Obituary of Mae Papp

October 27, 1927 – Rycroft, Alberta

August 6, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Mae Riter Papp passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the age of 96 years. Mae was born in Rycroft, AB, the fourth of five children born to Hardie and Roberta Currie. She moved to Peace River in the mid-40s where she met Gordon Papp, and they were married on April 16, 1948. After Gordon's sudden passing in 1960, Mae devoted herself to raising her four young children and in 1967 she moved the family to Calgary.

Mae went back to school and in 1975 she graduated with a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. She accepted a teaching position and taught elementary school in Brisbane, Australia. Mae was an avid traveller throughout her life. In 1992 at the age of 65, she bought herself an Around the World airline ticket and off she went with only a backpack. Mae was always willing to help others and was part of the volunteer team for the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Mae loved to golf, curl and play bridge where she made many lifelong friends. She enjoyed hiking and walks along the river. Mae's hobbies included knitting, needlework, sewing and baking birthday cakes and cookies.

Mae was devoted to her ten grandchildren. She took them to Disneyland when they turned seven and each has fond memories with Grandma. Education was very important to Mae, so she paid for her grandchildren's post-secondary education. Mae will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, friendliness and love of adventure.

Mae will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Janice (Harry) and Beverly (Larry); son Richard (Glenna), daughter-in-law Cathie, as well as her ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mae is also survived by her sister Audrey Clarke as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mae was predeceased by her husband Gordon Papp, son Dennis Papp, sisters, Margaret Jackson and June Jackson; and brother George Currie.

A Celebration of Mae’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

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

In living memory of Mae Papp, 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.