Alice Jean Jardine
May 13, 1935 – July 1, 2025
It is with heavy hearts and much love that the family of Alice Jardine announce her unexpected passing on Canada Day surrounded by family.
Left to cherish her memory are her four daughters: Carla (Randy) Baird; Cami (Wayne Rimmington) Jardine; Lori Vogrig; Lana (Bob) Nault; and son Peter Jardine. Also missing their grandmother are her five grandchildren: Rylee (Derek) Rieu; Branden (Hannah Decker) Baird; Samantha (Joel Tallerico) Nault; Daniel (Stephanie Manuel) Nault; Taylor Tom; and her three great-grandchildren Zachary Junior, Leah, Colt and her fourth great-grandchild due in September. She is also survived by sister-in-law Pat Fredericksen (Edmonton, AB) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alice was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years Bert (Pinky); grandson Zachary Jardine; parents Asta and Hans Fredericksen; brothers Eyvind and Peter Fredericksen; sister and brother-in-law Edith and Charley Primmer; mother-in-law and father-in-law Signe and Charles Jardine; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mim and Per Berg-Johannessen and nephew Dean Primmer.
How do we capture a lifetime into words and do you justice, Mom and Grandma?
Mom was born on May 13, 1935 in Redvers, Saskatchewan. When Mom was an infant, the Fredericksen family relocated to Kenora, Ontario where they resided in Norman. Mom attended Norman Elementary School and graduated from Lakewood Secondary District High School. From there, she graduated in July 1954 from Lakehead Centre with her Ontario Department of Health Training for Nursing Assistants Diploma. Mom chose to pursue her nursing profession at the Kenora General Hospital. It is here where she met her future husband while he was visiting a friend in the hospital. Mom continued to nurse for the next six years prior to the birth of their first child.
Our parents were married at the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Kenora on July 6, 1957 and made the Rideout their lifelong home. Together they raised their five children and enjoyed many friendships with their neighbouring families.
In 1968, Mom was approached by a friend and employee of the Kendo Credit Union who suggested that volunteering for them might be a nice break from her busy household. Here she served on the Education Committee for eight consecutive years. This was the beginning of Mom’s 58 years of dedicated, passionate, selfless volunteer service in our community.
Mom was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary Branch #12 Royal Canadian Legion following her initiation in October 1976. During her almost 50 years of service, Mom held the position of First Vice-President serving two terms; President for three consecutive years and Immediate Past President for a year. In addition, Mom served on the Sick and Welfare Committee for 15 years. She joined The Colour Party and carried the flag at Remembrance Day services and Zone Decoration Day for 35 years. Starting in 1999 and continuing to 2025, Mom brought comfort and treats to our Veterans, Veterans’ widows and Auxiliary Members once a month at Pinecrest Long-Term Care Home. On behalf of the Auxiliary, Mom assisted with the Blood Donor Clinics for 40 years. Mom was awarded a Certificate of Merit in 1985, Life Membership in 1991 and Lady of the Year in 2003. Mom was very appreciative of Wendy’s kindness in providing transportation to and from monthly meetings.
In 1995, Mom was initiated into the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #12 as an associate member and remained actively involved until her passing. Some of her roles included Annual Poppy Fund, Membership Committee and Chair of the Banquet Committee. In 2003, she received a Certificate of Merit for her exceptional service, dedication and commitment.
In 1978, Mom became a member of The Canadian Daughters’ League Assembly #63 and in 2003 she received her Life Membership. She served as both 1st and 2nd Vice President, assisted with monthly Bingos at Pinecrest and Birchwood (now Wiigwas) Long-Term Care Homes and various fundraising projects that benefitted our community and various charitable organizations.
Mom was involved with the Canadian Cancer Society for 26 years as a captain and canvasser in the Rideout area. She then held the role of Community Fundraising Chair for 15 years. In 1995, Mom introduced and organized Loonie Blue Jeans/Casual Fridays for businesses and schools and she assisted the Beta Sigma Phi for 20 years selling daffodils for their fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. In 1980, Mom began assisting with the realization of Terry Fox’s goals by selling merchandise and accepting donations in his honour.
Mom served on the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Board for nine consecutive years (1983-1991). In July 1992, she was appointed to the newly formed Lake of the Woods District Foundation and served as Fundraising Chair. In 1988, Mom was instrumental in the formation of the Tree of Life fundraising project. She was solely responsible for the entirety of this annual campaign from arranging a Christmas tree to the final step of publishing the names of all donors in a thank you letter in our local newspaper.
In 1994, Mom began her volunteer service with the Salvation Army. She was a member of the Advisory Council; assisted with the Red Shield Campaign; assisted with various duties at the Thrift Store; and she had a major role in the recruitment of volunteers and spent endless hours collecting donations at the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.
Mom became a member of the New Horizons Seniors’ Centre in 1999. Her first role was Hostess for the Fun and Fitness class where she prepared weekly luncheons. She then became more actively involved in the administrative roles serving as Vice-President, President, Honourary Past President, member of the Relocation Steering Committee and as a Director on the Board. One of Mom’s greatest accomplishments while volunteering with the Centre was the creation of the Swingin’ Seniors’ Celebration which began in June 2003 during Seniors Month and continued for 14 years. This event was a fun-filled day of amazing musical entertainment, food, prizes and friendship for the young and young at heart.
In 2010, Mom embarked on another volunteer position with the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts. Some of the fundraising initiatives you would see Mom at included Tag Days, Coffee Breaks, Taste of Kenora, and selling Cash Calendars and raffle tickets. Mom also enjoyed participating in the annual Flag Raising Ceremony for January Alzheimer Awareness Month with the Mayor, City Council and Alzheimer Society Staff and Board. Not only had Alzheimer Disease touched her life personally, but this also gave her a wonderful opportunity to spend time with her granddaughter Rylee.
Additionally, Mom also canvassed for the Arthritis Society; supported the Heart & Stroke Foundation by collecting donations and selling raffle tickets; and she also served on the committee to support the continuation of library services in Keewatin and the Keewatin Branch Senior Centre. Mom was honoured to cut and serve cake on Canada Day at the Harbourfront for many years.
Throughout Mom’s 58 years of volunteering, she demonstrated her love and passion for our community again and again, as well as her commitment to being of service to help make our community a better place for us all to live. Mom was always a strong believer in giving back to her community, a community she felt gave her so much. Mom was an incredible role model for her family, friends and indeed, for all citizens in our community.
Although Mom found so much pleasure in all the volunteer work she committed to, it was the friendships that were created along the way; the people she worked alongside with; and their shared passion that brought her so much joy. Mom always felt so blessed to have so many wonderful people in her life.
Mom’s faith also played an important role in her life. She was a dedicated member of Bethesda Lutheran Church and then Good Shepard Lutheran Church. Mom cherished Pastor Harold Borchardt, her church family and especially her “faithful friend” Lois. She enjoyed friendships with the church ladies and celebrating the monthly birthday lunches.
Although Mom’s life was full of many commitments outside of our home, she loved, supported and treasured her special and unique relationships with each of her children and grandchildren. Mom was extremely proud of each and everyone of us. Mom often spoke of her gratitude towards Dad for his active involvement behind the scenes, supporting and believing in the many worthwhile causes Mom committed her time to. Mom/Grandma also shared a special bond with Peter’s dog, Rip, who would be at her side showering her with attention and affection.
Our family extends our deepest appreciation and gratitude to EMS; Dr. Melanie Kowal; Dr. Maxine Carlisle; Dr. Julie Kickbush; Dr. Akila Wiley; ER staff; 3 East and Housekeeping staff; Dietary Staff; OT and Physio staff of Lake of the Woods District Hospital; Ontario Health at Home Physio Patti; SCFHT Susan McLeod; Community Paramedics (Darren and Dave); ORANGE Pilots and Paramedics (Louis and Josh); Dr. Jamie Stone and Dr. A of Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre and the ER and GB 2 staff.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 10:30am at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre with Cathy Giroux officiating. A luncheon will be served following the service. A family interment will take place after the luncheon.
The service will be live streamed at: https://fweb.tv/189715
In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated in Alice’s memory to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation Tree of Life and the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts.
Mom, your life was a blessing
Your memory a treasure
You are loved beyond words
You are missed beyond measure