Obituary of Ronna Avis Filkow

September 19, 1948 - Winnipeg, Manitoba

January 22, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Ronna Filkow (nee Turner) passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the age of 75 years, after a brave battle with cancer.

Ronna was born on September 19, 1948, in Winnipeg. The second of four children born to George and Muriel Turner, Ronna grew up in a loving and close-knit Jewish family in north end Winnipeg. George, an ex-Air Force drill sergeant, was a formidable person with a strong work ethic and a huge heart. Muriel infused a mother’s love into her delicious food and warm home. Ronna somehow combined these qualities – she was kind and assertive, caring and confident, a fabulous cook, and a fierce supporter for those she loved.

Ronna was a tomboy who loved to play and watch sports, she was also a graceful ballerina and beautiful catalogue model. She was valedictorian at West Kildonan Collegiate, Sweetheart Queen at the YMHA, and enjoyed many wonderful friendships, especially with the “Lovelies” at their epic reunion weekends. Ronna worked as an elementary school teacher, a postpartum doula and childcare provider. She loved animals, healthy eating, jogging, and watching tennis and hockey. She was a lifelong learner who loved to read, research, and discover. She also loved meeting new people and hearing their stories. Her warm, positive energy made people feel welcome, comforted, and special.

When Ronna was eleven years old, Colin moved in across the street. He was a jokester who made her laugh and had a cool go-cart. They became fast friends and would use walkie-talkies to chat with each other from across the street. Within a few years, the two were inseparable. They were married in 1969 and went on to have many great adventures as partners, travellers, parents and grandparents in Los Angeles, Winnipeg, Mexico, Palm Springs, China, and Calgary.

Ronna and Colin were married for nearly 55 years and had three children: Amie, Dylan, and Annie. Ronna’s favourite job was being a stay-at-home mom and later a devoted Baba to six grandchildren ranging in ages from two to seventeen, attending each one of their births. She was an honorary Baba for countless other babies and kids, whether it was providing newborn care, offering wisdom and guidance to grateful new parents, or making the children in her life feel loved and cherished.

Ronna will be lovingly remembered by her husband Colin, children, Amie (Paul LaPointe) Filkow, Dylan (Dana) Filkow, and Annie (Joel) Merrifield; siblings, Barbara (Barry) Cutler, Gerri (Bob) Ostry, and Bryan (Wendy) Turner. Her grandchildren Leo, Asher, Sylvie, Lilly, Bowie, and Georgie will miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Muriel.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Ronna’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.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ronna’s family here.

In living memory of Ronna Filkow, 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.

Click here to view the service folder for Ronna Filkow

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