Obituary of Connie Irving

April 30, 1951 – Stirling, Ontario

July 14, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Our Mom, our biggest supporter and our rock passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 14, 2022, surrounded by her family, at the age of 71 years. 

Connie Irving (nee Tucker) was born on April 30, 1951 in Stirling On. Mom grew up on the local Stirling dairy farm to an incredibly loving family, including her mom Evva (d. 1996), father Roy (d. 2016), and three brothers Geordie, Ralph (d. 1991) and Leslie. Mom was always a farm girl at heart working hard at everything she did and never shied away from helping others as much as possible. In her early years mom was always around to help on the farm in any way possible including helping raise her little brothers, cooking amazing meals, and helping feed all the animals and milking the cows. Mom often took part in volunteering and helping around the community as a proud member of the local Hastings, 4-H club. In high school she was actively involved in a number of extra-curricular activities and sports and was the head cheerleader and prom queen in her senior year. After graduating from high school, mom moved to Toronto to pursue a career in modelling. Mom was breath-taking! She was beautiful! She was accepted to numerous universities but decided to pursue a career in Fashion and attended the Patricia Stevens Career College where she graduated in 1971 with a Fashion Merchandising Diploma and the top academic award. She then modeled for a number of years with David E Rae’s Bridal often appearing in national magazines such as the Bride and Groom. While living in the same building Connie met the love of her life, Ric. They spent a number of their early dating years living together in Yorkville and when possible travelling around including a memorable trip down to Barbados. They eventually married on Aug 9, 1975 in Stirling, ON and had over 50 incredibly loving years together. She was everything to our father. They transferred a few times from Ontario to Alberta in the late 70’s and early 80’s but eventually found their family home in Calgary in the mid-80’s. They eventually welcomed their two children Lindsay and Connor. Connie decided to stay at home and raise her kids. Dad always said she graduated high school three times given she helped Lindsay and Connor with all their homework and studies. Connie was an avid curler and played in a number of bonspiels throughout Ontario and Alberta. She also found time to play many rounds of bridge with her girl friends and “the Gang” out at the cabin on Pigeon Lake and eventually spent plenty of time in Radium, BC and Palm Springs, CA with her best friends. Connie eventually went back to work when her kids were grown up. She loved working hard and being busy. Initially she went back to the bridal industry working with local Calgary bridal showers helping with layouts and designs. She then transitioned to the real estate industry where she did interior design and sold hundreds of condos in Calgary, AB, Radium, BC and Sicamous, BC for several Calgary different developers. In her later years she joined a toy distributor as a “Toycoon”, or as our family liked to think, our personal family “elf” helping choose and distribute toys to all of the Co-ops around Calgary.

Throughout the years Connie welcomed five grandchildren, Addison, Ella, Griffin, Tia and Andie. Connie absolutely adored and loved being their "Granny". She spoiled all of her grandchildren rotten either by creating memories or finding the perfect little gifts for any occasion just because she could. 

She loved cooking huge, wonderful meals for the entire family, reading and watching romantic comedies with Ric, collecting antiques, scrapbooking, crafting, and decorating the house for all occasions and loved throwing birthday parties where she meticulously designed the table spread, gift wrapping and treats depending on who’s party it was and the specific theme. She was truly incredible at making your day feel very special! She was always making clothes and our halloween costumes were all made from scratch each year and were always the best on the block. But it was Christmas that was her favorite time of year. She always went all out and made a beautiful and delicious meal, which was always a turkey dinner (even though Ric always asked for ham haha). All the gifts were found months in advance, were wrapped with care and were all so special and amazing and truly came from the heart. We couldn't believe the gifts she found and thought of. All the Grandkids thought she had to work for Santa!

Mom was our biggest supporter and our rock. She was the most incredible mom, wife, sister, granny and friend. She was always around to help with homework or take us to our favorite sports activities and playdates. She was very generous in so many ways with not only gifts but her time. She was always there if you needed to talk, vent, cry and laugh. She had the best advice, whether you wanted to listen or not, and always knew how to make you feel better. She told you like it was. She was so special and magical and always made everything better. She was always so strong, independent, quiet and a very private person. But once you got to know her, she would open up and talk to you forever.  She was our rock! She was the strongest woman we know. We love you, Mom! We will miss you so much! But we know you are back with Dad in a special place.

Connie is survived by her son Connor (Meghan) and daughter Lindsay (Matthew), her five treasured grandchildren, Addison, Ella, Griffin, Tia and Andie; and brothers, Leslie and Geordie Tucker (Sandra). Connie was predeceased by her spouse Ric, her parents Roy and Evva Tucker and brother Ralph Tucker.

We will plan a celebration of life in the summer for both Connie and Ric Irving. Her family will reach out to close family and friends with specific details. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Connie Irving, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.