Obituary of Maria Kilgallen

August 27, 1941 – Schönebeck, Germany

November 13, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Maria Kilgallen, beloved wife of Clifford Kilgallen,  of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023 at the age of 82 years, after a courageous fight with cancer.

Maria was born in Schönebeck, Germany on August 27, 1941. She faced many challenges in her early years as her family fled from East to West Germany as refugees.

Maria met Clifford, a Canadian soldier stationed in Germany, and they married October 22, 1960. As a newly wed, she left behind all she knew, and crossed the ocean to Canada.

Maria was a loving and dedicated Wife and Mother and a fiercely loyal friend. She loved holiday gatherings and spending time with family and friends. Maria took great pride in all of her family’s achievements and developed a love of travel to tropical climates.

Maria was a true caregiver and spent many years caring for countless children as well as her grandchildren. Oma will be missed by many.

In addition to her loving husband, Maria will be remembered by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia (Trevor) Shannon, Tamara (Joseph) Melanson, Nicole (Barry) Haugen; six grandchildren, Colin (Ashley) Cairns, Lindsay (Shane) Craw, Ashley (Chris) Shannon, Justin (Laura) Haugen, Riley (Dayton) Haugen, Max Melanson; and four great-grandchildren, Conrad Cairns, Weston Cairns, Hazel Haugen and Lennox Haugen. She was also looking forward to the birth of her fifth great-grandchild early next year.

Maria was predeceased by her parents, Luise and Fredrich Häfele and siblings, Manfred, Jurgen, Rolf, and Jutte.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Flowers may be sent directly to the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Maria’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Maria’s family here.

In living memory of Maria, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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