Obituary of Regina O’Grady

After a courageous battle against cancer, Regina O’Grady passed away peacefully at the Foothills Medical Centre on Saturday, November 5th, 2005 at the age of thirty-two. Regina was born at Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland on February 2nd, 1973 and lived in her native land until the O’Grady family immigrated to Canada in October of 1988. Regina met Jamie in Calgary and they made their home here, but Reggie maintained strong ties to Ireland through visits home and frequent late night, long distance phone calls. Reggie’s charisma, loyalty, feistiness, and sense of fun and adventure won her a large circle of friends and her penchant for impromptu, highly-enthusiastic performances of Irish dance often found her encircled by cheering and clapping crowds. Reggie loved her family, to travel, dogs, shopping, chocolate, the phone, the ocean, her hair, her friends, Jimmy, and nights out at the pub. She loved life, lived well, and fought hard and bravely for every moment she could get. Her moments were fewer than they should have been, but fewer still are those who fill their moments so well, as she did. Though Regina’s time with us was brief, she leaves a legacy of friendship, laughter, devotion, dignity, poise, fun, and good-natured mischief worthy of several lifetimes. Regina O’Grady shone brightly while she was with us. She still shines in the hearts of those who knew her. Beloved daughter of Michael and Regina Sr., cherished sister of Michael Jr., Martin (Christina), Darren (Jennifer), and Claire; Aunt to Brendan, Peter, Paul, Sarah, and Roisin. Dearly loved spouse, companion, and best friend to Jamie Howell. Precious friend to countless others. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers, Tributes and Visitation at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Tuesday, November 8th at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14th Street S.W.) on Wednesday, November 9th, at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 944 – 2433. It was Regina’s desire to rest beside the ocean in her native land and so, following ceremonies in Calgary, Reggie will be going home to Ireland. In living memory of Regina O’Grady, a tree will be planted by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.