Obituary of Ann Teresa Geremia

September 19, 1938 – Co. Kildare, Ireland

December 28, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Ann Teresa Geremia (nee Kelly) went peacefully into the arms of our Lord surrounded by her family on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the age of 85 years.

Ann was born in the County of Kildare, Ireland on September 19, 1938. At the age of 20, she left Ireland with her dear sister Mary to settle in Canada. She worked as a housekeeper and nanny before training as a nurse at the Calgary General Hospital alongside her sister Mary. In 1961, after Ann completed her Nursing studies, she met the love of her life, Urbano, and they married in 1962. Ann was so excited to start the family that she had prayed for as a child and went on to have three children, two girls and a boy, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

The three most important things in Ann’s life were faith, family, and friends. Gathering with family and friends was a frequent occurrence, and loved ones were always dropping by for a cup of tea. Ann also loved her grandchildren with her whole being. She nurtured and encouraged each one of them to be the best version of themselves and find their path in life. She valued the uniqueness that each brought to the family and was proud of all their accomplishments and gifts. She shared her love of animals and nature and could often be found digging in the garden or going on walks, collecting rocks and shells along the way with her grandchildren.  Grandma G, or “GG” as she became known, was present for countless hockey, football, basketball games, dance recitals, and many school events. She also loved gardening, often accompanied by the birds who visited her meticulously kept supply of birdfeeders, and whatever she touched seemed to flourish.

Ann believed it was her faith that helped her through difficult times. She credits her faith for protecting her and her sister, Mary, when they left Ireland for London in their teens. Ann’s church community was a cornerstone of her life. She volunteered to help with baptismal teachings, with St. Vincent de Paul, and with many Catholic charity initiatives at Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph’s churches. Ann sang in the church choir and helped with cleaning and decorating the church. She leaned on her faith during the loss of her dear sister, Mary, and when she suffered the loss of her beloved husband Urbano, and brother Liam.

Ann also loved to travel. She had many favorite destinations, especially Hawaii, Ireland, and Italy. She loved watching sunsets over the beach in Hawaii, and spending time with family and friends in Ireland and Italy. She also had lasting memories of pilgrimages to Rome, Medjugorje, and the Holy Land.

Ann is survived by her devoted children; Maria (Marco) Civitarese, Roberta (Mauro) Ficaccio, and Angelo (Francesca) Geremia, as well as her adoring grandchildren David (Samy), Alyssa (Dylan), Andrea (Ricky), Cassandra (Troy), Jacob, Sara, and Jenna, and great-granddaughter, Emerson. She is also survived by her sister Mary Jo Hanley, her sister in life Ella Curran, sisters-in-law Margaret Kelly, Rosalba Geremia, Sr Agnese Geremia, Cecilia Geremia, and brother-in-law Joe Geremia. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews in Canada, Ireland, and Italy.

Ann was predeceased by her lifelong love and husband, Urbano, her sister Mary, brother Liam, and many more friends & loved ones.

Ann’s family would like to thank the staff of St. Teresa’s Place for the kindness, care, respect, and love they showed to Ann and her family over the past years and especially in her final weeks. We are forever grateful.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held at Mary Mother of the Redeemer (1714 14 Ave NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 1G3) on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. We encourage you to wear color to celebrate Ann's life as you attend her services. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ann’s family here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The University of Calgary Hotchkiss Brain Institute (Dementia and Cognitive Disorders designation), Telephone: (403) 220-3558, hbi.ucalgary.ca/,  Society of St. Vincent de Paul Canada https://www.imakeanonlinedonation.org/ssvp-national/, or Inn from the Cold Society Calgary, Telephone: (403) 263-8384, innfromthecold.org/.

In living memory of Ann Geremia, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.