Obituary of Roxie Eveline Neale

October 8, 1922 - Kerrobert, Saskatchewan
September 15, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Roxie Neale of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at the age of 98 years.

Roxie was born in Kerrobert, SK on October 8, 1922 and moved to Inglewood, Calgary shortly after in 1924. Roxie’s father Art Anderson worked for the CPR as a conductor and Calgary remained home for the family. She grew up in Calgary and later went to nursing school in Vancouver at VGH, graduating in 1946. Roxie continued her nursing education by going to McGill for a graduate nursing program, finishing in 1947. She met her future husband at McGill (Ward) who was an undergrad student in geology. Roxie married Ward Neale in 1950, shortly thereafter, travelling to New Haven, CT for Ward’s graduate school at Yale. During Ward’s geological field work in Northern Quebec, he named a lake after her, “Roxie Lake”, in Mistassini Territory, PQ. Over the next 40 years home was Ottawa, then London, England, Ottawa again, St John’s Newfoundland (once in 70’s and once in 80’s) and Calgary in mid 70’s. In 1987 Roxie and Ward retired in Calgary. Roxie was very active with the Unitarian Church and also involved with the hiking and cross country ski clubs (Skrastins and Evergreen). Roxie regularly participated in the Birkebeiner ski race and last competed in the Lake Louise Loppet (oldest skier “age 85”) in 2008 with Ward. She was a frequent participant in the AWA Calgary Tower Climb and Run for Wilderness last competing with her grandchildren Adam and Kelsey (climbing Calgary Tower) in 2009. Roxie and Ward both enjoyed golf and travelled around western Canada in pursuit of new golf courses. Roxie also volunteered with the CUPS charity in downtown Calgary. Roxie loved to play the piano and organ. She also had a passion for reading and was able to continue this activity into her late 90’s.

Roxie is survived by her son Curtis (Tina) Neale and grandchildren Adam and Kelsey Neale. Roxie was predeceased by her loving husband Ward, her son Rick and parents Arthur and Clara Anderson (nee Kilde) and brother Cliff Anderson.

The family would like to thank all of the health care providers who worked with Roxie at the George Boyack nursing home, where Roxie was a resident after 2013.

A Private Funeral Service was held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Roxie’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends desire a donation to the Alberta Wilderness Federation can be made in Roxie’s memory.

In living memory of Roxie Neale 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.