Obituary of Theodora (Theo) Garrick

GARRICK, Theodora Adams (nee Edwards)
June 22, 1928 – Hamilton, Ontario
January 29, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

With gratitude for her life and sadness at her loss, the family of Theodora (Theo) Garrick announces her peaceful passing on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at age 93. We are grateful that she has been released from the ravages of dementia. 

Theo, a first-generation Canadian, was the youngest of three daughters born in Hamilton, ON, to a Scottish mother, Christina Niven Cooper, and an American father, William Theodore Edwards. She came to Calgary as a young wife and mother in December 1949. Her early years were filled with academics, athletics, and singing – always singing. She often spoke fondly of entertaining on radio programs and at troop shows during the war. Theo sang in church choirs for nearly 80 years as well in other choruses during her youth, in many trios with her sisters, and with Debut Opera and the Calgary Bach Society. In fact, she sang “all the time.” It was like breathing for her. “I have had pleasure enough. I have had singing.” Theo was well-known for her shortbread, brownies and pies, knitting skills, fondness of crossword and jigsaw puzzles, Scrabble prowess, and lovely perennial gardens. She was a prolific volunteer with various United Church congregations over the years.

Theo is survived by her children, Craig (Laura), Michael Brent, Barbara, Ellen, Mark (Patricia), Karen and Blair; as well as eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two sisters-in-law, Gwen Cochrane of Grimsby, ON, and Peggy Stolte (Joe) of Edmonton, AB; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Theo was predeceased by her son, Scott (1958) daughter, Christine (1990), and husband of 60 years, David (2009), as well as all three of her siblings, Mary LeVan, Eloise Mantle and Richard Cochrane.

A decision regarding a memorial service will be made at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca,  the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Calgary & Area Chapter, 150, 110 Quarry Park Blvd. S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 3G3 Telephone: (403) 250-7090, www.mssociety.ca, S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www.stars.ca, as these were all charities Theo supported. The family offers thanks to the caring team at Bow View Manor for their devotion and kindness to Theo this past year and to those at Edgemont Revera for the four and a half years of care and friendship previous to that. 

In living memory of Theodora Garrick, 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.