Obituary of Marion (Marni) Roberta Ingram

November 28, 1944 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

October 12, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Marni Ingram, beloved wife of Bill Ingram, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at the age of 77 years.

Marni was born in Winnipeg, MN on November 28, 1944, to Roberta and Gil Abbott. When she was very young, her family moved to Calgary, AB where she would grow up, attend school, and eventually start a family. She graduated from Western Canada High School in 1962. In January 1969, she married William Duff Ingram (Billy), whom she would share her life with for the next fifty-three years.

She is survived by her loving husband Billy, her twin brother Mike, and his wife Linda; her five children, Debbie (Greg), Nancy (Walid), Chris (Lindsay), Joey (Marti), and Charlie (Kristin). Marni was also the beloved grandmother to nine grandchildren, Griffin, Lincoln, Avy, Parker, Max, Andie, Rori, Tavis, and Miranda. She will be remembered by all as someone who made time for each of us, and actively participated in our lives and interests.

Marni’s life has always been one marked by volunteer effort and service. When her children were young, she was a homemaker and used her time to contribute to their community. She volunteered as a swim instructor at the South YMCA for many years and was a parent volunteer at her children’s schools. Perhaps her most significant contribution was her devotion to both her children and grandchildren’s sports, even after she went back to work. In her life she attended countless hockey, soccer and football games, rowing regattas, gymnastics competitions, swim meets, curling events, and even made it out to the ski jumping hill during winter. Each of us has a memory of Marni cheering us on and supporting us to do our very best at our chosen sport, and all of us owe some of our success to her steadfast encouragement.

Always one to have the Stamps or Flames game on in the background, sports was an important part of Marni’s life, and she made sure to foster that spirit in her family. Along with her strong presence at countless games and practices, she was also committed to fundraising for her family, and would always work bingos and casinos, or help us with sales. Marni began serving as the head coordinator of bingo fundraisers for the Southwest Athletic Association to support her sons, and she continued to do so even after they moved on. Marni was a person who was always giving to those who needed her.

Her enthusiasm for sports also kept her active and involved as she aged. In 2007, she and Billy purchased a place in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, near Playa Carrillo. Though no one would call her a lover of the heat, she found a way to cool off by swimming and attending water fitness classes. Back home in Alberta, she went on frequent dog walks, and loved to be in nature, especially out on the farm. Additionally, she continued to work up until 2 weeks before her passing at the Grey Eagle Casino, where she will be remembered fondly. She also was eager to volunteer to babysit all nine of her grandchildren, with whom she was fun-loving and energetic. Perhaps some of her energy can be attributed to her famous love of black coffee—it was not unusual for her to have a bedtime cup, and her morning was not complete without her brew.

Lastly, Marni was known as an animal lover, especially dogs. From the one-eyed Tinker to loyal Bear, to friendly Duke, she cherished her animal companions. She never balked at an excited puppy jumping up on her and was always happy to spend time with the family’s pets—she is already missed by Rocky, Mia, Maggie, and Kevin.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, October 21, 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Marni’s honour may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca

In living memory of Marni Ingram, 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.

Click Here to View Marni Ingram's Memorial Card