Obituary of ERNO Marianne

February 14, 1950 - Drumheller, Alberta           
July 4, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta  

Marianne Erno, beloved widow of Brian Patrick Erno of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2020 at the age of 70 years.

Marianne was born in Drumheller, AB, on Valentine’s Day - February 14, 1950.  She grew up in Lethbridge and graduated as Valedictorian from Catholic Central High School. She married Brian in 1970 and then moved to Edmonton to attend University. They moved to Calgary in 1980 for Brian to pursue his career in the oil patch, with four kids in tow.

Marianne graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Pharmacy in 1973 and practiced briefly before “retiring” to focus on being a stellar Mom and keeping the busy household running like a well oiled machine, using her financial wizardry to stretch every dollar so that the family never did without.

Growing up, she was a dedicated member of the Girl Guides of Canada, receiving all her cords and participating in numerous guiding camps and events.  As an adult, she continued her participation as a leader (Brown Owl) for her daughters’ groups and was a District and Division Commissioner, receiving a Letter of Commendation for her work. She was also a tireless volunteer at her children’s schools and various activities. She worked as a school assistant and got great joy from helping children to learn, especially those who were new to learning english.

Marianne had a passion for travel and was rapidly checking off destinations. Included in her recent travels were trips to Morocco, Estonia, China, Costa Rica, Panama, Hungary, Greece, Malta, Tunisia, Botswana, Croatia, Germany, Italy, the UK, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Cuba and many trips to Mexico and The Netherlands.  She often travelled with her children and grandchildren and took great joy in experiencing new adventures with them.   Marianne loved to walk and soak up the sun. She prided herself on clocking at least 30,000 steps plus 100 flights of stairs a day on her Fitbit, a habit she kept up until a few weeks before her passing.

Marianne was an amazing cook and baker, as well as an accomplished seamstress. She hosted big family dinners at least twice a month, where she would put out enough food to feed an army, including a dish to suit each of her picky children and grandchildren, with leftovers to feed them for a week.  She was always baking cookies, muffins, squares and loaves to give away, although her freezer was also always stocked.  Her children’s teachers loved her Christmas basket of homemade goodies every year.  Sugar cookies were her trademark that she would make for every holiday (and non-holiday) just so that she could decorate them with her grandkids.  She also created custom cakes for each child and grandchild’s birthday, with memorable ones featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, Hot Wheels and an aquarium full of sea creatures.

She will be most remembered for bursting into song for every occasion. She had a song that was appropriate for everything and knew the lyrics for every classic musical ever written. She was also a die hard Green Bay Packers fan and shareholder, who would host a lavish Super Bowl party every year, even if her Pack didn’t make it and she was one of the only ones interested in the game.

Marianne is survived by her three daughters, Jennifer Hijdra (Ruud) of The Netherlands, Cathy Tearoe (Mike) of Calgary, and Michelle Shah of Calgary, as well as her son Greg Erno (Shannon) of Calgary.  She is also a beloved grandma to five grandchildren – Lucas Reyes, Cassidy and Kaden Shah, and Andrew and James Erno, all of Calgary. She had a very special relationship with each of her grandchildren, hosting sleepovers for them on an almost weekly basis, attending their school and extracurricular activities and spoiling them at every opportunity.

Marianne is also survived by her three brothers Jim Gerla (Colleen) of Lethbridge, Don Gerla (Noreen) of Chemainus and Mike Gerla of Richmond, as well as a sister-in-law Pauline Kostek of Lethbridge and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marianne was predeceased by her husband Brian in 1998, as well as her parents Lloyd and Leah Gerla.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.  Due to the current public health crisis, services will unfortunately be limited to invitation only due to social distancing requirements. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brooke Cemetery. We plan to hold a celebration of Marianne’s life when the current health crisis is over. Details to follow. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Marianne’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email: donorservices@cancer.ab.ca.

In living memory of Marianne Erno, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.