Obituary of Mary Jeannette Fenwick

July 29, 1925 – Medicine Hat, Alberta

May 14, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Mary Fenwick slipped away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, two months shy of her 99th birthday, with her daughters by her side. Mary was Mary right until the end; her good humour and her concern for others never left her.

Mary grew up in Calgary, AB, with her parents, Robert and Sophia Elias; her sister Marjorie, and her twin brothers, Robert and William. She graduated from Crescent Heights High School in 1943 and from the University of Alberta School of Nursing in 1947. Mary’s classmates from nursing school remained her friends throughout her life, and she attended reunions regularly. Mary was the last or second-last of thirteen.

Mary married Fred in 1950, and they eventually settled down in the Spruce Cliff neighbourhood in Calgary, where they lived for over 50 years and raised their family. Fred often, and on very little notice, brought home business associates, friends, and strays, whom Mary welcomed with an open heart, cooking and caring, making their home a haven of peace and friendship.

Mary went back to nursing in 1968 and eventually became the Head Nurse of Occupational Health at Foothills Hospital in Calgary. She was also an early woman’s leader in the Anglican Church, the first woman delegate to the General Synod, advancing the interests of her beloved church and opening doors for other women with charm, good humour, and competence.

Always up for a new challenge, Mary took up golf at age 65 and played for years with her friends, whom she called “the Ladies of Summer.” Frustrated with having given up piano lessons as a young girl, Mary returned to the Mount Royal Conservatory of Music at age 89 and took up right where she left off. She was proud and happy to have been invited to play piano with the Calgary Youth Orchestra at their Christmas concert in 2016. Kathy Dornian and the Piano Faculty at Mount Royal welcomed Mary back and brought music to her years. It meant so much to her.

Mary was predeceased by Fred, her beloved husband of 63 years, her sister Marjorie, and her brothers, Bob and Bill. She leaves behind her children, Shauna, Fred, and Barbara; and her grandchildren, Eric, Lauren (and wife Skyelar), Brianna, and Janelle. Bob’s much-loved daughter Nancy Freight was often by Mary’s side these past years.

Mary was sustained all her life by her deep Christian faith, which she never thrust on anyone but showed every day with her works and her kindness. She goes to meet her Saviour and Fred.

Mary was always happy, and she tried every day to make life a little easier and happier for those around her. None of us can remember an unkind word, ever. Remember her that way and try to pass it along when you can.

Funeral Services will be held at Church of the Good Shepherd (408 – 38th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, please consider a memorial tribute to the little neighbourhood church that was Mary’s spiritual home for 65 years, Church of the Good Shepherd, 408 – 38th Street S.W., Calgary, AB, Telephone:(403) 246-8123, Donations - Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd

Special thanks to the staff and residents of Carewest Royal Park for their care and for welcoming Mary into their community for the past two years, and to her parish priest the Reverend Derwyn Costinak, who was with Mary often and near her passing.

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

In living memory of Mary Fenwick, 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.