Obituary of Rebecca Hotchkiss

February 3, 1930 - Langton, Ontario

September 18, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rebecca Hotchkiss on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. We are heartbroken but grateful to have been blessed by her love, warmth and generous spirit.

Rebecca was predeceased by her husband, Harley Hotchkiss, and will be deeply missed by their five children, Paul (Tracy) Hotchkiss, Brenda (Jamie) Mackie, John (Eva) Hotchkiss, Richard (Louise) Hotchkiss, and Jeff (Sheryl) Hotchkiss, as well as eighteen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Rebecca was proud of her Ontario farming roots, an upbringing she shared with Harley, her husband of 60 years until his passing in 2011. As teenagers, their eyes first met from across the baseball diamond. Harley starred for the opposing Straffordville team, who were playing the hometown Langton team, coached by Rebecca’s dad.

Thus began a life together, with a devoted Rebecca assuming a quiet but integral role in supporting Harley’s business and philanthropic efforts.  She was as passionate about the Calgary Flames as Harley was. Their common background forged their shared values of hard work, integrity, humility, love for community and most of all, the importance of family.

Rebecca was sporty and athletic. As a girl - then Becky Boyd - she played baseball, and later in life possessed a wonderful, natural golf swing and was an accomplished tennis player. Disciplined about physical fitness throughout her life, Rebecca exuded a youthfulness that defied her age.

Rebecca was a wonderful hostess to her family, friends, and business leaders. She was a truly amazing cook and a world-class baker. Her pies were legendary.

Rebecca was loving, loyal, and protective of her family, whom she placed at the center of her life. She tightly wove the fabric of our family with her amazing family dinners, celebrations and wonderful, thoughtful travelling adventures with her children and grandchildren. She was a role model for us all. Rarely without a smile, usually singing like a songbird in the kitchen, she created a beautiful setting for her family to flourish within. She possessed a lovely, endearing sense of humour and a sharp wit, evident even in her final days.

Rebecca touched many lives with her grace, elegance and warmth. Her family will miss her dearly, but she will live on in our memories and we will forever be inspired by her love.

Funeral Services will be held at Lakeview United Church (3023 – 63rd Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Hotchkiss’ service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes to the Hotchkiss Brain Institute may be made directly to the University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Telephone (403) 220 - 2470 https://hbi.ucalgary.ca/donate. In the memo line, please designate the HOPE Program – Rebecca Hotchkiss Fund for Outstanding Progress in Brain Health Exploration.

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

In living memory of Norma “Rebecca” Hotchkiss, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Rebecca's Memorial Service