Obituary of Charlotte Anne Foord (nee McNeil)

September 4, 1936 - Trochu, Alberta
September 13, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with much love that we mourn the passing of our mother and grandmother, Charlotte “Charlie” Foord on Monday, September 13, 2021, at the age of 85 years.

Charlie was born and raised in Trochu, AB. She was the eighth of nine children born to her parents, Pius and Denise McNeil. She graduated from Pontmain High School, moved to Calgary, and married Elmer in 1958. They purchased their lifelong home in Brentwood in 1961, where they raised their four children.

Mom was a talented and accomplished pianist, graduating from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Mom relished taking money off people while playing cards, and loved reading, long walks, skating, crosswords, singing, travel, and mixing drinks. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially our sweet dog Spot.

Mom and Dad had a tremendous circle of close friends, many of whom were members of the Calgary Elks Golf Club and the Associated Canadian Travelers. Later in life Mom learned to golf and fell in love with it, frequently spending their winters in Palm Springs, golfing at the Santa Rosa Golf Club. Mom had bragging rights to two holes in one, eight days apart!

Mom was very spiritual and had been a devout member of St Luke’s Church since its inception. She volunteered many hours with the CWL, Inn from the Cold, Jack Singer Concert Hall, and was especially proud of her involvement in the Calgary Olympics.

Mom loved to experience the world and was fortunate to travel to Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Ireland, England, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. We are blessed to have many amazing memories from a family cruise we took of the Western Caribbean in 2017.

Mom enjoyed a glass of Merlot, an orange pekoe in a fine China cup and a bottomless cup of coffee. Known for her gentle nature, kindness, and manners, nevertheless an unwary server could sense the urgency when greeted with a big smile and "where's the coffee for shits sake!", keeping them on their toes and her cup full. 

She is survived by her four children, Tracey (Ken), Jim, Parker (Kelly), and Maureen (Dan). Charlotte cherished her six grandchildren, Caitlin, Shannah, Jackson, Taryn, Jade (Adam), and Ayden. She also leaves behind her “honorary adoptees”, Noelle and Frank; as well as her sister Mary (Bob) Story, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Elmer, parents, five brothers, Donald, Gordon, Kelly, Roy, and Bryan; and her sisters, Aline and Josephine.

A Private Funeral Mass will be held. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Charlotte Foord, 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.