KRALKA, Louise
- January 20, 2026
It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Louise Kralka, on January 20, 2026, at the age of 68. She died peacefully surrounded by family and friends at the end of her unrelenting cancer journey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Suzanne Ranger and Peter Kralka. She is survived by her loving husband, Shawn McBride, her children, Patrick (Sonia), Christopher (Lauren), her sister Johanne (Gary), and her two beautiful grandchildren, Gabrielle and Mia. She leaves behind her cherished nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends who will forever keep her in their hearts.
Together with her husband of 43 years, they built a life defined by laughter, travels, mutual devotion, and a shared love for their family. Her first calling was as a professional contemporary dancer, followed by a successful career in commercial printing for over 30 years. She was exceptionally skilled and well respected by the printing community. Louise also volunteered for Scouts Canada and chaired the Dawson College Board of Governors.
She had various hobbies, from golfing to scrapbooking and gardening. She was an avid Scrabble player and traveler. Through her years of practicing yoga, she became proficient and took on the role of yoga teacher at various studios throughout the West Island.
Always friendly and outgoing, Louise was the center of an extensive and varied circle of dear friends, who will remember her for her sharp wit, her listening ear, and her ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room.
Her biggest promotion in life was becoming “Grandma Lou”: she spoiled both Gaby and Mia with love and affection. Making “Storytime with Grandma Lou” videos, where she would dress up and read children’s books. Louise cherished her role as “Grandma Lou”, and the girls will miss their cuddles and adventures with her, but will keep her forever in their memories.
Even throughout her illness, she maintained her grace and concern for others, reminding those around her to cherish every moment. Her spirit will remain forever in our hearts.
The celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Voluntas Funeral Home, 4695 Boulevard Saint-Jean in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. Visitation will start at noon, remembrance service will take place at 2 pm. Reception will follow the service, until 5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the West Island Cancer Wellness Center.
Joan Woffenden Lawton
January 25, 2026 at 5:12 pmMay Louise’s soul rest in peace Amen
Karin Toff
January 26, 2026 at 3:13 pmSending my deepest condolences to the entire family , which Louise loved and cherished so much. She didn’t just lighten up the room with her positive vibes and energy, she left unforgettable memories. The way she cued yoga poses will definitely stay with me FOREVER.
Joan Woffenden Lawton
January 25, 2026 at 5:29 pmHeartfelt condolences to Shawn and his family
Kathi Danis
January 25, 2026 at 7:24 pmLouise never had a bad day on the golf course, always keeping us entertained with her Grandma Lou stories. Her joie de vivre was unmatched. She will be missed. Deepest condolences to her family.
Bernetta (Bernie) Renard
January 25, 2026 at 7:51 pmLouise had a wonderful sense of humor and was quick witted which was always followed with a beautiful smile and and a twinkle in her eye. It was a pleasure to have known you. You will be missed Loulabelle! My deepest condolences to your family.
Daniel Benoit
January 25, 2026 at 11:43 pmLouise, un modèle à suivre. Son dynamisme, sa loyauté envers ses amis, son dévouement, son honnêteté ne sont pas des mots d’une langue de bois, c’est de la sincérité pure. Louise, ce fut un privilège de te rencontrer sur ma route, je vais m’ennuyer de ton rire de ton écoute sincère, RIP je vais me souvenir de toi jusqu’à ma mort.
Marianne Thorborg
January 26, 2026 at 9:20 amLouise entered a room like sunshine. Her contagious laughter, radiant presence, love for the communities she nourished and fluidly moved between, and her many eloquent and insightful anecdotes are carried like a treasure in my heart. Thank you, Louise!
Leslie Graham
January 26, 2026 at 10:13 am“Good bye?……. oh no, please. Can’t we go back to page one and start again”? Winnie the Pooh.
Elia Gromko
January 26, 2026 at 11:10 amDeepest condolences to her family, We will all miss you. The Tuesday Ladies Golf Group
Noreen Gavin
January 26, 2026 at 1:18 pmIt is a very sad time for all who knew and loved Louise..such a positive beautiful Lady. My condolences to you Shawn, Patrick and Sonia and Chris and Lauren and sister Johanne. Til we meet again..Bless all!!
Susan Walker
January 26, 2026 at 3:11 pmI had the pleasure of knowing Louise through Yoga at Sattva. Louise was a kind, giving, caring, funny , loving soul. Louise brought Joy to Everyone that was blessed to have known her . Louise you will be truly missed, your presence is felt during our Yoga practises with your Dear Friend Linda Marchand . Every moment I think of you Louise I SMILE deeply ❤️
Jacques Parent
January 26, 2026 at 4:42 pmJ’ai eu le plaisir de travailler avec Louise durant plusieurs années {Bowne de Montréal et Integria) et ce fut un réel plaisir de te côtoyer. Mes plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille.
Mark Casazza
January 26, 2026 at 4:36 pmShe moved through the world with kindness, grace, and a happy heart. Her warmth lives on in every life she touched.
Craig and Shawna
January 26, 2026 at 5:35 pmI had to smile when I read about “Storytime with Grandma Lou.” Our Saturday morning yoga group was very familiar with those stories, along with so many others she shared with us. Louise had a special way of making yoga feel both spiritual and fun, always keeping it light-hearted. She truly was a breath of fresh air.
Louise loved changing the names of poses to match the season—most recently with reindeer and winter holiday poses. I came to expect them from year to year, and yes, they could be a little corny… but they got me EVERY time! The joy in her smile was absolutely contagious. She didn’t even need a special occasion to rename a pose; sometimes she simply made up her own pose altogether, proudly calling it “Lou-Asanas”.
I am very grateful to have had the good fortune to enjoy Louise’s creativity, warmth, and playful spirit. She leaves an impression that will continue to bring smiles long after her mat is rolled up.
Namaste.
Greg Patterson
January 28, 2026 at 9:54 amMy condolences Shawn on the passing of your wife.
Annette and Gary Hudson
January 28, 2026 at 1:15 pmCondolences to Shawn and all the family at this difficult time.
Brian Kizner
January 28, 2026 at 5:55 pmI am sincerely sorry, Shawn and family for your loss. Condolences to all.
Michelle Tymocko
January 28, 2026 at 6:16 pmMy heartfelt sympathy to Shawn and all the family. May you find comfort in the love and memories shared.
Dwight Macdonald
January 28, 2026 at 8:02 pmI’m very sorry to hear this sad news dear Shawn and family. What a nice memory you have shared, may you have comfort in remembering her.
Kate Wells
January 28, 2026 at 11:52 pmLouise was a good friend who brought me into her circle of friends at L’Ecole des Ballets Jazz in the 1980’s. We were roommates for a few years before she met Shawn and settled into raising a family. My heartfelt condolences to Shawn and family. Louise was a bright star filled with happiness and light. May she rest in peace.
Susan Nicol
January 29, 2026 at 10:30 amLouise was such a wonderful person. Golfing with Louise was always fun. My sincere sympathy for your loss. May your precious memories bring you comfort during this heartbreaking time.
Camille Isaacs-Morell
January 29, 2026 at 10:49 amMy condolences to Louise’s family. As a former business contact and yoga student, Louise was truly a fine human being, a bright, gentle light and a kind soul. I will forever remember our yoga classes. Rest in eternal peace, dear Louise.
Melissa Manganaro
January 30, 2026 at 6:25 amI had the privilege and honor to be taught by Louise for my yoga practice. I met Louise 5 years ago when I was attending Sattva. She was not only great at helping me understanding yoga postures and improving my technique, she would give inspiring quotes and messages in each class that helped shift my mindset and improve my anxiety. Louise was a beautiful and lovely lady who emitted such a positive and calm energy as soon as she entered the room. My sincere condolences to her friends and family for this great tragic loss. Even though she is no longer physically present with us, I will always remember her words of wisdom she would share in every class.
Sandie Chisholm
January 30, 2026 at 3:36 pmI cannot believe my wonderful cousin Louise is gone. I am truly heartbroken. I will love you always.
Denise and Richard Gavin
January 30, 2026 at 4:57 pmOur sincerest condolences to you and your family for the loss of Louise.
She Was always so happy, energetic and outgoing. She will be missed by all.
Her memories will live on.
Renée Tymocko
January 31, 2026 at 7:51 amMy deepest sympathies to Shawn and family.
Marianne Redston
January 31, 2026 at 8:12 amI would like to share my deepest condolences to Louise’s family and friends. I had the privilege of attending her yoga classes, she had such a presence and a way of making you feel important. At the time, my husband was also battling cancer, it always amazed me how Louise was able to push through and continue doing what she loved despite her illness. I never had the chance to tell her how I admired her. Thank you Louise for being so caring and a source of inspiration to is all, you will be missed.
Me-Loi Hong
January 31, 2026 at 9:10 amOur sincere condolences to the family of Louise. Years ago I met her in a yoga class she taught, she was full of energy. I know Pat and Sonya’s family and send strength to them on this day. Thinking of you, Me-Loi and Wilson Chin
Eve de Repentigny
January 31, 2026 at 10:06 amMerci Louise pour les belles matinées de yoga du samedi. Elle est toujours notre compagne; invisible , mais présente (Victor Hugo).
À la famille de Louise ,veuillez recevoir l’expression de ma meilleur sympathie.
Benjamin Arcieri
January 31, 2026 at 2:33 pmMy sincerest condolences to Shawn, Patrick, and Christopher Mc Bride.
Wendy and Troy Mayes
January 31, 2026 at 5:03 pmA beautiful service to commemorate a beautiful person. We had the absolute pleasure of meeting Louise and Shawn on a trip to Morocco in 2017 and from that moment could consider them friends. The warmth and love spoken about today was evident from the outset. Louise was generous with the time she devoted to people and her evenness and calm aided in unifying a group of travellers from different countries and backgrounds. We remained in touch and were happy to host Louise and Shawn during part of their trip to Australia. Time and place makes no difference when you know you have made a lasting connection. We picked up where we left off, made more memories, shared laughs and learned new things about each other and ourselves. Although our time in Montreal later this year will be marked by an absence, we look forward to visiting Louise’s home, reminiscing with Shawn and perhaps meeting some of Louise’s family and friends. Her enthusiasm for life and infectious smile will be lasting memories.
Our deepest condolences to Shawn, family and friends.
Donna
February 2, 2026 at 4:15 pmI love you Lou