Obituary of Maura Elizabeth Boyd

Maura Elizabeth Boyd (nee Jackson) of Calgary, passed away on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at the age of 68 years. Born in Winnipeg, MB, Maura lived in Montreal, QC and Hamilton, ON, prior to moving to Calgary in 1968. She attended the Ontario Teachers’ College and the University of Calgary (B Ed, M Ed). Her love of teaching led her to focus on children with special educational needs. Later, she became a consultant in Special Education for the Calgary School Board. After retirement, she enjoyed helping others in preparing to become Teaching Assistants through the courses she gave at Columbia College. Excellence in her work was her gold standard, gaining the respect of her colleagues and earning the love of so many of her students whose lives she influenced. She truly “made a difference” to everyone she touched. Her nature was such that there evolved a rich and deep circle of friends in every area of her life. She treasured them all and was fiercely loyal to each one. She enjoyed travelling, but was happiest entertaining her friends in her home – ever the elegant and gracious hostess. Maura is survived by her mother, Eloise Jackson of Nanaimo, B.C.; and her sister, Marcia Boyd of Vancouver, B.C. There was never a better daughter, sister or friend than Maura. We have been blessed to have had her as a part of our lives and will always remember her for her kindness, warmth, generosity, sense of humour, caring personality, love of life and spirit. She leaves a wonderful legacy. A Celebration of Maura’s life will be held later in September. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. She had a passion for animals, particularly horses, dogs and cats. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta SPCA, 207 Meadowview Road, Red Deer, AB T4N 5Y5 Telephone: (403) 343-3129, the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca., or to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society, 5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5, Telephone: (403) 253-2059, www.calgaryfoodbank.ca. In living memory of Maura Boyd, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.