Cleo Arlene Keys

Cleo Arlene Keys passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026 at the age of 79. She was born in Kindersley, SK to James and Roberta Sharpe. She was predeceased by husbands, William Rudy and William Keys. She will never be forgotten by her sons, Graham (Dagmar) and Edward (Sande); her grandchildren Femke and Karsten; her brother Kim (Shannon); and her sisters Ellen and Paula. She was loved by her longtime companion, Gary Holmberg. Cleo was cherished by Gary’s siblings, Lloyd, Tracy (Tim) and Connie (Chuck). Her numerous nieces and nephews will share their grief with her many friends.

Cleo was a kind person. She was kind to her family, her students, animals, art and with her heart.

Cleo had a gentle talent to be uniquely present, especially in moments of conflict. She was effortless in her ability to encourage and comfort those she found herself surrounded by, in trust. This capacity persisted into her challenging final years and will remain intact, somehow, after she is gone from this earth. Her tender nature was generous and contagious. Those who knew her, knew what a true sweetheart she was.

To know Cleo was to love the sound of her laughter. After retiring from her successful teaching career, Cleo explored a number of teaching and volunteering opportunities. She was well known for her exquisite quilts. Her work was admired by her peers at the Heritage Park Quilt Shows. She entered many award-winning pieces at the Calgary Stampede. Her work was also displayed at an international competition in Los Angeles, CA. She also volunteered with the Calgary Folk Club. As in her youth, when she taught competitive figure skating, she later shared her quilting skills by teaching in Cochrane. Later she shared a CBE Artist in Residence position teaching digital photography to young students.

In her final decade, her enthusiasm for life was compromised by Alzheimer’s disease. The family extends their appreciation to the entire staff of the Intercare Brentwood Care Center for their elite, loving care during Cleo’s final years.

Notably she believed that love is forever present and that trust is always by her side. She will forever be in our hearts with love.

Cleo’s urn interment will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery, 3219 – 4 St. NW, Calgary, on Saturday, June 20 at 1:30 p.m. A Celebration of Cleo’s Life will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 - 4 St. NW from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.