"The opportunity to serve" is the highest compliment McInnis & Holloway could receive.
Phone: 403-243-8200
Text: 403-256-9575
Obituary of Matil Spies
March 14, 1948 – Joub Jannine, Lebanon
December 30, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta
Matil Spies, beloved wife of Bruce Raymond Spies, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the age of 76 years.
Matil was born on March 14, 1948, in Joub Jannine, Lebanon. She was the third of five children of Theeb Abboud (1921-2001) and Jamileh Abboud (1924-1997). Matil’s parents and two younger brothers moved to Canada in 1956. The following year, on June 17, 1957, Matil and her two older sisters came to Canada to be with the rest of the family. That trip took the three older girls on a large boat and sailed across the ocean to Ellis Island, then by train to Western Canada to meet up with their family. They decided to reside in Calgary, AB. Matil attended school in Calgary and graduated from Ernest Manning High School. After school, she went to work at SAIT, where she met her husband, Bruce. On August 2, 1969, Matil and Bruce were married. After their wedding, Matil worked at Gulf Oil, starting in the mailroom and then in accounting until she and Bruce started their family. Matil had many hobbies that included sewing, cross-stitch, and petit-point. Cooking and baking were what she loved to do the most, especially for everyone around her. Family time was essential to Matil, whether an afternoon visit or a trip to many corners of the world.
Matil is survived by her husband Bruce, daughters, Lisa Spies and Catharine (Bradley) Gimbel; son Adam (Corey) Spies, grandchildren, Jacob Gimbel, Andrew Gimbel, Sophie Gimbel, Moira Spies-Scott, and Laina Spies-Scott of Calgary, AB. She is also survived by her two sisters, Debbie Shlah and Nuha (Joseph) Mousallem; brother Shaddy (Huguette) Abboud, and many nieces and nephews of Calgary, AB. Matil was predeceased by her parents, Theeb and Jamileh Abboud; her brother Roger Abboud, godson and nephew, Brian Shlah, and brother-in-law Hikmat Shlah.
A big, huge thanks to Unit 66 at the South Health Campus, the Virtual Home Hospital at the South Health Campus, Unit 57 at the Rockyview General Hospital and most of all, Unit 71 at the Rockyview General Hospital. The nursing and healthcare aides were phenomenal with the care for Matil. Also big thanks to Dr. Ralph Hawkins, Dr. Nairne Scott-Douglas and Dr. Patrick Champagne.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Requiem Service will be celebrated at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (404 Meredith Road N.E., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eden Brook Memorial Gardens (Lower Springbank Road and 17th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB).
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Matil’s family here.
In living memory of Matil Spies, 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.
