Mary Margaret Maisey (Litchfield) was born in Kingston, Ontario on April 16, 1941. She died in Turner Valley, Alberta on September 14, 2020 with her daughter by her side and Roy Orbison crooning in the background. While born in eastern Canada, she was a western girl through and through. When she was 10 months old, she moved with her family to Calgary. At age 16, she and her family moved to the Bearspaw district, next door to the Nagway Inn where she worked as a teenager.
Mary earned her Registered Nursing Assistant certification, interning in Drumheller before returning to the General Hospital in Calgary where she was recognized for her contributions. She gave up her nursing career to become a wife and mother - the most important roles of her life. After a brief first marriage and the arrival of daughter, Dayla, Mary met the love of her life, Rick. They were married on August 5, 1971 and were inseparable until his death in June 2016. Rick and Mary lived throughout the Okotoks-Turner Valley area. Their homes were warm and welcoming. The coffee pot was always on and there was always room for one more at the table. Whether it be a stray dog or a cat or a kid or simply someone who needed a place to rest a while, their door was open. They never had much, but what they had, they shared.
Mary was a gifted artist, painting and quilting treasures as gifts as well as to sell. She loved all things Christmas. She had great style. She was always dressed to the nines with matching glittery jewellery, her hair coiffed and nails painted. She was also known for her green thumb, her compassion for all creatures and her voracious appetite for reading. Mary loved to visit and debate. She had strong opinions and was happy to share them. Her daughter, Dayla was her pride and joy.
After Rick’s passing, Mary lived in the community with the support of Meals on Wheels and the Homecare team. She enjoyed being out and about especially lunches with friends and family at the Turner Inn and the Chuckwagon Café where everyone treated her like a Queen. In September 2018, Mary moved into the High Country Lodge in Black Diamond where she made many cherished friends who brightened her days and brought her much support and laughter. Thank you to each of you.
In addition to her husband, Rick, Mary is preceded by her brother Pat, her parents Denis and Nancy Litchfield. She is also preceded by Nick and Anne Nastiuk who she loved as her own parents. She leaves behind numerous life long friends and nieces and nephews in addition to her daughter Dayla
(Ken Staroszik).
Thank you to the incredible team of doctors, nurses, support aids and others at the Oilfields Hospital who took extra special care with Mary stopping by to say hello, laughing with her, teasing her back and cajoling her as needed. Your generous acts of kindness meant so much to Mary and her family. A heartfelt Thank you to Dr. Matthew Schuck who exemplifies everything it means to be a physician. From his sense of humour to his pragmatic prescriptions, he supported Mary with wisdom, compassion, and skill through her very complex medical needs.
At Mary’s request, a formal service will not be scheduled. Please remember her with a toast of Frangelico or an anonymous act of kindness.
That will make her smile.
