Obituary of Maryann Suomi

September 26, 1943 – Vancouver, British Columbia

December 3, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Maryann Suomi, of Calgary, AB, a beloved and cherished friend to all, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the age of 81 years.

Maryann was born in Vancouver, BC, on September 26, 1943, to parents Elsie Schinkovits (née Bowie) and Steve Schinkovits.

She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Laureate Alpha Omega Chapter and was recognized as Woman of the Year at the organization’s city-wide event many times over.

Maryann accomplished much throughout her life. She worked in administration and support across various industries.

She loved to golf and was a member at Lakeside Greens in Chestermere, AB, where she lived for many years. She moved to Calgary, AB, after retiring and was a cherished and fun-loving neighbour at The Terraces in the Patterson community.

Maryann was a fashionista and had a large shoe and jewellery collection. She was fond of shopping and always looked her very best.  In her later years, she modelled in many fashion shows and loved that experience.

Holidays were big for her and she would decorate her home and don seasonal outfits right down to the earrings.

Maryann was very well-travelled and visited many spots around the world including Japan, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Hawaii, Las Vegas, California, and Nashville, to name a few. In later years she really loved travelling to Phoenix with her dear friend Darlene to escape the winter chill. She had many adventures in her travels and loved to tell these stories to her friends.

Maryann had a little furry companion named Annie, aka Diva. Annie was a great companion for her and Darlene as Annie eventually moved in with Darlene when Maryann had to relocate into care at the Royal Park. Needless to say, she was very spoiled and well-loved by both of them. Also, an honourable mention to Chester, her cat which she adopted while in Chestermere, AB. He retired from street life and had a good home with her until his passing.

We want to acknowledge the staff at Royal Park. Your loving, supportive care for her was so very much appreciated. Maryann considered each of you as her family.  Thank you for your kindness and professional care.

Also, a big thanks to all of her visitors. She enjoyed her time with each of you and was very thankful for your friendship.

Maryann’s favourite sayings included, “You need to take care of you,” “Get over yourself,” “Time to put your big girl panties on, and deal with it,” and “It is what it is.”

She will be most remembered for her love and passion for people. She cared about others and was a good listener, interested in what others may be going through. She loved to cook for people and was an amazing chef, hosting dinner parties often. It didn’t need to be an occasion, but simply because it was ‘Tuesday’ and she loved having people over.

Throughout her journey with ALS, she continued to welcome visitors into her home at Royal Park. She had a remarkable attitude and spirit and will be missed by the many people whose paths she crossed. She lived a life well-lived and always chose to embrace each day at her best.

Maryann is survived by Kevin and Dawn Bowie, and family. She is also survived by her supportive and dear friend, Darlene White. Maryann was predeceased by her parents, Steve and Elsie Schinkovits.

Maryann requested that her friends gather to raise a glass and enjoy charcuterie at her Celebration of Life, located at Lakeside Golf Club (555 Lakeside Greens Drive, Chestermere, AB) on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to ARTS Senior Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 70054 Londonderry, Edmonton, AB, T5C 3R6. Telephone: 780-232-4911, www.animalrescuetransfersociety.com or to any animal rescue organization of your choice.

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

In living memory of Maryann Suomi, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.

Click to View the Memorial Card for Maryann Suomi