Obituary of Andrea Darlene McCoy

November 11, 1956 – Ottawa, Ontario
April 10, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Andrea Darlene McCoy (nee Ristow), beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the age of 67 years.

Andrea was born in Ottawa, ON, on November 11, 1956. She followed her love, Brian, to Calgary in 1979, and they married in 1983. They welcomed two daughters in 1988, and 1990, who they raised in Drumheller for thirteen years.

Andrea had numerous careers and excelled at each. She made costumes and performed in the circus, created a Stampede-themed children’s garment line, drove a school bus, worked at ATB, and worked with her friends and daughters at the hockey arena in Drumheller.

Andrea was a true artist, whose talents were limited only by Pinterest’s search features. Fibre, flowers (both garden and paper), clothing, clay, papier-mache, baking, roasting, saucing—she added beauty to the mundane and appreciated the world around her. “Look where we are”.

Andrea’s most memorable vacations were camping with friends and family, touring Italy with her best friends, the Weseloskys, and having a wonderful time in Palm Springs with her family. She loved horses, riding both English and Western style, learning dressage and time outdoors. She was bold and brave and feared nothing but wasps!

She will be most remembered for her incredible artistry, her genuine warmth, and soft nature. She had the innate ability to appreciate each moment she was in and to make us all feel special and loved. She will be missed desperately.

Andrea is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Caitlin (Laine) and Erin (Max) of Calgary; and her granddaughter Iona, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Brian, her parents, Alice and Phil; and sister Janice (John) Barker.

A Celebration of Andrea’s Life will be held at a later date.

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

In living memory of Andrea McCoy, 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.