Obituary of Mary Margaret Massel

March 12, 1930 – Montreal, Quebec

July 20, 2022 – Okotoks, Alberta

With profound sadness, her family announces the peaceful passing of Mary Massel (nee Lacey), beloved wife of the late Keith Massel, on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at the age of 92.

Born in Montreal into a boisterous family of eight children, Mary showed her fashion sense early, and was considered a 1940’s influencer as a member of the Eaton’s Department Store Junior Council.  Even into her senior years, Mary took pride in her well co-ordinated outfits, hair that was perfectly done and wouldn’t go anywhere without wearing lipstick.

Mary met Keith one summer when she was visiting her Lacey cousins on their farm in Chepstow, the village where Keith lived.  A great romance blossomed.  After Keith started working in Toronto he would take the train to Montreal to visit Mary whenever he could.  They married in August 1953.

Mary was a loving and devoted mother who made family her priority.  She supported Keith in his work endeavours that saw the family move from Toronto to Winnipeg in 1965 and then to Calgary in 1976.  Mary was a supreme organizer, volunteer, and long time member of the Catholic Women’s League.  She was also an exceptional cook and baker and a wonderful hostess.  Mary and Keith would often welcome friends and family to their home for a great meal and great conversation.

When the family was young, summers consisted of road trips and weekends at the cottage in Rainy River, ON.  Somehow Mary was able to pack luggage for six people, a cooler full of food for picnics, a playpen, kettle and toaster all into the family Pontiac.  Mary and Keith especially enjoyed holidays to warmer climates.  Hawaii was a favourite.

Mary took great joy in celebrating family milestones and being a terrific Nana.  We will deeply miss her encouraging words and warm hugs.

Adored mother to Mary (Scott Lobson), Maureen Lew, Paul (Tanis) and Ann Marie (David Lizotte).  Cherished Nana to Everett, Cooper, Carter, Carmen and Martin.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Gerald O’Hara, brother Larry, brother and sister-in-law John and Diane Lacey, brother-in-law Ray Kelly and sister-in-law Rosemary Hood, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by Keith, her devoted husband of 66 years, her parents Tom and Mary (nee McManus), her son-in-law Charlie Lew, her mother and father-in-law, Edgar and Nora Massel, sister Catherine Kelly, sister and brother-in-law Bette and Bill Gallagher, brothers and sisters-in-law Frank Lacey, Eileen and Alex Collins, Tom and Ann Lacey; and sisters-in-law Patricia Lacey and Norale Graham.

The family would like to thank the Palliative Care doctors and nurses at South Health Campus as well as the wonderful, caring team at Foothills Country Hospice. A very special thank you to Dr. J.P. Leung, Mary’s primary care physician for his unfailing kindness, compassion and dedication throughout the years.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial tributes may be made to the Foothills Country Hospice, P.O. Box 274, Okotoks AB, T1S 1A5 or the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, St. Bonaventure Church, Calgary.

A private family graveside service will be held at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Mary Massel, 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.