> Details

Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
ALICE LITTLE (BOULDEN) Obituary pic

ALICE LITTLE (BOULDEN)

Born: Nov 04, 1929

Date of Passing: Jul 23, 2012

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ALICE LITTLE (nee BOULDEN) November 4, 1929 - July 23, 2012 We announce, with deep regret, the passing of Alice Little at the age of 82 years on July 23, 2012. Predeceased by her parents, the late Winnipeg Fire Chief Donald Alexander Boulden and his wife Isabella (née Grant), her infant sister Elizabeth Lucile, her beloved younger brother, Grant Alexander Boulden in 1998, and Ralph, her husband of over 50 years, in 2005. She is survived by her elder son, Hon. Justice Donald Little, his wife Barbara, five grandchildren: Nancy, Ainsley, Christopher, Jacqueline, Monica, and two great-grandchildren; and her younger son, retired R.C.M.P. officer Grant Little, wife Rayel, and granddaughter, Reena. She will also be missed by nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada, the USA and the UK and many friends. Born in Winnipeg on November 4, 1929, Alice was proud to remind us that her birth year was also notable for the recognition in law of women as persons. She grew up in Winnipeg and attended Grosvenor School, Robert H. Smith School, and Kelvin High School. At age 16, she entered United College and graduated in 1949 with a B.A. (French and Latin). Although she won many awards her most prized was the Théâtre Pin for three years of French plays. She often said she then performed for 33 years in public education, and finally, during her long and challenging bout with cancer, went for the Oscar! At 19, Alice became the teaching principal of a two-room rural school at Hilton, Manitoba. On December 1, 1951, she married Donald Ralph Little and in 1952 they moved to Hartney, Manitoba where she taught French, and their marriage was blessed with the birth of their sons, Donald Mark and David Grant. In 1987, when Ralph retired and they moved to Winnipeg, she taught English at Ecole Norberry and Collège Jeanne-Sauvé in St. Vital until 1990. Alice contributed to her chosen profession by serving on provincial curriculum committees for Basic French, piloting programs, and providing professional development across our province. She received the Encyclopedia Britannica Award from The Canadian College of Teachers in 1983 for outstanding teaching in Canada's two official languages. Alice's love of travel led her to visit every Canadian province and most of the USA. She travelled six times to Europe, studied in France in 1974 and guided her sons on the Champs Elysées in Paris to appreciate her love for everything French , and enjoyed the wonderful service on cruise ships in the Caribbean and to Alaska. She modeled life-long learning by studying Spanish in retirement (practicing it in Cuba) and becoming computer-literate to fill our e-mail boxes regularly. In retirement Alice defined community service. She was a volunteer with Block Parents, Teen Touch, the Fringe Festival, the Pan-Am Games, and a public speaking judge in schools and for Toastmistresses International. She became interested in the work of the Winnipeg Inner City Missions guided by her former pupil, Rev. Margaret Mullin. She was interested in teaching students in geriatric nursing, and helping the elderly through the Manitoba Society of Seniors and supported the first W.R.H.A. Patient Safety Council. She helped Osborne House as speaker, consultant, and trainer, persistently lobbied for education and health, worked tirelessly for the NDP, and was presented the Pioneer Award by Premier Doer in February 2008. She enjoyed her more recent work for Judy Wasylycia-Leis in 2010, navigating her scooter to campaign headquarters rain or shine, while, as she said, watching out for buses and bullets, panhandlers and potholes! Finally, Alice's letters to the editor, and interviews on television and radio, provided a voice for many who needed help. She made a difference and she will be missed. Until recently, she enjoyed good health ( ten days of sick leave in 33 years of teaching! ), and always exuded super-abundant energy, a way with words, a fighting spirit, a sense of humour, and resilience. Alice readily welcomed each stage of her life, from a walkathon to a walker. This spring, she sailed in the Caribbean and visited Grant, Rayel, and Reena in Alberta, and she and her flag-adorned scooter featured in Osborne Village as recently as this past Canada Day. Alice loved and was loved and she knew it. During her recent and final illness she boasted not of courage, wisdom or faith, but rather showed perspective, humour, and appreciation for all who cared for her, including the day before her passing when she arrived at hospital. She took her lumps , let the chips fall where they may, and lived her life fully and authentically. Alice wanted to extend special thanks to many helpers, counselors, former pupils, professionals at CancerCare, especially devoted friends Carolyn Little, Terry, Jeff, Judy, Karen, Leanna, Val, Vicki, Janet, Lillian, Edna, Katharine, Donna, Krista, Pam, Randy, and Darcy, and all of the wonderful workers who assisted her to remain in her home until the day before her passing. Family and friends will celebrate Alice's life at 11:00 a. m. on Monday, July 30, 2012, at the E. J. Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street, in Winnipeg. Interment will occur at Elmwood Cemetery that afternoon. Donations in Alice's memory may be made to: Osborne House, Box 397, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2H6; the Inner City Missions, Box 2444, Station Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4A7; or the Winnipeg Fire Museum, 56 Maple Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0Y8. An on-line condolence book is available at www.ejcoutu.com to celebrate, as recorded on her grave marker in Elmwood Cemetery, this lass unparallel'd. Adieu chère Alice. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street (204) 253-5086
Publish Date: Jul 28, 2012

ALICE LITTLE (nee BOULDEN) November 4, 1929 - July 23, 2012 We are very sad to announce that Alice Little died at the age of 82 years on Monday, July 23, 2012, in Winnipeg, MB. Funeral service will be held at the Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street, on Monday, July 30, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. The family invites those who knew Alice to sign an online book of condolences at ejcoutu.com. A complete obituary will appear in the Saturday newspaper. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. (204) 253-5086
Publish Date: Jul 25, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 28, 2012

Condolences & Memories (51 entries)

  • Alice, my Mom joined you on December 20, 2018. I hope you were there to greet her. I miss you Alice and I miss my Mom, Leslie - Posted by: Leslie Worthington (Friend) on: Aug 09, 2019

  • I think of you often; I miss our chats, still hard to believe you are gone, RIP Alice - Posted by: Leslie Worthington (Friend) on: Aug 26, 2018

  • Mrs Little practice taught me for a few weeks in Grade 11, and returned to Hartney Collegiate to teach French in Grade 12. Learned more than in the previous five years! She was so awesome and lively, and I remember her four inch spiked heels every day! The family, before kids, I think, lived above the locker at Joplings store. I was very young, but hired to clean suite prior to them moving. In later years she was aware that I could use some cash, so hired me to baby-sit their boys as babies at their later little home. I also remember Mr Ralph Little coming into the Chinese Cafe every day for coffee with a bunch of locals and matching for coffee to see who would pay! Also a kind and gentle soul! Many memories! Blessings to Alice & Ralph's family! Edith Tarbet, nee Morden, Barrhead, AB - Posted by: Edith (Morden) Tarbet (Teacher/mentor) on: Mar 12, 2018

  • She was my favorite teacher - Posted by: Keith Bobyk (Student) on: Jul 03, 2017

  • I still miss you my strong, caring and courageous Alice. You will always have a place in my heart. XO - Posted by: Leanna Zanewich (Friend) on: Jun 07, 2016

  • You'll never be forgotten, I miss you very much. RIP dear friend - Posted by: Leslie & Bill (Friend) on: Jul 23, 2015

  • Nice lady. - Posted by: Minces necromincer (Buddy) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • Alice and I met at a World Health Organization conference in Vancouver. And for quite a few years were dear friends. I vividly remember the weekly chats we used to have. She shared with me many stories about her life and family, and one thing that stood out was her great sense of humor. I will certainly miss Alice. - Posted by: Ed Mendoza (Friend) on: Jul 23, 2013

  • Missing you my dear friend! I live by your words...carry on bravely! Love Les & Bill - Posted by: Leslie & Bill Worthington (Friend) on: Jul 23, 2013

  • I had the privilege of getting to know Alice in 2007 when I sought her help for my mother who was in an interim nursing home and I feared, not being well treated. Alice did everything she could to help me fight the system. In the end, I found a wonderfully, inspirational friend who loved life and taught us all how to make it the best we possibly can. Notre monde aura connu une rose très spéciale en toi, chère Alice. Ginette Richer, Joliette, Québec - Posted by: Ginette Richer (friend) on: Aug 17, 2012

  • I have always admired Alice for your fighting spirit and her heart of gold. She will not be forgotten. - Posted by: Cécile Khan (Friend and colleague) on: Aug 04, 2012

  • My condolences to all who will no longer be getting Those Alice Epistles. Early on, she described the Reality of Small Town Life; later, How To Really Teach Kids; then Exposing the Dismal Truth of Patient's Rights; a stint of Helping Women Through a Rough Patch; and finally, How To Die With Grace and Guts. A lifetime example of One Tough Babe. My last visit with her was October 2010, when we had three days of extraordinary talking, and Wow! How She Could Hug. She was a one-of-a-kind and I am proud to be related to her. My wish is that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will come to know and respect her example. - Posted by: Marjory Olsen Olson (Cousin: our mothers were sisters) on: Aug 03, 2012

  • Donald, Grant and families. I am so sorry to learn of your dear mother's passing. My many memories of her go back 80 years when she was 3 and I was 9 at the house on Grosvenor, at our grandparents' house on Sherburn and at Hartney when you were just kids. She was an inspiration to so many because of her keen interest and activities, even in her scooter days. XOXO, Ruth - Posted by: Ruth Ilsley (cousin) on: Aug 01, 2012

  • "Mrs Little" to me was a very special teacher....kind, patient, passionate, dedicated to a life of teaching. She definitely left her mark! My father Larry Clarke taught with her for many years at Hartney. Back in the day they had such a great time inside and outside of school. House parties were quite the thing back then. There was much laughter!! My father talked of her later in life with great admiration and respect. My sincere condolences to her family. - Posted by: Cathy Clarke ((Former student/Hartney)) on: Jul 31, 2012

  • Sleep well Alice, you were great to me and all the Clarke's. Your yearly newsletter will be missed and so will you!! - Posted by: jackie clarke (friend) on: Jul 31, 2012

  • I knew Alice long before I met her; my husband Bill often told me stories of his time teaching in Hartney, and of the formidable woman who smoothed his way and inspired him as a teacher. Then, one day, in my office at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, I took a call from -- Alice Little! She was arranging one of her "French trips" to Winnipeg, and wanted to include an opportunity to look at French art in the Gallery's collection (or on slides, as we didn't always have French art on display). I quickly became one of Alice's fan club, and Bill and I have both enjoyed, over the years, the "epistles" and occasionally personal notes as well. As someone else said, I suspect Alice is not exactly "resting in peace." Wherever she is, there may not be wrongs to right, but there will certainly be things that could be better organized... - Posted by: Carol MacDonnell (Friend and former colleague) on: Jul 31, 2012

  • It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Alice Little. I have known Alice since 1964 when, as a very young teacher at Hartney, I faced a long stressful year in an environment totally new to me. But Alice (and the late Larry Clarke) made it a year that I now fondly remember. Alice especially made me feel part of the team, and by inviting me into their exuberant lives, part of the town. I have spent the last 45 years or so involved in education, but I owe it to the wit and enthusiasm of Alice and Larry that I have been able to enjoy almost every minute of those years. Alice's energy, humour, determination and humanity have positively influenced the multitudes who have known her. - Posted by: Bill MacDonnell (Friend and former colleague) on: Jul 31, 2012

  • Mrs. Little is still making a difference. Teaching culture and art and opening us up to many new experiences in a French class has been invaluable throughout life in so many ways. Thank you Alice. - Posted by: Donalda (Galbraith) Vandenberghe (former student) on: Jul 30, 2012

  • Alice was an inspiration to us all. As a teacher, she introduced us to so many new things - yes, even roquefort cheese and escargot - and let us know there was a life beyond Hartney High. As a friend, she let us know that there was life beyond the confines of our imagination. She loved life more than anyone I know, embracing it with all its pain and its joy. She appreciated equally the mundane and the quirky, the details and the big picture. I will miss her generosity, her spirit of adventure and courage, and her endless energy. May she rest in peace, knowing that she has touched the lives of so many people, in so many ways. - Posted by: Cathryn (Colp) Roos (friend, former student Hartney High School) on: Jul 30, 2012

  • "Mrs Little" gave so many of us an amazing gift, a love of learning and an appreciation of life outside of our small community. She will be forever missed. - Posted by: Sharon Thomas Deminiac (former student) on: Jul 30, 2012

  • We have known Alice since she and Ralph were married as Ralph was a first cousin. She was a very passionate and determined person in anything that she "set her sights on". We had many telephone and email conversations and we will miss her regular epistles. Her last contact with us was a thank you for past friendship as she said she was "on her way out" which we didn't think was as serious as I now realize it was. Rest in Peace! - Posted by: Raymomd and Muriel Hill (Ralph's first cousin) on: Jul 30, 2012

  • It is hard to believe that Alice is actually gone. I thought, (well hoped) that she would live forever. She was an inspiration to me, a woman who spoke her mind from an early age when women just did not do that. She did not believe in compromise, she did not accept bullsh*t and she spoke up when she saw something was wrong or someone was being taken advantage of. I will miss her e-mails and her yearly epistles, always full of wonderful stories and details of how she was speaking out and making those in power accountable, most recently those of us in healthcare. In one of her last messages to me she ended with the following; “Enjoy all you can while you can. I am. Live, love, laugh Ever the optimist! Do keep the patient in mind..... too few do, these days....and why else do hospitals exist?” I promise I will do my best to live up to those expectations. I want to say rest well Alice, and yet I just imagine that wherever she is, she is not resting, but scooting around and speaking her truth to all she encounters. Pam - Posted by: Pam Marshall (Friend) on: Jul 29, 2012

  • Alice Little: look up 'educator' in the dictionary and you will see her picture. The best lessons she taught were not the ones that got us though an exam and then soon forgotten, but those that we never forgot and they got us through life. An amazing teacher who put in the 'extras' every day. It's been 33 years since graduation, but every time I visit an art gallery, I still remember Mrs Little and say my thank you for having her as a teacher. One of the many by-products of taking French was learning about art - specifically French Impressionists - but it grows from there. - Posted by: Doreen Lecuyer (Galbraith) (former student) on: Jul 29, 2012

  • With deepest sympathy to Alice's Family and closest friends. We were neighbours of Alice and Ralf in the early 70s in Hartney, Manitoba, when Colin was Manager of the Bank of Montreal, Hartney. Her friendship helped us through the long praire winters those first few years in Canada. We stayed in touch over the years by way of her Newsy Epistles. - Posted by: Helen and Colin Oldham (Neighbour) on: Jul 28, 2012

  • I MET ALICE SEVERAL TIMES THROUGH MY SISTER, LESLIE WORTHINGTON. I LOVED HER SPARK, AS SHE WORKED DILIGENTLY AS A PATIENT SAFETY ADVOCATE. REST IN PEACE DEAR ALICE. - Posted by: Val Lee (Acquitance) on: Jul 28, 2012

  • Teacher,mentor, surrogate mother, warrior princess, Alice has flown. There is a resonating void, but we will learn to fill it as we bring her back into the moments of our days. What a gift she will be, still. Carry on bravely! Ce n'est qu'un aurevoir! Attends nous! On fera la fête! - Posted by: Céline Papillon (Co conspirator and surrogate daughter) on: Jul 28, 2012

  • We will miss you dear Alice; a true Patient Advocate. Love Les & Bill "A Little Healthcare Advice for Today's Patient" by Alice Little http://thepatientfactor.com/canadian-health-care-stories/a-little-health-care-advice-for-todays-patients/ - Posted by: Leslie & Bill Worthington (Friend) on: Jul 28, 2012

  • Was a very nice lady...always had a story...will miss cooking her comfort food, as she always called it...and will especially miss her. Glad she got good use out of that scooter! And if anybody left footprints on this earth, it was definitely her! Hugs and prayers for her family! - Posted by: April Campbell (friend/cook) on: Jul 28, 2012

  • As my teacher, she taught through example, animation and made learning fun and interesting. From cheese fondues (have never grown to like Roquefort) to the infamous French field trip to Winnipeg. I will never forget staying in the old Mall Hotel on Portage. Mrs. Little never sugar coated anything, and told us as it is. Our field trip was exciting and busy, it was up to us to keep up. She also taught me a love for travel as I did so vicariously through her emails and messages. As an educator, Mrs. Little was a mentor offering words of wisdom, suggestions and always encouragement. She always found a way to make the tunnel shorter and any task achievable. Her lust for knowledge, truth and words to back up her beliefs demonstrate a person who continually fought the “good fight”. Not only in her personal health, but for those voice was seldom heard, Mrs. Little was a force to be reckoned with. She was excited for me as I have been planning a 6 month trip to Europe for the past 3 years. Mrs. Little would send me clips and photos of travels of hidden get-a-ways along with the well- known tourist spots as she shared many thoughts on places to see and go. As my long awaited adventure begins this fall, instead of sending emails and messages to Mrs. Little, she can watch from above and be my guardian tourist angel. I will miss Mrs. Little along her updates and Christmas messages. She has been an inspiration to me as a student, educator and friend. - Posted by: Bev. Isabey (former student and friend) on: Jul 28, 2012

  • I had heard such glowing stories about her from Terry. I then had the good fortune of meeting her as a peer educator in St. Vital School Division. What charm, dedication, commitment and professionalism. She has left her mark wherever she has taught and a lasting legacy. May she enjoy her eternal reward. Repose en paix. - Posted by: Norbert Philippe (Peer educator) on: Jul 28, 2012

  • Residents and businesses of Fort Garry Place will always remember Alice "scootering" down the mall, she will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Margaret Stefiuk (friend) on: Jul 28, 2012

  • What an interesting obituary of a life well-lived! I remember Alice as an "older girl" when I was growing up on Dorchester Ave.,across the lane from the Bouldens, and I was at Grosvenor School with Grant, who was my age. I wish I could have known Alice as an adult, but I'm glad she had such a rich life. My condolences to the family on their loss. - Posted by: Barbara (Dennis) Fisher () on: Jul 28, 2012

  • LIONEL LIVED AT ALICE AND RALPHS IN 1958 WHILE WORKING AT ELEVATOR WITH RALPH FOR UGG, SHE WAS A GREAT PERSON ANOTHER ANGEL TO WATCH OVER EVERYONE> - Posted by: lionel and jean fisher (friend) on: Jul 28, 2012

  • Mrs. Little was my mother's cousin. I very much appreciated knowing her, as she was always very energetic and full of life. I particularly looked forward to her Epistles. She has enriched my life. - Posted by: Karl Olson (second cousin once removed (I think)) on: Jul 28, 2012

  • Alice made my heart smile the first time I met her. She spoke at one of the Osborne House events and when she took the mic, one could have heard a pin drop in the room. We had many wonderful times together and I already miss her deeply. She used to leave me voicemails of encouragement and I am so grateful that when I last saw her, she told me that she loved me and I told her "I love you too sweetheart". I will treasure that moment forever. Rest in peace my dear friend. - Posted by: Barbara Judt (Friend, CEO Osborne House Inc. ) on: Jul 27, 2012

  • Alice was the best teacher I ever had...and a friend "for all seasons". RIP Alice. - Posted by: Terry Borys (Friend) on: Jul 27, 2012

  • Mrs. Little was my French teacher in high school. She was very knowledgeable and caring! She was my favourite teacher! - Posted by: Heather Swaenepoel (former student - Hartney High School) on: Jul 27, 2012

  • Alice - always knowledgeable, always entertaining. She will be missed. - Posted by: Frank & Thelma Basiuk and family. (Fellow teacher Hartney School) on: Jul 27, 2012

  • I taught with Alice for two years. She was smart, honest and fearless, an inspiring person. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten. - Posted by: Ed Labossiere (colleague) on: Jul 27, 2012

  • I taught Alice in a summer linguistics course at the U of Wpg. in about 1977. I loved her passion for all things French! We stayed in touch through annual Christmas letters shared both ways and the odd telephone call and two visits in Winnipeg in recent years. What a spark plug personality she was...a true Canadian and a champion for bilingualism. Jill Wyatt, Calgary, Alberta - Posted by: Jill Wyatt (friend) on: Jul 26, 2012

  • 70 years of friendship, I will miss Alice always. She was a true and wonderful person who affected many lives for the better. - Posted by: carol robertrson (close friend) on: Jul 26, 2012

  • Gone, but truly not forgotten! - Posted by: Valerie McKelvey (Friend) on: Jul 26, 2012

  • Alice was the whole package: passion for French, her students; intelligent and knowledgeable in many areas; took an interest in her peers; fearless. Outside of the classroom, she had a zest for life and culture. She was a great cook and hostess. She needed to go to the Big City and be in the centre of things. I was lucky to know her and Ralph, her husband, as knowing them made my life richer! - Posted by: Jerry Araujo (fellow teacher, at Hartney Collegiate) on: Jul 26, 2012

  • I grew up with Alice on Grosvenor Ave and we spent many happy summers playing cards and monopoly. Although our lives changed with homes in separate parts of the country, we always kept in touch and visited every summer. She was an outstanding teacher and very special friend. I shall miss her dearly. - Posted by: Carole Scoon (childhhood friend) on: Jul 25, 2012

  • Alice was a neat lady with so many stories. Hope she has a good time where she is now - Posted by: BobbiSturby (Friend) on: Jul 25, 2012

  • She was an awesome teacher who taught me tons but most of all - confidence. - Posted by: Roger Hardy (student/friend) on: Jul 25, 2012

  • I didn't know Alice too well, but of what I do know, she was a very nice and kind person. - Posted by: Lorraine Turner (acquaintance) on: Jul 25, 2012

  • Alice was a very nice and classy lady. She had a lot to deal with and she handled it quite well. - Posted by: LORRAINE TURNER (friend) on: Jul 25, 2012

  • Alice was an amazing woman! I have to thank her for giving me an attitude adjustment in high school French class. I would not be where I am today. My sincere sympathy to her family and friends. - Posted by: Lorraine Lewis (Former student) on: Jul 25, 2012

  • Feel very fortunate to have been able to reconnect with Alice in the last 6 years. Always enjoyed our heated political debates, Even last week on my last visit, she was teaching me, with the same vigor she exalted in my English class of 1963. Will miss you Alice but always remember you as someone special, and how you beat the odds, you were one of a kind, and I am better off for having known you. God Bless..Darcy - Posted by: Darcy Decock (Former student \Hartney High School) on: Jul 25, 2012

  • Simply put.. Knowing Alice was one of the best gifts I have ever received in my life! I will dearly miss her. - Posted by: Monica Mirlycourtois (friend) on: Jul 25, 2012

❮ Go Back to Listings