Obituary of Marianne Longman

October 5, 1931 - Calgary, Alberta

September 28, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Marianne Longman (nee O’Connor) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 28, 2024, one week before her 93rd birthday. 

Born October 5, 1931, Marianne was the third of seven children to Henry and Marian O’Connor (nee McCool). Marianne lived in Edmonton, Lloydminster and Minneapolis returning to Calgary, AB, in the late 1960’s where she lived the remainder of her life. 

Adopting her father’s strong conviction for education of women, Marianne trained as a lab technician at the Holy Cross Hospital. Post graduation, she worked in various hospital labs eventually joining and spending over 13 years with the Canadian Red Cross.

With her love of singing, Marianne joined a presentation of The Mikado as a chorus member where she met and fell in love with fellow chorus member Curt Longman. Curt and Marianne married in 1954 and welcomed four children in the coming years. They celebrated 48 years of marriage until Curt’s passing in 2002. 

A true representation of strength, courage and conviction, Marianne accepted life on life’s terms with grace, humility, and hard work. She possessed wisdom and was a strong advocate for standing up in one’s beliefs no matter what they may be. She was a loyal friend and confidant who will be dearly missed.

Never without a book, Marianne was well-read and a great conversationalist who loved history, politics, and current events. She had a profound sense of humour and love for the absurd, often cultivated in great sayings.

Through many decades of volunteerism and as a member of numerous choirs, Marianne embraced supporting others and connecting with the community. Her volunteer contributions included Heritage Park, the Oakridge Police Station (the ‘Cop Shop’), and Holy Spirit Parish. 

Marianne was predeceased by her husband, John Curtis ‘Curt’ Longman; parents Henry and Marian O’Connor, brothers James and Vince (Dene); sisters Gerrie (Dave MacDonald) and Terrie Sundberg; brothers-in-law Bernard Benning, Larry Hudon, Ken Haggarty, and John Peake.

She is survived by her four children, Dan Longman, Gerry (Patricia) Longman, Mary Ann (Jason) Houghton, and Shelley (Dylan) Riley; her nine beloved and cherished grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Marianne will be dearly missed by her sisters, Shelagh Hudon, Maureen Benning, Rita Bayley; sisters-in-law Elaine Peake and Maxine Haggarty, as well as the extended O’Connor and Longman clans.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 - 24 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta) on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 - 24 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta) on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. A private interment will be held at a later date.

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

Marianne’s family would like to thank the staff at the South Health Campus Hospital, Southwood Hospice, and especially those at the McKenzie Towne Retirement Residence for providing friendship, a welcoming home, and community to Marianne. 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to CanLearn Society, 100, 1117 Macleod Trail SE Calgary, AB T2G 2M8, Telephone: 403-689-9300, www.canlearnsociety.ca/donations/ Fund Designation: Literacy Programs.

In living memory of Marianne Longman, 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.