Mary Catherine (Kirtley) Lewis

With heavy hearts we celebrate the life of our beloved mom, grandma, sister, aunt, great-aunt and friend. Mary Catherine (Kirtley) Lewis passed away, peacefully in her sleep with her loving daughter & son by her side, while holding her daughter’s hand, in the early hours of Wednesday July 9th, 2025, in Calgary, AB.

She is survived by her daughter Ann (Lewis) Thompson & fiancé Ryan Forsythe; son Myles Lewis & partner Krysta Milligan; granddaughters Samantha Thompson-Nadon, Paige Thompson, Ava Forsythe, Gabrielle Babcock, Addison Babcock; grandsons Colton Forsythe, Kalub Brown, Zackery Brown; sisters Betty (Kirtley) Bourne, Grace (Kirtley) (Garry) Fix; nephews Blair (Emily) Fix, Stuart (Megan) Fix; grandnieces Petra Fix, Phoebe Fix; grandnephew Owen Fix and numerous Kirtley and Grabill cousins. She is predeceased by her father Henry Kirtley and mother Eva (Grabill) Kirtley.

Mary was born in Stettler, Alberta and grew up on the family farm just outside of town, riding her bike, playing the piano and accordion before heading to Edmonton to attend nursing school. She returned to Stettler and worked in the local hospital, where she met her husband and later started a family. She moved to Calgary in 1987 with her young children in pursuit of career opportunities and a better life for her kids.

She enjoyed taking care of others and made a career out of it as a LPN, specializing in home care and especially loved working with people who had disabilities. It fulfilled her to bring a smile to any moment but particularly with those in need.

She will be remembered for her faith in God, her infectious smile, zest for life, compassionate dedication and love of her family. She took great care of people and retired to take care of her grandchildren. Mary had a special way of making you feel seen, understood and cared for as a person…there was never a dull moment with Mary in the room. She loved making people laugh with her theatrics, dark humour and she was known to be a little mischievous with the goal of always making a person’s day brighter. Even in her darkest moments she showed quiet strength, great courage, and kindness with persistent patience, while she focused on looking for ways to bring joy to others.

She taught us to live simply, love and trust in God, bring a smile to someone’s day and to live an active healthy life but when the end is near eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner. She will be missed by the many people whose lives she deeply touched.

We would like to thank the caring staff of Dulciana Hospice Care; the Nurses Doctors, Care Aides, Chaplain & Social Worker who supported us by bringing daily joy and comfort. Plus Rockyview General Hospital, the staff of the ER, Units 94, 84, 73 and the compassionate porters who made tough journeys a little brighter. In addition her pastor, David Adkins and his wife Debbie Adkins, who routinely stopped by for a visit and brought serenity through prayer.

To all those who brought comfort through her tough medical journey and found friendship through a fellow person passionate about people and nursing, we thank you for being there to support Mary. Your kindness made it easier and her family is forever grateful for all your efforts.

A Memorial Service to honour Mary will be held at ST. ANDREW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH (1611 St Andrews Pl NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3Y4) on Thursday, July 31 at 2:00 PM.