Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

Like the entire Edmonton community, I was deeply saddened when Elexis Schloss passed away on October 31, 2024.

Elexis was a woman who lived a life of service. Her joy and passion for helping so many causes in our city and province will be hard to match and, without question, will never be replaced.

A truly vibrant individual, Elexis exhibited a rare and unrelenting focus on making life better for not just those around her, but those a world away as well. Her list of personal achievements is incredible—from successful career ventures in design, architecture, fashion, and more, to brushing shoulders with the likes of actor Sean Penn, the late Queen Elizabeth, and various other world leaders and public figures.  Her remarkable achievements were surpassed only by her unrelenting commitment to health and human rights, and her embodiment of goodness.

For her many contributions to humanity, Elexis received a plethora of awards, not the least of which being her induction into the Order of Canada.

I first met Elexis in 2005, and I could see she was a major champion of women’s health, including the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Amongst her triumphs, she led the creation of Compassion House to support out-of-town breast cancer patients and, alongside her dear friend Diane Buchanan, created the CAPE (Caring and Providing Empowerment) clinic for inner city residents.

A prominent member of the Jewish community and woman of faith, she directed many efforts toward supporting the Jewish community in her home of Edmonton and focused on helping those who needed it most. She cared deeply about those experiencing homelessness, and was known to personally knit toques, mittens and scarves for homeless shelters. She also handed out gift cards for meals to those who needed them most—she kept these in her purse and was always ready.

Elexis inspired us all to be better, and to do better. I am one of those people. I will miss that beautiful smile and that honest and enduring hug that enveloped me, whenever we met, and the cheerful texts we would send to each other on that one special day in July—as we shared a birthday. My heart goes out to Elexis’ husband Dr. Eric Schloss and their family, and the many women whom, just like Elexis, are vibrant and caring leaders in our city, who mourn a close confidante and co-conspirator for good. We are fortunate to have these women in our lives.

Hers is a light that will not be extinguished. Thank you for everything, Elexis, our dear and cherished friend.

Sharlene

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Edmonton Journal Obituaries: Elexis Schloss

PHOTO: Elexis Schloss (right) and her husband Dr. Eric Schloss (left) as pictured attending Harvest Celebration on September 21, 2024, at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Harvest Celebration is an annual gala in support of the Lois Hole Hospital for Women (source: Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation).