Obituary of Marlyn Hedwig Fraser

June 23, 1936 - Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
October 9, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Marlyn Fraser of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at the age of 86 years.

Marlyn was born in Kitchener, Ont. on June 23, 1936.  It was in Kitchener that Marlyn developed her passion for animals, sports, music and dancing. She drove west to Calgary, AB in the summer of 1956, in a 1949 Ford Meteor. Initially staying at the YWCA, she quickly found work and established herself in a new city.

Vibrant, athletic, and independent, Marlyn had many suitors, eventually she was introduced to Duncan (Bill) Fraser, a handsome cowboy from Longview, AB who was successful in his pursuit. Marlyn and Bill both loved long drives, old cars and the basic country life southwest Alberta offers, living first at the Ten J Ranch thru the sixties and Bragg Creek in the early seventies. At that time, the roads into Calgary were narrow gravel, two lane roads, it was driving into Calgary to work, during a nasty morning blizzard, pregnant with her second child, she decided to move back into Calgary and put her roots down in the southwest part of town.

She was a member of many bowling leagues, bringing many trophies home throughout the decades and a diehard Flames Supporter since they came to Calgary. 

Marlyn had many memorable vacations, being mostly a single parent, somehow, she was able to take her children Hawaii, California (twice!), and lots of skiing throughout the Rockies. Numerous road trips in an around Alberta, some for pleasure, but mostly to go rescue her husband from somewhere as Bill was a cross boarder long haul truck driver. These trips provided valuable life experience for her children, keep a cool head, a good sense of humour and learn!

Marlyn accomplished much through her life and was particularly proud of being right when her children were wrong…‘mother knows best!’

Marlyn had a passion for animals starting her Pet Care business in the late eighties, taking care of many animals throughout Calgary and area. She could always be found at the dog park with lots of treats in her pockets and a lot of wagging tails! She loved walking and caring for dogs and felt a special connection with each dog she cared for.  She continued with pet sitting until 2016 when walking became difficult. Fortunately, her children lived next door, so she was still able to see her beloved dogs daily, especially sweet Bow, who stayed so close to Marlyn and somehow always took away her pain during the last nine years.

Marlyn’s favourite saying was “Change is as good as a rest”.

She will be most remembered for being witty, her vibrancy, strength and being one tough little lady. If you knew Marlyn, you knew someone who would never let you down.

Marlyn is survived by her daughter Tara Fraser, son John Fraser of Calgary, AB; and her sister, Janet Fletcher of Kitchener, Ont.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Marlyn was predeceased by her spouse, Duncan Graham (Bill) Fraser in 1995 and second son Duncan Fraser in 1975. 

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Marlyn Fraser, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.