Obituary of Jackie Trafford

September 20, 1946 – Almonte, Ontario

November 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

On November 24th, Jacqueline Marie Louise (Gallagher) Trafford departed gracefully from this world, with her loving husband, Jim, by her side. Reuniting with her beloved parents, Iris Marie (Nee Dartnell) and Louis John Gallagher, and her brother and sister-in-law, George and Roz Gallagher.

Born in Almonte, ON on September 20th, 1946, Jackie was the cherished firstborn of her parents, newly settled in their adopted home of Canada. As the eldest daughter, Jackie was a beacon of grace, patience, and nurturing affection for her siblings – George, Anne (Lee Watson) and Louise Gallagher (Charles Cochrane). Her marriage to Albert James (Jim) Trafford October 16, 1971, further expanded her capacity for love, enveloping his three daughters, Lynne (Diniz), Joanne (Don), and Leah (Dave) in her warm embrace.

In addition to being a devoted stepmother, Jackie was an adored aunt to her nieces Amanda and Kristi, and Alexis and Liseanne, a beloved grandmother to Christopher and Marisa, Nick and Ben, and Reeve. In recent years she cherished her role as a great grandma to Violet, and great aunt to Thurlow and Ivy.

Jackie's life was marked by generosity and kindness. Growing up on RCAF bases in Canada, England, France, and Germany, and later as Jim’s career with General Motors took them across Canada, Jackie developed a true gift for turning strangers into lifelong friends.

Jackie’s career as a flight attendant with Air Canada, a job she adored, allowed her to travel and foster deep connections with family and friends across the globe. While her career was cut short due to illness, Jackie never allowed adversity to dim her spirit or lessen her compassion. She continued to provide nurturing care to loved ones and strangers alike, touching everyone she met.

A beauty queen in her youth, Jackie was the epitome of grace and class. Always put together, she was the consummate host, renowned for her world-class cooking and warm hospitality. She took a genuine interest in everyone she met, and her many friends and relatives will no doubt all have memories of times Jackie’s thoughtfulness made them feel loved.

Jackie's final moments on November 24th were peaceful, surrounded by family, with her loving husband by her side. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit remains a guiding force. To all who knew her, her love and kindness will continue to resonate in our hearts, a lasting testament to a life beautifully lived. We are grateful Jackie is now dancing pain free.

The family would like to thank the incredible ICU team at the Rockyview Hospital as well as the staff and team who supported her in her final two weeks. During the past four months, after falling and breaking her femur and left wrist and then her right wrist, Jackie left her imprint upon the staff at all three of Calgary's hospitals as well as the Fanning Centre and Glenmore CareWest. The tender care she received from everyone was greatly appreciated by Jackie and her family.

A Celebration of Jackie’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jacqueline’s family here.

In living memory of Jackie Trafford, 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.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Jackie’s service via Zoom here: https://prospectnow-ca.zoom.us/j/61766447322?pwd=QVJqREdnOHZ5aEZmSGJqL1dyOFlyZz09

Meeting URL:
https://prospectnow-ca.zoom.us/j/61766447322?pwd=QVJqREdnOHZ5aEZmSGJqL1dyOFlyZz09
Meeting ID:
617 6644 7322
Passcode:
278076