Obituary of Loretta Anne McCallum

December 17, 1937 – Edenwold, Saskatchewan

January 15, 2022 – Calgary Alberta

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Loretta McCallum (nee Ast) on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the age of 84 years.

Loretta lived a full life and loved living it surrounded by family and friends. Left with cherished memories are her children Lorna (Billy) Bratt and Vaughn (Laurie) Bratt, her adopted son Scott (Janice) Bratt; her six grandchildren, Payge, Rachel, Hunter, Abbey, Ryan and Brooklynn, too many close friends to list, including Henry Flock and Rita Violini; as well as extended family members. Loretta’s kindness and caring was extended to all who knew her. 

Loretta was predeceased by her husband Larry McCallum in 2003, the father of her children Don Bratt in 2021, her parents, Carl and Louise Ast in 1984 and 1981, and her brother Bob in 2016.

Loretta led a busy and full life. She was active in many different entrepreneurial business pursuits (admin/accounting/valued sounding board), and travelled with Larry and friends all over the world to many exotic locations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa (including a little more extreme Zambezi River whitewater adventure than she ever expected).  Mexico, Hawaii and Palm Springs, were favorite destinations (Palm Springs was home for a few years in her early 40’s). Bridge, golf, tennis and a good movie were some of her favorite pastimes enjoyed with friends and family. Loretta’s keen eye for unique interior design was reflected in all her home décors.  Loretta was quick to get involved and had many volunteer roles from creating a kindergarten program in small town Saskatchewan to teaching English (ESL) in Spain. Loretta was a founding member of the Calgary Variety Club (Children’s Charity), an active member of CHAS (Children’s Hospital Aid Society), a member of the board which built the Westside Recreation Centre and was involved with various condo boards and other volunteer fundraisers and conferences.

Loretta faced several battles with cancer over 30 years with endless optimism and above all, with graceful elegance (and always wearing the latest fashion with perfect nails and hair). She simply refused to feel sick or sorry for herself. Loretta was the embodiment of the power of positive thinking - even the really tough or recently terrible parts didn’t seem to get her down. She always had a bright smile and loved to laugh. No doubt these traits greatly extended her life far beyond best case scenario expectations. Loretta spent much of September 2020 in hospital and was then given “weeks not months” which she soon again proved wrong. Loretta rallied back and we all got extra bonus time with her.  Recently on January 4, Loretta was hospitalized again and with further testing we then understood why she had a series of recent falls as cancer had spread into her hip and beyond. We had some great visits with some beautiful moments reminiscing, playing her favorite music, and going through photos. Through all of this Loretta often had a smile on her face or gave a cheeky expression back to some good-natured teasing.  We will all really miss her.

Now that we can come together again, Loretta’s family invites you to an informal Celebration of Life at Sauce Italian Kitchen and Market (3326 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It was one of her favourite neighborhood venues for countless coffees, lunches and dinners with family and friends. In the spirit of Stampede feel free to dress western. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

Loretta’s family would like to thank Dr. Van Der Westhuizen, and each member of Units 74 and 73 at Rockyview General Hospital, nurses Nicole and Lee with the Palliative Care unit of AHS and the staff at The Manor at Garrison Woods for their amazing kindness, thoughtful words, expression of love and support.  Despite the added challenges brought by the pandemic, these individuals exemplify professionalism, caring, and connectedness. Words cannot capture how meaningful their actions were to Loretta and to our family.

In lieu of flowers, and we know how much Loretta adored flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) https://chascalgary.ca/donate.

In living memory of Loretta McCallum, 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.