Obituary of Alma Shirley Weiss

January 7, 1929 – Calgary, Alberta

June 26, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Today we mourn the loss of our beloved Alma "Shirley" Weiss (nee Armstrong), who passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the age of 95. Shirley was not just a mother, Nana, Great Nana, and best friend, but a vibrant soul who touched many lives.

Shirley’s life was marked by a deep love for her family, and her passions for bridge, golf, shuffleboard, knitting, sewing, and hosting memorable parties. She cherished the times spent travelling across Canada, America, and Mexico with her beloved husband, Donald “Don” Weiss.

Shirley was born in Calgary and attended Balmoral for grades 1-9 and Crescent Heights High School for grades 10-12. Her intelligence shone brightly from a young age, completing grades 1-3 in just two years.

Summers spent at Gull Lake, AB, with her sisters Ruth and Lois were cherished moments filled with friendship and adventure. Shirley furthered her education at Mount Royal, completing a rigorous 2-year Commercial Course in only one year.

Our mom began her career at Alberta Pacific Grain Company before moving to Vancouver, where she worked for Stanley Brock Limited and BC Electric. It was there that she met Donald, who, upon meeting Shirley at work, declared, "That’s the girl I’m going to marry." Shirley had a magnetic personality—engaging, magnificent, and beautiful, both inside and out.

Shirley and Don married in 1953 and were blessed with four children: Kirk, Jan, Kevin, and Karen. After successfully establishing the Gondola Pizza franchises in Calgary, they retired to Palm Springs, CA. There they relished each day forging deep friendships. Their love for travel led them to become avid motorhome travellers’ “globetrotters” exploring the entire USA, extensive parts of Mexico, and much of eastern Canada.

In 2003, they settled their time between Kelowna, Summerland, and Palm Springs, before finally returning to Calgary in 2018, completing their life’s journey.

After Don’s passing in 2021, Shirley continued to embrace life, cherishing time with friends and most importantly, her family. In her final year, the telephone became her lifeline, connecting her with each of her children at least twice daily.

Shirley amazed her medical teams with her resilience and strength until her last days. Though she loved life dearly, she found peace in her faith, knowing she would reunite with Don, playing cards, golfing, and reconnecting with cherished family and friends who had gone before her.

Shirley is survived by her loving children, Kirk (Jill), Jan (Doug), Kevin, and Karen (Jeff); her eight grandchildren, Vicki, Greg, Alicia, Ian, Jordan, Katlin, Emily, and Sarah; and eight great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Braden, Conner, Joshua, Jordan, Walter, Lilah, and Finley.

Shirley’s family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Manor Village at Fish Creek for their dedicated support of senior lifestyles, to the Southwood Hospice for their compassion and kindness, and to AHS Home Care for their invaluable guidance throughout the journey of life. 

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

In living memory of Shirley Weiss, 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.