Obituary of Grace Mary Maxner

April 6, 1932 – Lloydminster, Saskatchewan

May 23, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Grace Maxner (nee Thiessen) of Calgary, AB, passed away in her home on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the age of 92 years. Grace was born on April 6, 1932, in Lloydminster, SK, and lived a full and vibrant life.

Grace grew up on her family’s farm in Lloydminster, as the youngest of three children. Her older sister Florence and brother Gordon loved having another sibling to help with the farm chores, including taking care of the animals. This is where she developed a lifelong love for horses and the outdoors. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed tending to her flowers. Grace also loved playing cards with her friends and family, a pastime that brought her much joy throughout her life.

Grace went to Commercial School where she was identified as the best mathematician at the young age of seventeen. She then began her professional career at CIBC, where she worked diligently for 42 years until her retirement in December of 1991. Later, she found her second calling at the Calgary Stampede, where she made lasting contributions and formed many cherished friendships.

Grace became a mother in 1963 when her daughter Kathleen (Kathy) was born. The two of them spent the next five years as a dynamic duo, when Grace met John, the love of her life, and they were married in 1970, not long after their love story began. A beautiful baby girl, Melanie (Mel), was born of their union in February of 1971.

Grace cherished the simple things in life. She found immense joy in the beauty of a blooming garden, the way the air smells after the rain, and the warmth of a good hug. Her ability to find happiness in everyday moments was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Grace's life was deeply rooted in her faith in God. She was an active member of her church community and found great comfort and strength in her beliefs. Her faith guided her through life's challenges and joys, and she instilled these values in her family.

Above all, Grace was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she poured her love and energy into creating a warm and welcoming home.

Grace will be missed by her daughters, Kathy and Mel Maxner of Calgary; her grandchildren, Jessica and her wife Lynsey Finlayson of Cramlington, UK, Sarah and her husband Tyler Schulzke of Red Deer, and Katelin Friesen and her partner Corey Irwin of Red Deer; her great-grandchildren, Patrick and Daisy Butler; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

We know that Grace will be welcomed into heaven by many angels. She was predeceased by her loving husband John, son-in-law James (Jim), sister Florence (Flo), brother-in-law Louis (Lou), brother Gordon (Gordie), sister-in-law Verley, and parents, Mary and John.

Grace's love for life and her unwavering dedication to her family will always be remembered and cherished. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

"Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories."

A Private Service honoring Grace’s Life will be held for immediate family and friends.

The family invites you to join them at the Triwood Community Association (2244 Chicoutimi Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2L 0W1), on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., where a reception will be held in the Charleswood Hall.

If friends so desire, the family kindly requests that memorial tributes be made in Grace’s memory to the All Saints Traditional Anglican Church Renfrew, 904 Renfrew Dr NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 5J1, Tel: 403-230-7089, www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/all-saints-traditional-anglican-church-renfrew/.

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

In living memory of Grace Maxner, 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: 403-276-2296.