Obituary of Michelle Diane LISTER

April 15, 1971 -     Saskatoon,  Saskatchewan

May 1, 2020 – Calgary,    Alberta

It is with sadness we announce that Michelle Diane Lister aged 49 of Calgary, Alberta, passed away  peacefully on May 1, 2020 in her own home and on her own terms,  surrounded by family and friends.

She was born on April 15, 1971 in Saskatoon. She spent her early years Harvey Station, New Brunswick until her parents moved to Lesotho, Africa, in 1984. Lesotho, and the friends she made there stayed in her heart and she was thrilled to make a return trip there with her family several years ago. She finished the last of her high school years at Rothesay Netherwood School in Rothesay, NB, again making lifelong friends and again excelling in sports. She met Davin while living in Ottawa and in 1995; they moved to Calgary in 1997 where they have lived since.

Michelle made wonderful friends wherever she went and was very good at maintaining contact with them.   She loved to entertain, visit, party or just have coffee with her wide circle. Her love of sports and the outdoors continued throughout her life- camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, snowboarding and organized sports like basketball, floor hockey, spin classes, yoga. She and Davin loved to travel and ventured on extended trips before the girls were born. They then introduced their girls to travel and had a number of exciting vacations with them in China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Thailand, Namibia, South Africa and Lesotho.

Ten years ago, in April 2010, Michelle’s life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer.  She was determined to beat the disease and explored every avenue of treatment, both traditional and non-traditional. She had a highly competitive spirit which she utilized in her sporting activities and a spirit she used in her last decade in battling her disease.  Early on, this lead her to Mexico, later to trials in the States.  She also travelled to India twice to consult with Dr. Yeshi Dhonden.  In the final year, she had trials in Vancouver and Edmonton.  She never let this disease hold her back.  In this, she inspired countless people to fight and have hope.  One of her monikers online was “Mighty Mom” and it truly depicted her will to fight for her life.  She wanted to be there for her children and used every ounce of her strength to make sure that happened.

When talking to her many... many...many  friends and family around the world a few common words seem to spring up to describe Michelle.  Words like amazing, adventuresome, courageous, generous, strong, a fighter, funny and kind.  To her family she was all this and more.  She was the pillar upon which our family relied, always there with just the right word, and always expressing her love for her family and joy of life.  She may be gone but her memory and legacy will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Davin Ala, her beloved daughters, Mikaela (18), Adrienne (14) and Ciarra (10) and her dog, Stella. She is also survived by her mother, Hazel Cadieu of Calgary, parents, Ross and Chris Lister of St. Andrews, NB; and siblings Matthew (Tina), Dariel (Justin) Green and Andrew (Alexis);  brother-in-law Byron (Judy); sister-in-law Laurinda; father-in-law Gordon; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law Fritzi.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year when social distancing restrictions have lifted. If you wish to make a donation in Michelle’s name, please consider the Metastatic Breast Cancer Foundation. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Michelle’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Michelle Lister, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th STREET SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.