Obituary of Gladys Margaret Holden

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Gladys (Margaret) Holden on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 67 years. 

Margaret is survived by her partner Billy Brown of Calgary, AB; sister Patricia Holden of Tappen, BC; son Doug Vair (and Angelique) of Abbotsford, BC; daughters, Kimberly Harder of Abbotsford, BC and Jennifer Holden of Calgary, AB; grandchildren, Jonathon, Devon, Amanda, Rachel, Liam, Deidre and Sean; and nine great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her mother and father (Gladys and Allen, also known as Cy), her brothers Allen (Bud) Holden, Jack Holden and Jim Holden and her sister Beverly Burrus (nee Holden). 

Born in Abbotsford, BC, Margaret remained there until 2006, when she moved to Calgary. Soon after moving to Calgary, she met the love of her life, Billy Brown. Margaret was an animal lover with three chihuahuas; she loved collecting owls and often spent time in thrift stores looking for the newest owl to add to her collection. During her time in Calgary, Margaret volunteered her time to help others. Her favorite places in Calgary were the Calgary Zoo and Heritage Park. 

“If Roses Grown in Heaven” – Dolores M. Garcia

If roses grow in heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother's arms
and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there’s an ache within my heart
that will never go away.

The family would like to thank Peter Lougheed Centre's ICU doctors and nurses for their compassionate care and all the caregivers who assisted Margaret during the final days of her life.

A Celebration of Margaret’s life will be held in the spring of 2024. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Margaret’ family here.

In living memory of Margaret Holden, 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.