Obituary of Margaret "Maggie" Sterchi

April 17, 1943 - Paisley, Scotland

September 30, 2024 - Banff, Alberta

It is with great sadness that the Sterchi family announces the sudden passing of Maggie Sterchi in Banff on September 30, 2024, at the age of 81 years. Gone too soon, her family grieves her loss and what could have been but they smile at the great lengths Maggie went to avoid saying goodbye, by 'popping her clogs'.

Born and raised in Paisley, Scotland, Maggie carried her Scottish roots proudly with her. Even after moving to Canada, her warm accent and sense of humour straight from the heart of Scotland remained unmistakable. She bravely crossed the Atlantic and made a new home, where she met and married her beloved Hans. Together, they ran Banff Park Sports ski shop for over two decades, sharing their passion for the mountains with visitors from near and far. Maggie later worked at Canadian Mountain Holidays, where she built lasting friendships and countless memories.

Maggie had a heart as big as her laugh. She was generous, spirited, and always up for a blether over a cuppa. She loved being surrounded by family, friends, and good company, and watching downhill ski racing, tennis, Formula One, and hockey.

Her door was always open, and together with Hans, she hosted countless visitors and dinners over the years, making many feel like family.

The family wishes to thank Maggie's friends and relatives for their love, kind words, and shared stories. It brings great comfort to know that Maggie touched so many lives and will be remembered fondly.

A loving mother, grandma, sister and aunt, Maggie leaves behind her sons, John (Carolyn) of Cow Bay, NS, and Gordon (Becky) of Calgary; her cherished grandchildren, Bennett and Megan of Calgary; and her sister Grace of St. Ives, Cornwall, brother Anderson (Debbie) of St. Ives, Cornwall, sister-in-law Evelyn of Glasgow, Scotland, brother-in-law Eric of Langley, BC, and her treasured wee dog, Paisley.

Maggie will be sorely missed by her many nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends at home and around the world, and all those she held close to her heart.

She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Hans, whom she loved dearly and whose loss she felt deeply. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Mary and William; her brother Jim, and brothers-in-law Gordon, Heinz, and George; as well as sisters-in-law Hanni and Anneliese.

A Celebration of Maggie's Life will be held at a later date to raise a toast to our beloved wee lass with mountains of love.

In honour of Maggie's deep love for dogs and all animals, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Cochrane Humane Society, 62 Griffin Industrial Pointe, Cochrane, AB, T4C 0A3, Telephone: (403) 932-2072, www.cochranehumane.ca.

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

In living memory of Maggie Sterchi, 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.