Obituary of Mary Forkheim

April 15, 1928 - Strathclair, Manitoba
December 1, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Mary passed on from this earthly life, peacefully, on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the age of 93 years.
She is now reunited with her husband Alfred; youngest son Mark and daughter-in-law Sandra; as well as her parents; sisters, and many other family members.  She leaves behind her children Louise (James), Paul, Terry (Karen), Michael (Hilarie), and Alan; thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Loretta (Barry) Hollins; several nieces and nephews and their families; and her former daughter-in-law Margaret. 
Faith, family and culture were important parts of her life, and this legacy has been passed on to her children and grandchildren.  A steady faith in God and commitment to church life, a dedication to family and special family occasions, and a continuation of celebrations and traditions from cultural heritage have been important aspects of her life. 
Mary and Alf, although originally from Manitoba, raised their family in Calgary.  They met in Winnipeg, married in 1953, and continued life in Winnipeg until the mid-1960’s when Alf’s career took them to Alberta.  Family ties remained close, and for the rest of their lives there were many trips back to Manitoba.  Many friendships formed through the years, both in Alberta and Manitoba, often through shared interests of the outdoors (camping, golfing, and cabin life),  and of their faith.  They maintained close contact with so many friends and family all through their years.    
Mary grew up in rural Manitoba on the family farm in the Dolyny District of rural Manitoba along with her sister Martha (who later married Peter Chanway of Winnipeg). As a young adult she ventured into the city of Winnipeg where she met new friends, attended Business College and then found employment in her field. Mary’s parents were Paul Labay and Catherine Zurbyk whose families were Ukrainian immigrants, part of the wave of rural farming settlers in the early 1900’s.  Mary came from a hard-working and well-respected community and her children are grateful for that heritage.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral service for immediate family only will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Mary’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to Chalice Canada’s child sponsorship program (chalice.ca).  The family thanks the staff at Agecare Glenmore for both their professional and personal care.  

In living memory of Mary Forkheim, 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.