Obituary of Beverly Ann MacLeod

January 10, 1934 - August 2, 2023

With heavy hearts we mourn the passing of Beverly Ann MacLeod (née Thurston) who died at home on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Calgary, Alberta with family by her side.

Beverly was born January 10, 1934 in Victoria, BC to Ann and Delbert Thurston. She lived throughout Western Canada as a child, establishing lifelong friendships and family ties.

Beverly graduated from the University of Alberta as a registered nurse. She married John (Jack) MacLeod on September 30, 1955 and embarked on a thirty-six-year adventure as a beloved member of the Shell community, with stops in Texas, Wyoming, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, over to London, and finally back to Calgary. Bev was the proud mother of five children, and she surrounded them with love and trust as they followed their independent paths. She welcomed the arrival of ten grandchildren with joy and was an inspiration to all of them.

Beverly was an active volunteer throughout her life, initially through her children’s activities, and subsequently in the broader community. She was a generous supporter of organizations focused on the health and well-being of children and youth. She led a campaign to endow a chair for schizophrenia research at the University of Calgary. She was proud to be a founding donor to the Summit Centre for Youth Resilience. Bev was a former member of the boards of the Children’s Hospital Aid Society, the Calgary Foundation, the Alberta Heritage Fund for Medical Research, Theatre Calgary and the Calgary City Ballet Company. She was recognized as a YWCA Woman of Distinction for her public service.

Nurturing connections with family and friends was important to Bev. She loved playing golf and tennis and enjoyed hiking and skiing in her beloved Rocky Mountains. She was a world traveller, immersing herself in the history and culture of each place she visited. She was a patron of the arts, taking pleasure in attending the theatre, music, dance, and art exhibitions. Playing bridge and engaging with friends over books and politics, she remained intellectually curious throughout her life. She had a generous heart, and her energy, optimism and sense of adventure were admired by all.

Bev was predeceased by her parents, daughter Marjorie, sisters June Smith and Linda Davidson, brothers Ian and Lorne Thurston, and sister-in-law Edith Thurston. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her daughters Heather (Pierre Brault), Carol (William McNamara), Sandra (Robert Morrison), son Alan (Heather MacLeod) as well as grandchildren Colin, Danielle, Katie, Joseph (J.P.), Madeleine, Claire, John, Alison, John (Jack) and Isabelle. She is also survived by sister-in-law Marjorie MacLeod, brothers-in-law Ron Smith and Murdock MacLeod and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We express appreciation to Bev’s friend and neighbour Mildred Kalthoff, and to caregivers Rowie and Elinor for their compassionate care during Bev’s last days.

In lieu of flowers, please raise a glass to Beverly and if you wish to do so, consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Beverly’s Life will be held at The Calgary Golf & Country Club (919 - 50 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta) on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. 

In living memory of Beverly MacLeod, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2S 2L5.