Alice Elfriede Schultz

With gratitude for a life well lived, we share the news that Alice has peacefully passed away in Canmore. She was predeceased by her husband Sam (2021), her daughter Betty (2023), her brother Bruno (1970) and sister Helen (2023). 

Alice was born to Martha and Karl Brauer in the German-speaking village of Zychlin, Poland, the youngest of three children. Her early childhood was happily spent on the family farm with school in a neighboring village. When the Russian Red Army advanced to the area in 1944, Alice and her sister were evacuated to a children’s camp in Saxony; for 3 months they had no news about their parents or brother. In the closing days of the war, with cities and countryside in ruins, the family was reunited and in 1949 immigrated to Canada. Alice worked for a brief time as a housekeeper but as soon as she was sufficiently proficient in English she completed a diploma program for nursing aides. Those in the German-speaking community in Edmonton would gather at a hall for Saturday dances and it was on one of these evenings that she met Sam Schultz; they married in 1954. Within a few years they began their ventures into the hospitality industry and with hard work, integrity, and long hours, they progressed through hotels in Edberg, Alex, and Lethbridge. In 1968 they moved to Banff, which would be their beloved mountain home for the remainder of their lives. The Schultz family left a lasting legacy in the community through the businesses they developed and the support they provided to the arts, nature, healthcare, and local causes.

Alice lived every day to the fullest. She was an accomplished cook and baker, eager to try new recipes and gadgets. Always stylishly dressed and well-groomed, she was meticulous in everything, even her handwriting. Her zest for life was exemplified by her love of the natural world…long walks with her dog companions, biking, and skiing. Her greatest passion was hiking and she maintained a pace into her mid-80’s that few could match. 

An intrepid, open-minded adventurer, Alice travelled to all seven continents, enthusiastically exploring natural and cultural opportunities. When she needed a place of refuge her “happy place” was the south coast of Maui, where she could go for long beach walks, watch whales, and eat papaya every day. 

This remarkable woman touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity. Her family acknowledges, with sincere appreciation, the compassionate and attentive care provided by her team of health care professionals and volunteers. 

 In keeping with Alice’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. Her story continues through the many lives she touched. For those who wish to do so, memorial donations to the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley (www.pcsbv.ca) would be appreciated. 

Rest in peace, dear Alice.