Tolman (nee Storch), Alma Louise
June 17, 1924 - February 3, 2014
Alma Louise Tolman (nee Storch) born June 17, 1924 on the family farm, Morrin, Alberta, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2014 at age 89, surrounded by family, in St. Mary’s Health Care Centre, Trochu, Alberta after a lengthy illness. She attended Hillsgreen School through grade 9 then the Olds School of Agriculture for two years.
Alma married Robert Greening Tolman on Christmas Day, 1947 on the Storch family farm. February, 1948 she and Bob joined Bob’s parents on the Tolman family farm, near Rumsey and overlooking the Red Deer River. Bob and Alma had three children: Elizabeth Marie (Betty), Lorraine Alma who arrived 3 years later, and 3 years after that, Robert Sherman (Bob Jr.). Alma was predeceased by Bob, her husband of 42 years; her parents, George and Mary Storch; two sisters, two brothers and six brothers- and sisters-in-law. She is survived by four sisters, two brothers and two sisters-in-law and by her three children and their families: Betty and John of Parson, British Columbia, Lenette (Matthew, son Joshua) and Mark (Charmaine, sons Hunter and Jesse) all of New Zealand; Lorraine and Ron east of Strathmore, Rebecca (Adam, sons Caleb and Ty) of Strathmore and Daniel of Calgary; Bob and Joanne of Rumsey, Kyle (Danielle, son Rhett) of Trochu, Drew (Shayla) and Seth of Rumsey. Alma’s memorial was held February 10, 2014 in the Rumsey Hall with Reverend Hunter of Olds officiating. Kneehill Funeral Services in Three Hills were entrusted with arrangements (403-442-2123). Thank-you, Ed. Alma’s faith in the Lord was strong and unwavering as a generation of young people in her Sunday School classes can attest. Her love of art shone from her artwork in photography, oil, water colour, pencil, copper tooling, needlework and clay sculpting. Her skill in sewing, knitting and crocheting was as renowned as her extensive vegetable and flower gardens. Her baking and cooking is still remembered with longing. Her decorated cakes were prized centerpieces. Her gentle refinement, sincere caring, and her hospitality were unsurpassed. We children know we were unconditionally loved, but Mom’s crowning glory was her grandchildren. Her love for them was returned to her one hundred-fold. Alma is not gone - her great-grandchildren will know her through photos and heart-felt memories and through her traits that are a part of each one of us. We most gratefully thank the dedicated staff of St. Mary’s in Trochu who were so instrumental in maintaining Grammy’s physical and emotional quality of life. They truly demonstrate “Pay it Forward”.
Donations in Alma’s honour may be made to: St. Mary’s Health Care Centre: PO Box 100, Trochu Alberta T0M2C0 or Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta: 10531 Kingsway Ave, Edmonton Alberta T5H 4K1. Grammy’s creed: “A house is built of logs and stones, of tiles and posts and tiers; a home is built of loving deeds that stands a thousand years.” We strive to follow Grammy’s principles and her example and know she continues to understand and love when we fall short. We mourn her passing; celebrate her exceptional life and spirit; cherish and pass on our memories. Job well done, Grammy. Rest in peace.
