The brightest star, shining up above is our loving and devoted “mamička”.
Eva (Župančičova) Kočalka was born in Vrutky, Slovakia on February 25, 1946. She completed Teachers College in 1965 and then she was employed as kindergarten principal in the mountain village of Malatina. There she met, and soon married, Vladimír (also known as Walter) Kočalka on June 18, 1967.
Together with their son, they emigrated to Winnipeg, MB in 1969 for a challenging and exciting adventure. They came with not much more than a hope and a dream for a beautiful life. In 1973 they settled in the mining town of Esterhazy, SK, where they raised their children, Robert, Martin, Eva, and Nadine. The community embraced them and they created lifelong friendships with other new immigrants and locals alike. They built a life of solid family values, hard, earnest work and created many cherished memories while sharing their Slovak language and traditions with their children and friends.
Although a fully educated and accomplished kindergarten principal, Eva didn’t return to her career in Canada. She was a devoted mother who provided for her family by planting massive gardens, canning, preserving, making deer sausage, extracting honey, sewing, crocheting ,and knitting.
For many years the family enjoyed their cottages at Sandy Lake, MB where they bonded around campfires creating more lifelong friends. Always adventurous, they saved carefully so that they could continue to travel throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and Eva’s favourite, Hawaii!
Eva continued to educate herself throughout her life in arts, culture, and her passion for world history. Her memory was sharp and she could easily share facts on all topics right to her final days.
Eva was a graceful dancer, had a natural creativity, and loved painting watercolour flowers. As an avid flower gardener, she shared plants that will continue to bloom as a beautiful reminder of her generosity. A generous and nurturing spirit, she was always willing to give of herself to her kids, friends, church, and community. Her warmth and outgoing personality embraced all those who knew her. But that didn’t mean she’d let you win at cards or family games! She was a master at Chinese checkers and somehow was always first to get a Yahtzee!
Most of all, Eva was known for her mastery in the kitchen. Her traditional Slovak soups, stews, dumplings, cakes, and cookies are surely remembered by anyone who had the great pleasure to taste them. No one who visited ever left hungry!
Of all her many talents and hobbies, nothing brought her more joy than her grandsons. Adamik, Alex, Quinn, Leif, Cohen and Max were the light of her life. Starká, we will miss you filling our bellies and our hearts.
Eva passed peacefully in the comfort of her home with her children and devoted husband by her side.
Now she will grace the dance floors of heaven.
Her life will be celebrated by her husband of 54 years, Vladimir (Walter);
Sons: Robert and Martin (Samantha)
Daughters: Eva (Christopher) and Nadine (Bradley)
Grandsons: Adamik (Tylane), Alexander, Quinn, Leif, Cohen and Max
Niece: Alena Domitreková & extended family in Slovakia, too large to name them all.
Childhood Best Friend: Viera Liškova and many other friends.
Predeceased by parents: Alexander, Maria and sisters: Božena, Alica, Maria in Slovakia.
The family wishes to acknowledge the Esterhazy Home Care professionals who provided the most compassionate care at this difficult time. We are grateful for your support in helping mom transition to her next journey.
The family wishes that you light a candle in Eva’s honour.