Alice (Barker) Whitfield

Alix

1910-2001

Description

Alice was born in England and came to Canada with her family in 1912. They homesteaded west of Rimbey, and came to this area in 1921. In 1930, she attended Olds College. She came to Alix in the fall of 1930, where she worked at C.A.D.P. She married Robert Whitfield in 1934. They joined the Alix Board of Trade. They had two daughters, Joyce and Darlene. During World War II, Alice was active in the Red Cross and Canadian Legion. After the war, they ran an electrical business and took part in the new Arena, Curling Club, Golf Course, Girl Guides, Figure Skating, Home and School, Senior Citizens Lodge, Drop In Centre, Public Library, Golf Club and the Museum. Alice was a founding member of the Alix Wagon Wheel Museum, and volunteered in every imaginable facet of the work required to establish and continue its growth. Robert died in 1975. Alice continued as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, United Church, Rebekah Lodge, and was Museum Curator for 25 years. Alice was an artist whose paintings interpreted the museum's displays. She also sewed, embroidered, knitted, crocheted, tatted, and did other handicrafts, and was known as a keen gardener.

Alice Whitfield was associated with the formation and maintenance of every worthwhile community-building group and activity in Alix.

Note of appreciation from Jean McDermand:
I'll never see or smell a Sweet William flower without thinking of Alice. Her yard was a cool haven to us girls in the summer. I don't ever remember her getting excited or irritated at our high spirits. Her birthday parties were artistic and special; dining table, good dishes, floral arrangement, the works, and we felt special. Alice was sensitive to others' hurts and quick to smooth troubled waters with a kind word at the appropriate time.