Obituary of Arlene Floyd

June 5, 1949 - Winnipeg, Manitoba

May 26, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Sandra Arlene Floyd of Calgary, AB passed away peacefully, exactly in the way she wanted after a short battle with cancer on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the age of 73 years.

When asked “What’s the first thing you’d want to do when you get to the other side?”, Arlene said, “Play Scrabble with Mom, play golf with Rick & Dad, and make Perogies with the Baba’s”.

Arlene was born in Winnipeg, MB, Canada on June 5, 1949, to Alf and Angie Pike, the fifth child and baby of the family (until her younger sister Daryl came along six years later and usurped her title - the one and only time Daryl got the upper hand on her). Over the years, Arlene lived in Winnipeg, New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix while her father coached hockey for numerous pro/minor hockey teams. She almost made Los Angeles home to pursue a nursing degree at UCLA, but decided to follow her heart and head north to Calgary where she eventually planted roots and started a family.

Mom was a stay-at-home parent for most of our early childhood, before returning to the workforce as a bookkeeper for numerous local businesses. But it was her years and years of dedicated volunteer work that she was most passionate about and will be remembered for. In the 39 years she lived in Sarcee Meadows Housing Co-op, Arlene was involved in almost every single committee there was, including being on the Board of Directors in all roles for many years. She was always that special someone to call on for second opinions, or a review of the financials or when another committee was formed, and they needed a chairperson.

She was also lovingly referred to as “The Whistler” where her piercing whistle could be heard clear across the complex, a signal to all kids it was time to go home for supper. She spent almost every spring and summer on the baseball diamonds, driving kids to and from practices, scorekeeping at the games or even as a coach for a season or two. Arlene also coached all three of her kids and several other teens in YBC Bowling, where she would constantly be heard yelling down the lanes “Three C’s!!” (That’s Concentration, Consistency and Confidence). But her biggest accomplishment and best role in life was as our Mom. Nothing ever made her more happy than when someone would compliment her on her skills as a Mother. And she was an amazing Mom. Her front door was always open to any kid, her fridge was always stocked, and she was always willing to listen to anyone who needed advice or a shoulder to lean on.

Arlene is survived by her three children, Derek (Nikki), Kelly, & Michael (Danita). Each of her children claim to be her favorite child, but she would never confirm or deny their claims. She was blessed with five grandchildren: Caiden, Keira, Mariska, Paige & Emersyn, all who brought so much joy and laughter to her life. She is also survived by her brother Rick, and sisters, Susan, Linda and Daryl; as well as several nieces and nephews and cousins. Arlene was predeceased by her parents, Alf and Angie Pike, her sister Carolee Austin and her second husband, Rick Floyd.

Please join Arlene's family for an Open House Celebration of Life on Friday, June 30, 2023 at the Marda Loop Community Hall (3130 - 16th Street SW, Calgary AB) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Come raise a glass and share stories to remember our Mom. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly in Arlene's name to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca, to the Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB  T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca, or to the Women In Need Society, 134 – 71 Avenue Fisher Park S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2H8 Telephone: (403) 255-7514.

In living memory of Arlene Floyd, 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.