Obituary of Allison Gay Warman

April 5, 1961 – Edmonton, Alberta

May 5, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Allison Warman (nee Yardley-Jones) of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at the age of 61 years. Her passing was heartbreaking, hopeful, and holy.

Allison was born in Edmonton, AB on April 5, 1961, to parents John Yardley-Jones and Mary (nee Kelly); along with siblings Hilary Sadler, Audrey Yardley-Jones, Steve Yardley-Jones, Spyder Yardley-Jones, and Fiona Yardley-Jones.

There weren’t many cities in Canada that Allison didn’t make home at some point during her life. In early years, her dad’s work as an editorial cartoonist took the Yardley-Jones family across the country. Allison graduated from the LaSalle College in Montreal where she studied fashion design. In her adult life Allison travelled extensively with her inflatable furniture in tow, designing and sewing for various events such as: The Shaw and Stratford Theatre Festivals, Alberta Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and the Canada National Ballet School. Her talent was also used for the ‘88 Olympic opening ceremonies Olympic figure skaters including Kurt Browning, Jamie Sale and Christina Yamaguchi and commissioned by Disney for Lion King on Ice. 

Allison joyfully married Timothy Warman on July 6, 1991. They enjoyed so many happy years together road tripping, searching for antiques, cross country skiing, and even power walking. The once “sworn to be single” Allison became an enthusiastic mother of three and a powerful partner alongside Tim, and these family members are all better for it.

She will forever be remembered for her quiet generosity, determination, and an incredible ability to both appreciate and to create beauty.

Allison was devoted to her family. She was quick to volunteer in her children’s classrooms and in their extra-curricular activities. Photos including Allison can be difficult to find as she was always behind the lens, capturing the people, places, and moments precious to her. No road trip sunset or pathway flower was too insignificant to pause and capture in a “Kodak moment”.

Notoriety never particularly interested Allison, however she crafted an extraordinary legacy of high-quality and strikingly creative work for Olympians and preschool dancers alike. Whether her costumes were for a movie set or elementary school play, all were equally receiving of her total commitment to craftsmanship.

Although Al may never have considered herself a social butterfly, she committed herself regularly to those around her through years of volunteer work with Girl Guides, La Leche League, the Alzheimer’s Society, and more. She was especially committed to the organizations her children participated in, gifting her services as a designer and seamstress to Glenmore Christian Academy’s annual drama productions, the Youth Singers of Calgary, Corps Bara dance company, and Crossings School of Dance.

Allison was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease at the tender age of 49. She took up every opportunity available to participate in research, passionately committed to doing whatever she could despite her declining health, to further the search for an end to Alzheimer’s. When she moved to the Care Home, she transitioned her aptitude for running into tirelessly walking the hallways.

Besides her loving husband, Allison is survived by her three children, Emma, Dawson, Sarah, and Sarah’s husband Jordan Morton.

Funeral Services will be held at First Alliance Church on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., reception to follow. Masks are encouraged. We invite you to wear a bright & colourful, detailed, handmade, or granola outfit in honour of Allison. Freinds and family who are unable to attend can view Allison's service streamed lived at https://www.faccalgary.com/media/video/livestream/index.php?VideoID=19837 . Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

Her family is forever grateful to the compassionate staff for their extraordinary care at the Mount Royal Care Home.

In living memory of Allison Warman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.