Obituary of Jeanette MacQuarrie

June 7, 1930 – September 27, 2024

In the early morning hours of September 27, 2024, Jeanette MacQuarrie breathed her last. She was 94 years old. An archetype for the modern woman, she enjoyed a long life that was well-lived. Those who knew her admired her for living her life unapologetically on her own terms. 

She was a child of the Depression. Her parents, Hector Morrison and Olive James, were remarkably progressive for the times. Her father believed that if Jeanette was as intelligent and capable as her brothers, then she should be afforded the same opportunities. 

Jeanette graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in 1954. She was one of five women in that year’s graduating class. While a resident at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, she met a handsome intern and army veteran, Kenneth Taylor MacQuarrie. Together they built a life and raised a family. They practised medicine in East Central Alberta (mainly Killam and Camrose) before Medicare. Payment was sometimes unconventional. 

It was not all hard work. Ken and Jeanette had fun together. Ken was an egalitarian and very supportive of Jeanette. He relied on Jeanette in both their professional and personal lives. 

A woman who made history in Alberta, Jeanette was a trailblazer in Public Health, having completed a Diploma of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Later she was instrumental in starting the Travel Clinic at the Foothills Medical Centre. 

Jeanette enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, knitting and watching sports on television, especially curling and figure skating. 

Jeanette’s legacy lives on through her family: daughter Barbara (Ralph) Scurfield and their children Kendra (Thijs), Douglas (Karla), and Taylor; son Kenneth (Zary) MacQuarrie and their children Courtney, Lauren, Ali (Dale), Nava and Shiva; and daughter Janet (Ken) McCagherty and their children Katie (Jason), Megan (Mark) and Scott (Cliff). She delighted in her six great-grandchildren: Josephine, Wilkes, Juliette, Jack, Theo and Sebastian. Additionally, she is survived by her youngest brother, Milton Morrison. 

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to her medical team and the caring nurses on Unit 54 at the Foothills Medical Centre. Thanks also to the staff and fellow residents of the Manor Village at Varsity. She enjoyed living there. 

Her last words, when she was too weak to say much, were “Love you” repeated over and over to family members who came to say goodbye. Not bad words to go out on. 

To love and all who sail with it. 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. MacQuarrie’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

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

In living memory of Jeanette MacQuarrie, 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.

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