Obituary of Margery Anne QUAN

September 9, 1942 – Calgary, Alberta
June 27, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Margery Quan, beloved wife of Leonard Quan and loving mother of Karri Quan, on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at the age of 78 years.

Margery was born in Calgary, AB on September 9, 1942, and continued to live in Calgary for all of her early schooling, university and married years. Margery graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and also completed a Master’s Degree in the same field.  Margery married Leonard on July 9, 1966, and they enjoyed 55 wonderful years of marriage and companionship together.

Margery was an accomplished and respected teacher with the Calgary Board of Education, and taught Grades 1-2, as well as K-6 Music.  Known for her beautiful voice, warm touch and an ability to bring out the untapped musical talents of the students she taught, Margery was a fervent advocate for music in the classroom, and made sure that every student had a special place in each performance, show and concert.

Margery loved to travel, and she enjoyed everything from tenting and camping in a van, to hotels and cruising. Margery was an adventurous eater, and would try almost anything, once. When she and Leonard were first married, she learned to eat with chopsticks by using them for every meal and every food, until she had become extremely comfortable with them. Leonard would cook many different delicacies, and Margery would try them, on the condition that she didn’t want to know what she was eating, until after she’d tried it.  This spirit of “give it a try” was a core quality of Margery’s personality, and resulted in many wonderful and adventurous life experiences.

While music and teaching were two of Margery’s passions, nothing quite compared to her love of family and friends. Margery loved people, and was always one of the first to volunteer to lend a hand.  She served as a Warden, on the Parish Council, and as an active member of the Fellowship Team for the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in downtown Calgary, and as the President of the Carl Orff Society of Calgary. Margery also volunteered for Reach to Recovery, and applied herself with diligence and enthusiasm to everything she did. Margery was happiest when she was involved with people and passions that let her share her many gifts, smiles and wisdom for the benefit of others.

Besides her loving husband and daughter, Margery is survived by her son-in-law Jan Rubak, and her two beloved grandchildren, Marah and Camelia; who were the lights of her life. Margery is also survived by her sisters, Diane Carey and Rosalind Brown; and her brothers-in-law, Garven Carey and Adam Brown; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Margery will be remembered for her generous spirit, her willingness to embrace and welcome everyone she met, and her sparkling eyes, laughter and sense of humour.  She and Leonard shared the kind of love that many of us only dream of, and their united strength, devotion and commitment to each other is a blessing that will remain as part of Margery’s legacy.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a brief reception in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Graveside Service to follow at Queens Park Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to join Mrs. Quan’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In Lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes in Margery’s name may be made directly to the Wings of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/wings-of-hope-breast-cancer-foundation/, the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, www.albertacancer.ca/memorial, or the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, www.childrenshospital.ab.ca.

In living memory of Margery, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, 
Telephone:  403-243-8200.

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