Obituary of Marcia Jane Geoffrey (nee Karpiak)

November 26, 1951 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

July 14, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Though Marcia’s kitchen may be closed, the fond memories of many gatherings will remain. As dinner for 20 meant food for 30, her family will continue to honor her example of always having room for one more at the table.

Marcia passed away July 14, 2024, unexpectedly but peacefully, at Father Lacombe Care Centre. She was known for her kindness and gentle spirit, family gatherings, and hospitality to all.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, she graduated with an education degree from the University of Manitoba, majoring in special education.

She was blessed with the ability to create strong connections with children, and believed that more could be achieved through kindness. Although she was a teacher by profession, her real calling was as a stay-at-home mother.

Her love for music was notoriously eclectic, as she had an appreciation for the Rolling Stones, Gerry Rafferty, Alice Cooper, and Celine Dion. Her accordion made many an appearance at Christmas dinners.

Marcia and Gerry spent many vacations at their favorite place in Hawaii, and welcomed many friends and family to join them throughout the years. When asked if she wanted to go anywhere else, Marcia would decline and say she wanted to go to Maui. A highlight was when her children and grandchildren joined them for a family vacation.

Marcia dealt with grace and dignity through her health issues in the later years of her life, and spent the last two years at Father Lacombe Care Centre. The family would like to extend special thanks and gratitude to all the aides and nurses, “the kids” at FLCC for their loving care. And a very special thank you to Dr. Jill Dewer.

Although she was a gentle and kind spirit, she was a fierce mother bear when it came to her children or grandchildren, and even her husband when needed. She was passionate in her love for her family, creating a home that welcomed everyone, and was immensely proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

Her home always included a dog. From the moment Mom saw Jesse, and Jesse saw Mom, they became inseparable, spending 18 years together.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Gerry (her high school sweetheart), daughter Shannon (Jim), daughter Marcie (Paul), and her grandchildren, Katie, Nic, Shawn, Mia, Owen, and Andrew, sister Patricia (John), and brother Alan (Marni), niece Kathy (Kevin) and their children Claire and James. She was pre-deceased by her mother Katherine (2002), and her father Stanley (1970).

A private celebration will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Father Lacombe Care Foundation 270 Providence Boulevard, S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 0V6. Telephone: (403) 254-6281. https://flccfoundation.ca/

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

In living memory of Marcia Geoffrey, 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.