Obituary of Marjorie (Jerry) Brackman

October 22, 1931 – Estuary, Saskatchewan

January 3, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marjorie “Jerry” Brackman on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the age of 92.

Jerry was born on the family farm in Estuary, SK, on October 22, 1931, making her the second youngest of seven siblings. She spent her early years there during the Depression of the 1930's.  Her first language was German as both her parents were "Black Sea Germans" (near Odessa, Ukraine) who had come to Saskatchewan (via North Dakota) to start a new life.

Around 1940, the family moved to Medicine Hat, AB and there she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, attended school and met Jack. They married in 1953 and had their first son Kurt (1955). They moved to Lethbridge shortly thereafter and a few years later returned to Medicine Hat, where they welcomed their only daughter Cindy (1962). They moved to Calgary and soon had two more sons Keith (1966) and Cal (1967).

Jerry and Jack were constant spectators at their children’s and grandchildren’s activities over the years watching the kids play hockey, baseball, softball, soccer, and dance. Jerry was loved by all the other parents, always being positive and supportive. Her empathy and warm heart endeared her to everyone she met. She loved to golf, especially with her family and this brought her great joy. In the 1970's and 80's the whole family would go on summer vacations every year to Spokane, Wash., to play golf at Indian Canyon Golf Course. We have such fantastic memories of golfing with her.

Jerry enjoyed visits with her many nieces and nephews, including Jack's sister Glad, brother Guy (Linda), and their families. She also loved to travel with Jack, including going on various MJ trips with Lois and Ross Hamilton and many other friends. She was so loved and will be dearly missed.

Jerry is survived by her four children, Kurt (Julie) Brackman of Airdrie, Cindy Purvis of Calgary, Keith (Linda) Brackman of Calgary, and Calvin (Alya) Brackman of Calgary; her loving grandchildren, Alana (Jon) Lindahl, Tyler (Laura) Purvis, Meagan (John) MacGillivray, Jenna Brackman, Jonathan Brackman, and Amelia Brackman; and great-grandchildren, Jace Nelson, Brody Lindahl, Bennett Lindahl, Hartlyn Purvis, Timber Purvis, Everly Purvis, and Rori MacGillivray. Jerry was loved deeply by her family, for whom she loved immensely.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 69 years, Jack Brackman in 2023; two brothers, Rueben, and Walter; four sisters, Freda, Adeline, Violet, and Marion; father William "Bill" Heib, mother Katherine "Kate" (Alec) Shank (nee Glasser).

The family would like to express their gratitude for Dr. Michelle Cunningham, nurses (Ashley & Rav), support staff (Nettie) and many others at Millrise Seniors Village for the special care, compassion, and affection they showed to both Jerry and Jack.

In living memory of Marjorie (Jerry) Brackman, 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.