Ina Gordon, much loved Mom and Nan, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2020 at Agapé Hospice in Calgary. She so wanted to live to 100 years of age but fell short of her goal by 15 months. Her life was not without its struggles but was a very long life well lived.
Born in Edinburgh, Ina spent her early years in Scotland and during WW II she was living in Beauly, a small village north of Inverness. Her husband to be, Archibald, was serving with the Canadian Forestry Corp. in Beauly. Archibald played the trombone in the army band, the band played at the community dances that Ina attended and the rest is history. They married on April 26, 1945. As a war bride, Ina arrived in Canada by ship at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mom and Dad lived in Vancouver for a short time after the war but eventually made their way to Calgary as Dad’s health required a drier climate. For the next 70+ years, Calgary was her home. She especially loved the Calgary Zoo, walking in Nose Hill Park, Kananaskis, and Banff National Park. Although not a demonstrative person, she showed her love through food. Family meals at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving were a given as were the many summer barbeques. Over the years, many people enjoyed the delicious meals she cooked. Her other love was gardening. After she retired as the Food Supervisor at Meals on Wheels at age 70, she spent many long hours working in her garden. In addition to her garden, she loved dogs. She was particularly fond of her last dog, Cypress, who was very devoted to her. In 1992, the Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of Canada was conferred upon her by the Governor General of Canada for the contribution of her work to the community with Meals on Wheels.
Ina is survived by her son Neil (Kay); daughter Jennifer; granddaughters Alison (Tyler) and Kari (Craig); and great-grandchildren Nathan, Cameron and MacLachlan.
She was predeceased by her husband Archibald in 1977; her eldest son Colin in 2001 and her dear friend Bob Baxter in 2015. At Ina’s request, there will be no service but if you knew her, the family asks that you raise a wee dram in her memory.
Please consider a donation to one of her favourite charities, the Calgary Zoo, the Mustard Seed Foundation, Alzheimer Society Calgary or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The family would like to thank all of Ina’s caregivers over the last few years. Her family doctor, Dr. Paul Andersson, the Home Care Team and all of the wonderful staff at Agapé Hospice. You were very much appreciated.
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