Obituary of Marian Esther Madsen

September 18, 1936 – Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England

August 23, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Marian Esther Madsen (nee Remington), of Airdrie, AB, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the age of 87 years.

Marian was born to Tom and Doris Remington in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, England, on September 18, 1936. She was the third of four daughters. In addition to her primary education, Marian helped out on the family farm and completed her baker’s apprenticeship in the nearby town of Hyde.

Marian longed for independence. At the age of 21, against her family’s wishes, she announced her plan to depart for Canada. She set sail at Liverpool for Montreal, QC, on April 5, 1958, continuing the journey by train to Calgary, AB. She was met by her uncle, Eric Porter, and lived with his family for a time. Marian found work near Chestermere, AB, on the farm of Hector and Helen McElroy. This is where she met new friends and was introduced to a young Dane, Rasmus Madsen.

Marian and Ras married in England in September 1960, then sailed for Denmark to start their life of farming together. Farming in Denmark was very challenging at that time, and the future outlook was unpromising. Canada seemed the better option, so they made a new plan. Twenty-eight days after their first son, Jens, was born, they set sail back to Canada. Upon arrival in Alberta, they acquired the Whitnack farm near Delacour and settled on growing grain and raising pigs. Two more sons followed Thomas in 1964 and Hans in 1968.

While farming, gardening, cooking, and baking were the practical domains of Marian’s life, her passion was for arts and crafts. She enjoyed collecting, creating and teaching art. She developed friendships with numerous artists and collected paintings and sculptures. Lifelong friendships were formed through her teaching, demonstrations and time with the Calgary Sugarcraft Guild. She enjoyed participating and competing in culinary exhibitions. She entered several Calgary Culinary Arts shows, spent many years at the Stampede Western Oasis, and once entered in Birmingham, England. Many awards were earned from these shows. Over the years, Marian decorated scores of wedding cakes for friends and neighbours. Marian was also skilled at wheat weaving and enjoyed teaching others.

She was extremely proud of her family, and that both sons made their living in the field of agriculture. Many of her personal qualities live on through her grandchildren. Independence, creativity, love of the outdoors, work ethic, and good old common sense are traits shared by all her grandchildren.

After Ras’ passing, Marian enjoyed trips to England, Germany, and Denmark, and cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Alaska. She also had numerous trips to England to visit relatives, the latest being to England in 2020 for her baby sister’s 80th birthday.

Marian was a member of the Kathyrn Ladies Club and Kathyrn Curling Club. She also, together with Kate Fielder, was the founder of the Calgary Sugarcraft Guild.

Marian will be remembered as both a farmer and an artist. The farmer will be most remembered for pragmatism, independence, and generous hospitality. Marian, the artist, for her creativity, versatility, eye for design, and meticulous work.

Marian is survived by her sons, Jens (Leanne), of Airdrie, AB, and Thomas (Alanna) of Arden, MB; grandchildren, Travis (Abenaa), Kurt (Melissa), Jeff (Rebecca), Jennifer (Parker), Knibb, Holly (Blake) and Brett (Morgan); and great-grandchildren, Kofi Madsen, Emilia, and Eliana Madsen. Marian is also survived by two sisters, Joyce Millan and Alice Bellis, both of England; her sister-in-law Marianne (Olaf) Poulsen and brother-in-law Sven Jorgensen, both of Denmark, and John Madsen, of Saskatoon, SK; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marian was predeceased by her infant son Hans (1968); her loving husband Rasmus (1980); her sister Margaret Bellis; her brothers-in-law, John Millan, Graham Bellis, John Bellis, and Jens Mostrup Madsen; and her sisters-in-law, Lise Madsen, Minna Jorgensen, and Margaret Madsen.

A Celebration of Marian’s Life will be held at the Keoma Hall (112 6 St, Keoma, AB), on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Reception and fellowship to follow in the hall. Private family interment will follow at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Branch Out Neurological Foundation, website: Branch Out Neurological Foundation - Marian Madsen.

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