Obituary of Alison Rushton Marshall

May 24, 1962 - Calgary, Alberta

September 10, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Alison Marshall of Calgary AB, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at the age of 60 years. She passed away in the Sky Pointe Hospice where she was cared for during her last week of life. We are very grateful to the staff there for their kindness.

Alison Marshall was a remarkable human being who was loved by everyone lucky enough to know her. She spread joy, kindness, and happiness wherever she travelled in her journey.

Alison spent her childhood living in a facility in Calgary called Providence Creche. The facility was run by the Sisters of Providence. In her late teens, she came to Vecova (then called Vocational and Rehabilitation Research Institute) where she moved into a group home in the community and attended a day program at the VRRI. Alison was supported throughout the rest of her life by this highly regarded agency.

As time went on, Alison lived in a number of different homes and had many different roommates. She always made friends easily and enjoyed where she lived. She did volunteer work in the community, and attended many social and recreational programs. Alison loved animals, especially her cat Tamara, and volunteered in a pet store for some time. She took part in many Special Olympic activities including bowling, swimming, baseball, and horseback riding. She loved art and attended classes at Indefinite Arts for many years. Many of us were lucky enough to receive gifts of Alison’s art during her time there. She loved music and attended music classes as well. It is well known that her favourite music group was ABBA and she loved Christmas music as well.

Alison loved to travel and had many opportunities to do so during her life. She went on Cruises, journeyed to Disneyland, had many camping trips, and in 2015 travelled to Costa Rica with a small group of friends and enjoyed many exciting adventures there.

She spent many holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions over 45 years with her friend Debbie and her family and friends. From 2001 until 2016, Alison travelled several times a year on the Greyhound and then later on the Red Arrow, on her own, to Edmonton to stay with Debbie and Shelley and their many dogs.

Alison lost her mobility suddenly in 2016 and moved to a home near the Bow River where she was cared for by a wonderful team of staff who loved Alison and helped her through these last few years of her life.

Alison was brave and strong and maintained her beautiful sense of humour throughout this difficult phase of her life’s journey. She is survived by many loving friends and staff who are heartbroken to have lost her.

Alison is survived by her brother Neil Marshall, and his two daughters, Catherine and Christine Marshall; as well as her sister Moira (Tony) Browning, and their children, Brooklynn and Austin Browning. Alison is also survived by her dear friend Debbie Reid.

A Celebration of Alison’s Life will be held at Vecova in the Atrium (3304 33 St. NW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Alison Marshall, 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.