austria mostly on foot, and settled near Villach, where she later met her husband, Alfons. Theresa and Alfons immigrated to Lethbridge, AB in June 1950. While raising their family and after several years of employment with St. Michael’s Hospital, they opened their own grocery store, eventually with both north and south Lethbridge locations. Theresa and Alfons enjoyed an early retirement and travelling, especially to Europe or to see family. Retirement also gave Theresa a chance to be a completely devoted “Oma” to her grandchildren. She also loved to read and to be in the kitchen, and all who sat at her table were in awe of her wonderful cooking and baking. Theresa was deeply loved by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom she gave lots of joy and amusement with the many traits that made her uniquely special.
Theresa was predeceased by her parents and her husband Alfons; two sisters, Kathe and Karolina, a brother, Michael Kaufmann; and a grandson, Michael Izsak. She is survived by her children, Erika, John (Audrey), Alfons (Penny) and Terese; and by her grandchildren Michele (Rick), Rob, Karmen (Lisa), Jeremy (Christine), Jessica (James), Gillian (Garth), Elana (Mark) and Walt; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Irma in Germany and Eva in Wisconsin; sister-in-law Colleen Kaufmann in Lethbridge; and many nieces and nephews in Canada, the USA, Germany, and Austria.
The family extends sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr Gayle Klammer and the wonderful staff at Cottonwoods Extended Care.
Arrangements and cremation took place in Kelowna by Springfield Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Lethbridge at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
As we were growing up, I remember your mother
Being so friendly and kind towards me. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. My love to you all.
John, Audrey and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories comfort you and bring you peace during this difficult time.
Sincere condolences, Ross and Shannon
To the Families of Mrs Krol…we extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of your dear Mother. We remember the times we gathered together with fond memories.
Take care,
Violet Hucik, Donna (Hucik) and Doug James
Theresa, or Big Oma, as I called her, was a wonderful Great Grandmother, she was loved, and still is loved, by all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I loved all the time she spent with us, I used to visit Kelowna in the summers, and days after we arrived, we would go see her. Big Oma was always smiling, calm, and happy to talk or listen.
With love, Annika Krol