Obituary of Audrey Doreen Creelman

February 6, 1935 - Winnipeg, Manitoba

October 25, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Audrey Creelman, our mom, who passed away on Friday, October 25, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Audrey was born in Winnipeg, MB, in 1935, the youngest of two daughters to Walter and Regina (Peggy) Ericson. She grew up in Brandon, MB. From old, saved newspaper clippings, Audrey was a popular sorority member in Brandon throughout her teenage years.

Audrey married John Creelman in 1954, and two sons soon followed (Jan in 1954 and Tim in 1956). The family moved often, to Minneapolis, MN; Minnedosa, MB; Regina, SK; Edmonton, AB; Calgary, AB; and Burlington, ON. Following her divorce in 1995, Audrey moved to Victoria, BC, to be near her sister Ev and her elderly parents. In 2017, as her Alzheimer’s disease progressed, she moved to Calgary to be near her children and grandchildren, and now recently great-grandchildren.

Mom made friends easily and maintained many long-term friendships from everywhere she lived. Over the years, she loved many activities including bowling, bridge club, and playing weekly bingo with her sister Ev. Mom loved dancing at CFB Esquimalt and loved cruises and daily walks along the ocean near her home in James Bay. A special mention to her friend Louise, with whom Mom walked extensively.

Mom was very house-proud; her home was always immaculate. Throughout her working years, she worked for various companies in cost accounting.

Audrey is survived by her son Jan, granddaughter Amanda, great-grandson Jacob; son Tim, daughter-in-law Susan, grandson Matthew (Jen), great-granddaughter Abigail, and grandson Ben (Candace). She is also survived by her nephews, Allan and Ron; and niece Tanice, and their families. Mom was predeceased by her parents and sister.

Thanks to the Victorian at McKenzie Retirement Home, Arbour Lake Retirement Home, and most recently Prominence Way Retirement Community during her Alzheimer’s journey. A special thank you to Dr. Easton and staff Renato, Melvin, Antonia, Vivian, Nazik, Zeena, and Mehrnoush for the comforting care Mom received during her almost four-year stay at Prominence, especially in her final days.

At Mom’s request, there will be no service. Mom endured violence throughout her 41-year marriage. Mom, you were the last one standing. Please consider donating to Fear Is Not Love – Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, 500 - 1509 Centre Street SW, Calgary, AB T2G 2E6, Telephone: 403-539-5130, www.fearisnotlove.ca, or to YW Sheriff King Home, 2003 – 16th Street SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 5B7, Telephone: 403-263-1550, https://www.ywcalgary.ca/sheriffking/, or to an agency of your choice dealing with this societal scourge.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.

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

In living memory of Audrey Creelman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.