Obituary of Ashley Christine McRae

December 20, 1985 - Calgary, Alberta

May 30, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Ashley McRae of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the age of 38 years.

Ashley was a rare gem — a force of nature, one could say. She loved all the “girly” things in life, like dressing up, stylish clothes, high-heeled shoes and boots, and loved to sport cool hats. She also truly loved to snowboard, hike, kayak, go pleasure boating, and pretty much every sport she tried she mastered, right down to City Championship Mat Wrestling in junior high. She was a force to be reckoned with. She had the endurance of an Olympian and the strength of several men. You didn't mess with Ashley — or you would pay the price!

The great outdoors was her playground, she even liked to fish back in the day with her dad and her grampa. She excelled at all sports — opposing teammates often said they'd sure rather have her on their team than play against her! City Championship Mat Wrestling in junior high, Jr. and Sr. provincial awards in track (800 metres) and competitive volleyball in high school — she did it all. But there was ALWAYS soccer, in Ashley's life it was winter, fall, spring and summer soccer. Eventually, it became all about soccer! Her provincial coach (Gord Ramsay) once said, “You know Ashley sometimes it’s good to be great at one thing, then good at several.” She replied with a, “Hmph, WHY?” She managed to do it all with guts and gusto — it was such a pleasure to watch. Ashley was selected as a leading member of the Alberta Soccer team and played a commanding role on that team for a few years as a teenager. She loved a challenge and proudly we watched her achieve many goals, one that made her feel especially accomplished was when she received full-ride scholarships in soccer to Western Nebraska College and further to that a 4-year scholarship to Lindenwood University in Missouri, always while sporting her #2 jersey. Offered a try-out for a professional ladies’ soccer team in the USA, Ashley declined the offer; she said, “It meant more time away from family, friends and the home life she missed in Calgary.” She missed us all while away doing her thing. Ashley graduated from Lindenwood in 2008, with a degree in International Business, and was forever known on the University Soccer team as “That Canadian”. Married in 2017 followed by a small family celebration held at her favourite place, our backyard in Fairmont Hot Springs, BC. She loved the mountains, the water and the beautiful scenery that area had to offer. She loved to hike and spent a great deal of time with her daughter Aria outdoors, who now embodies the same loves: outdoors and sports—look out world — Aria is even more competitive than her mommy, if that's even possible!

Ashley's loving family will forever cherish the memories made at Columbia Lake, all the Halloween tricks and treats (Ashley's fave holiday), the childhood scavenger hunts at Easter and Christmas gatherings, and the numerous Disneyland family trips. The loss of Ashley is HUGE!!

As with every challenge that Ashley took on and excelled at, we proudly say, she earned the “Best Mom Ever!” award.  Aria was her life; she absolutely adored her and taught her well. 

Family members left to mourn her vibrant presence are her 5-year-old daughter Aria, her parents, Wayne and Cindy; her older brother Curtis (Angie Singleton) and their children, Kenzi, Peyton, and Kruze; older sister Tiffany McRae, youngest brother Carter McRae, and numerous family members of the McRae and Keating clan. Her kitty cat Tiggy is missing her presence as well. She had loving connections with everyone. She felt blessed to have so many friends in her life from sports, social events and work. Please know this; she spoke fondly of you all as we reminisced recently of many of these times as we sat and talked during her final days. Ashley was predeceased by her grandparents, Reg Keating Sr., Marion Keating, and Jim McRae; her uncle Reg Keating Jr., and her cousins, Steven Heichert, Ava and Austin Keating, and Jennifer Allen.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Rosedale Hospice #1245 – 70 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2X8Telephone: (403) 284 – 5195.

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

In living memory of Ashley McRae, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-299-0100.