Elizabeth "Liz" Bakke

Bakke, Elizabeth (Liz) – October 9, 1938 – April 22, 2023

Our beautiful Mom left this earthly world peacefully surrounded by her loving family and has gained her angel wings.  Mom was born in Lamont, Alberta and raised on a farm in the Andrew/Wostok area of northern Alberta.  In 1961 Mom married the love of her life, Verne Bakke, and moved to Calgary.  Shortly after settling in Calgary, they found their little piece of paradise on a farm north of Airdrie.  Together they raised three children, Joy, Gail and Rod and we were blessed with a loving Mom and Dad who created a wonderful, caring and fun world for the family to enjoy and grow up in.  Mom was an excellent cook, and on Sundays always prepared a large dinner.  We never knew who was going to show up, and Mom warmly welcomed all who entered our home with a wonderful meal and open arms.  Mom worked tirelessly for her family.  From raising over 1,000 laying hens and being known to her customers as the “Egg Lady”, she made weekly deliveries to her numerous customers in Calgary who became dear friends.  Mom knew how to be a good friend and it shows from the overwhelming response we have received from her passing.  She was employed off farm as well, working at several Airdrie businesses – Stan Yee’s store, Dr. Ellis’ office, the old Butcher Shop, Sears, the Airdrie Drugstore and Pharmasave, Hallmark, Rocky View School Division, Co-op and Superstore.  Through her employment, Mom gained lifelong friends, and knew what it seemed to be, everyone in Airdrie.  We could not go shopping or lunching without running into friends and enjoying a visit.  Mom not only contributed to our community of Airdrie through her employment, she was also generous with volunteering her time and talents.  When Covid restricted her to her retirement home, Mom and her good friend Debbie Ferguson spent the entire lockdown making masks and scrub caps to donate to health care workers and anyone else who needed them.  Whoever needed assistance or someone to talk to, Mom was there with a helping hand and listening ear and was always generous with her time, love and gifts for others.  Mom was a fabulous baker and often would bake her delicious delights and share them with her fellow residents and staff.  Mom would comment with such pride that by the time she arrived at her room she didn’t have any baking left as everyone wanted to enjoy it!  She was a woman of many talents, including knitting and crocheting, and many people have one of her countless teddy bears she handcrafted.  First and foremost, Mom was a devoted wife, mother and friend and we love her and miss her beyond words.

Mom was predeceased by her loving husband, Verne Bakke, daughter-in-law Sherrill Bakke, father and mother Joseph and Eugenia Plesko, brother Alexander Plesko, sister Mary Hunchak.  She is survived by her children, Joy (Herry) Soepono, Gail (Larry) Butz, Rod Bakke (Wendy Saunders), grandchildren Holly (Cody), Christopher (Leah), Danielle, Justine (Fab), Kristen (Sam), Taylor (Janice), Laura (Mitch) and Nikita, as well as her great grandchildren Junebug, Payton, Theo, Zack and Brooklyn.  She is also survived by her sisters, Olga Bakewell, Ann Sibbald, Gladys Gammon and Gloria Panchuk. 

 Services will be held at Airdrie United Church, 216 First Ave NE, Airdrie at 11:00 am, Friday, May 12.  Lunch to be served immediately after the service.  Private internment to be held in Airdrie at a later date.   In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom's name can be made to the Cedarwood Station Resident's Social Club via e-transfer to bianca.bedford@optimaliving.ca