Obituary of Holly Faith Charles

December 26, 1953 – Chatham, Ontario

July 2, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Holly Faith Charles of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, at the age of 70 years on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

Holly was born on Boxing Day, 1953, in Chatham, ON, to Lorne and Nancy Cottel. She was a younger sister to Joslyn and Valerie, and an older sister to Mark.

An expert in early childhood development with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Calgary, Holly dedicated her life to serving the community. She had an impactful career in the non-profit sector, retiring from the operational helm of Calgary’s Catholic Family Service. Among her fondest memories were the clients and colleagues who became lifelong friends at the Louise Dean School.

Holly was an extraordinary host – welcoming and warm. She loved learning, being active, travelling, celebrating, and surrounding herself with loved ones.

Family was Holly’s greatest passion. An ultimate caregiver and mother, she adored her three children above all else. She took fervent pride in their accomplishments and cherished the relationships with each of them. Becoming a grandmother brought her immense joy in her later years. As a beloved sister, aunt, mother-in-law, and loyal friend, she cared deeply and inspired greatly. She leaves behind a legacy of cultivated traditions and the wisdom that we should all be kind to one another.

Holly was predeceased by her parents and her sister Valerie. She is survived by her three children, Jonathan (Tara), Timothy (Marta), and Alison (Jason); and her granddaughter Bea.

A Celebration of Holly’s Life will be held at a later date.   

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

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

In living memory of Holly Charles, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.