Obituary of Gail Victoria McFadyen (nee Airth)

February 27, 1944 – Toronto, Ontario

January 27, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with broken hearts that we announce Gail’s passing on Saturday, January 27, 2024, in Calgary, AB. While heartbroken at our loss, we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and resides in a better place, providing her warmth through memories.

A loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Gail was born in Toronto, ON, to Bert and Georgie Airth and moved to Calgary with her family in the early 1950s. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Patricia Woodrow, and her brother Bert; she is survived by her husband Hector (a relationship of close to sixty years); three wonderful daughters, Julie McFadyen (Trevor Cossarini), Shannon McFadyen and Victoria McFadyen; six beautiful grandchildren, Travis, Claire, Katie, Chloe and Natalie Cossarini and Sol Orellana; her sister Susan Wehrhan (Dave) as well as her niece and nephews, Penny Brent, Bruce Woodrow, and Randy Woodrow.

Family was very important to Gail, from which much fun occurred, many lessons learned, and exciting times had. She was active in the Calgary community, particularly through the Junior League. Gail enjoyed traveling and experienced the joys and adventures of many parts of the world. As well, Gail was a competitive golfer and loved to play a good bridge game with her lady friends or a competitive board game with the kids.

Gail’s friendly smile and sparkly eyes brightened not only any room she entered but the lives she touched. Her quiet intuition and strength influenced our family in a positive and lasting way. She made a difference. We were, and continue to be, blessed to have her in our lives.

Funeral Services will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church (1009 – 15th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Reception to follow at the Calgary Golf and Country Club (5900 Elbow Drive, S.W., Calgary, AB) from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Appropriate dress code is required for all areas of the club.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Gail's service streamed live on the day of the service at here. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB  T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca or to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1.  Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca.

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

In living memory of Gail McFadyen, 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.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Gail's Funeral Service