Obituary of Margaret COURTNEY

July 15, 1932 – Fitzsimmons, AB August 9, 2017 – Calgary, AB Margaret Courtney passed away peacefully during her prayers at home in Calgary with family on the evening of Wednesday, August 9th at the age of 85. Margaret was born on July 15, 1932 to Hans and Annie Ruch in Fitzsimmons (north of Bezanson). She was the second youngest of eight children and always had a passion for horses. Growing up on the farm, her and her siblings learned the value of hard work, family and community. She left home as a teenager to go with her sister Olive to Fort St. John and work as a nurses’ aid. A few years later she met John whom she married on August 14th, 1953 and they were together until his passing in 2012. As a young family they moved several times before settling in Calgary with their five children Elizabeth, Janet, Bradley, Christine and Kathleen. Margaret was a very spiritual woman and had deep faith in the Catholic religion. She was involved with the Catholic Women’s League and was a lifetime promoter for the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal. She volunteered at the Glenmore Park Auxiliary Hospital and cared very deeply for the patients she tended to during her time there. She opened up her home and was a caregiver to her mother, Annie, until she passed at 98. Margaret and John’s house was always bustling with grandchildren, especially during the summers. She had an enormous love and affection for her grandchildren which also carried over to her great-grandchildren. Margaret had a quick wit, a great sense of humour and often surprised her grandkids with it. She was a very passionate gardener that was well known for the beautiful flowers she grew. Margaret was predeceased by her daughter Janet; her husband John; her granddaughters Maxine and Jessica; and her sisters Eva, Charlotte, Lenore, Olive, and Alberta. She is survived by her brother, Hans and her sister, Evelyn; her children Elizabeth (Ernie), Bradley, Christine (Ray), and Kathleen (Blair); 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at ST. GERARD’S CATHOLIC CHURCH (8944 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Monday, August 21, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. GERARD’S CATHOLIC CHURCH (8944 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the church. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Thank-you to Dr. Penner, Dr. Duggan, Dr. Lim and Ginny for taking such good care of our Margaret.