Obituary of Lois Helen Elizabeth BURKE-GAFFNEY

1927 – 2016 Lois Burke-Gaffney of Calgary passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. Lois was born in Medicine Hat on January 29, 1927. She moved to Calgary to attend Sacred Heart School for Grade 3 and has not left the community since. Lois married the love of her life, Francis Burke-Gaffney in 1952. She attended the University of Manitoba and the University of Calgary, receiving her M.A. in 1975. She worked as a Human Resources professional in the energy sector for over twenty years. Lois was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish, and was formerly a trustee for the Calgary Roman Catholic School District No. 1, President of the Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association, Director of the Alberta School Boards Association, Board Member of St. Mary’s University, Member of the University of Calgary Senate, Executive Member of the Human Resource Institute of Alberta, Provincial Executive Member of the Catholic Women’s League of Alberta, President Alumnae of the Calgary Philharmonic and Chair of the St. Mary’s Girls School Alumnae. Lois received many accolades for her community service among which are the Justice James Higgins Award, Alberta Catholic School Board Association Life Member Award, Alberta Catholic School Boards Association St. Thomas More Award, Alberta School Board Association Meritorious Service Award and a nomination for the Alberta Order of Excellence. Lois is survived by her five children, Sean (Lorysa), Kevin (Cheri), Noel (Ella), Brian, and Elizabeth, and eleven grandchildren, Conor, Ryan, Sarah, Jack, Kate, Kieran, Caitlin, Felix, Liev, Jordan, and Loren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Helen and Sister Mary, R.S.C.J. Lois was predeceased by her beloved husband Francis; her parents; and all of her siblings. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14th Street S.W.) on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14th Street S.W.) on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery in St. Joseph’s Section. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Lois’ honour may be made directly to the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (www.theccef.ca) with a prayer for peace in our time. In living memory of Lois Burke-Gaffney, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.