February 12, 1928 - July 6, 2018
Pearl Kalesnikoff was born in Champion Creek to Nora and Aldakim Postnikoff. She grew up there with her older brother Pete, two older sisters Nora and Florence, and a younger sister Olga. As a teenager her summers were spent picking fruit in Wynndel and later working at a cannery in Summerland.
On February 4, 1947, Pearl married John Kalesnikoff (also from Champion Creek) and they spent the next 71 years happily together. In 1953 Pearl and John moved to Glade Central on Highway 3A, where Pearl raised their three children, gardened and looked after the farm animals. Twenty years later they moved into their current home in Thrums. Pearl loved to cook and bake. Her baked goods were always perfect--a work of art. She also enjoyed travelling; destinations over the years included Saskatchewan, the Lower Mainland, California, Puerto Vallarta and Russia.
Pearl was a lifetime member of the USCC. She was an active participant in meetings, festivals, cooking groups, and the Ladies Spiritual Group. She particularly loved to memorize and recite the Doukhobor psalms. John and Pearl were recently awarded the USCC Service Award recognizing their dedication and contributions to the organization.
Pearl will be missed and lovingly remembered by her family; husband John, sons John (Violet) and Bill (Marlene), daughter Ilean (Ken) Davidoff, 6 grandchildren (and partners), seven great grandchildren, and sister Olga. She was pre-deceased by grandson Jarrod Davidoff and great grandchildren Breigh and Dylan Kalesnikoff (at birth).
The family would like to thank Dr. Taylor and the staff at Talarico Place for the care they provided to Pearl, Castlegar Funeral Chapel, the Doukohbor psalmists, the Ladies Catering Group, the USCC and Brilliant Cultural Centre staff and volunteers, the grave diggers and Coleman Excavating, Peter Zaytsoff for his support, direction, and serving as MC at the funeral, and a special thank you to all of you who sent messages, flowers, food, donations, and took the time to come and support us as we said goodbye to Pearl.