Colleen Klein, wife of Ralph Klein, has died at age 83

Colleen Klein has died.

Her daughter, Lisa Pinder, posted the news on social media late Tuesday afternoon.

Pinder says her mom was “forever the angel on my shoulder” and that Colleen and her late husband, former Calgary mayor and Alberta premier Ralph Klein “can rest easy together in eternity.”

A family statement was released later on Tuesday.

“Colleen passed away peacefully after a brief period of failing health,” the statement read, in part.

“Colleen’s presence in our lives was a source of endless love and warmth. Her compassionate spirit and dedication to helping others were hallmarks of her character. Though she is no longer with us, Colleen’s essence will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

“She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.”

Colleen was born in Victoria and grew up in B.C. and Ontario before moving to Alberta.

She married Ralph in 1972.

She was often at his side at events, including election nights during Ralph’s time as mayor and premier.

Colleen championed many charitable causes.

She received an honourary doctor of laws degree from the U of C in 2002.

She was 83.

According to the family statement, there will be no service as per Colleen’s request.