QUANTZ, Alice May

July 8, 1932 — February 15, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Alice May Quantz, who passed away on February 15, 2024, at the age of 91, in Kelowna, BC.

Alice goes to join those who went before her, including her beloved husband, Reg (d. 2018); grandson Phillip (d. 2022); her parents, John and Mary; and all of her siblings. Left to treasure her memory are her two daughters, Yvonne Quantz and Brenda (Mark) Collins; grandaughter, Ashley; and great-grandchildren, Madalyn and Zayne.

Alice was the last of six children born to John and Mary Cook. She was the only birth in hospital, the first five were born at home on the farm.  She and her sisters, Doris and Ruth, have memories of making music on an old pump organ that their brother, Walter, purchased at a farm auction sale. The girls, as well as Mom, enjoyed many hours of pleasure playing it. Mom was kept busy repairing the pedal pump straps, which were old and worn out, causing them to break often.

Alice attended grades one to nine, riding to and from school on Molly, the old grey mare, at rural Rugby School, two–and–a–half miles from home. Alice attended grade ten at Swalwell High School, and grade twelve by correspondence. She later attended Henderson Secretarial College in Calgary, Alberta, ultimately securing a career with Ogilvie Flour Mills, Lewis Stationery in Calgary, and Pacific Paper in Vancouver. She eventually retired from executive secretarial positions at School Districts #87 (Stikine) and #88 (Terrace), in 1989.

Alice met Reg, at Calgary North Hill Church. They were married in June 1954.  In 1955 Yvonne and in 1958 Brenda joined the family.

Alice and Reg were always active in church activities, Reg as vocalist accompanied by Alice on piano.  While living in Terrace, Reg coordinated practices and services for the Good News Mens Quartet.  The quartet sang in churches from Prince George to Prince Rupert and Kitimat for eight years.  Alice played the keyboard to accompany the group. Alice and Reg moved from Terrace to Kelowna in 1989.  They, the Gospel Messengers, kept busy presenting gospel music concerts, at no charge, to care facilities, senior residences and/or to any location that extended an invitation to them.  Alice had also been a dedicated volunteer at Kelowna General Hospital for over seventeen years.

A Private Family Service will take place at a later date.

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