Obituary of Florence Irene GALLELLI

GALLELLI, Florence Irene (Biddy) January 1, 1918 – October 2, 2011 Biddy, beloved mother of Gary, Judi and Grant, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at the age of 93 years. Biddy was born in a farmhouse in Halkirk, Alberta at 12:01 AM January 1, 1918. She met the love of her life Harry in 1933 when she was 15 and 3 years later, in 1935, they were married. Biddy and Harry lived a nomadic life through the depression and WW II working for N. Gallelli & Sons in Calgary, on farms in Delia, in the coal mines in Nordegg and for Greyhound on the Alaska Highway. In 1945 Biddy and Harry moved back to Calgary where they lived for the rest of Biddy’s life. Biddy converted to Catholicism in 1948 and became involved in charity work culminating in her being named volunteer of the year in Calgary for her work with the Catholic Charities Clothes Bank. Biddy was an outstanding athlete competing at high levels in gymnastics, speed skating, softball, track and bowling. Biddy is survived by her sons Gary (Gail) and Grant (Allison), her daughter Judi, five grandchildren, Lisa (Mike), Laurinda (Chris), Gary Jr. (Jennifer), Jason (Julie) and Harrison and 12 loving great grandchildren. Biddy was predeceased by her husband Harry, her mother Frances, her father Louis and her two sisters Louise and Martha. The family would like to thank Lidija and Teresita for their devotion and care in making Biddy’s last years more comfortable. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) thursday, October 6, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Mary’s Cathedral (219 – 18th Avenue S.W.) thursday, October 6, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral (219 – 18th Avenue S.W.) on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Salvation Army, 420 – 9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0R9 Telephone: (403) 410-1111, www.salvationarmy.org. In living memory of Biddy Gallelli, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200.