Mary Ann Peel

Mary Ann Peel, of Carstairs, AB, passed away on Sunday, September 15^th, 2019 at the age of 66 years.

Mary Ann was born in Calgary, AB, on October 19^th, 1952 to George and Jean Heffernan. Mary Ann and her two brothers, Brian and Gord, lived in Highwood, a northwest community, which in the 1950s was close to the edge of the City. Her future husband Bob lived in the adjacent community of Cambrian Heights. Bob became a friend of Brian and met Mary Ann while a teenager. In Junior High, Mary Ann took vocational studies and eventually settled into her career as a beautician. She worked at several hair salons as well as operating her own beauty salon at home.

Mary Ann married Bob in 1973. They were blessed with two children, Robin and Russell. In 1983 the Peel family moved to Carstairs. The family was connected to the area as Mary Ann’s maternal grandparents, Tom and Robina Shepherd, had farmed a few miles to the southwest. Mary Ann was the first hair stylist at the newly opened Chinook Winds Lodge and she served many seniors before retiring.

Mary Ann loved animals. She cared for her own cats and dogs her entire life. Occasionally her zookeeper husband brought home animals from the Calgary Zoo and Mary Ann helped raise them. The Peels were active members of the Carstairs Bancroft United Church. Mary Ann served on the church’s Ministry and Personnel Committee for several decades and she was a Director of the Carstairs and District Historical Society. Mary Ann loved camping and the family enjoyed many weekends in the wilderness, first in a tent, then a camper and eventually a trailer. Mary Ann travelled throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and every year to Maui, a favourite destination.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband Bob, daughter Robin, son Russell (Noriko), brothers, Brian (Marilyn) and Gord (Sonya), sister in law Judy (Tom), nieces Shannon (James) and Dawn (Dave) nephews Ryan (Megan), James (Zendene) and Wes (Shannon) and their wonderful children. She was predeceased by her father, George, mother, Jean, and sister in law, Susan.

The family thanks the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Didsbury Hospital and the many relatives, friends, neighbours and health care aides who cared for Mary Ann as she coped with pancreatic cancer. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Mary Ann’s name to a charity of their choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Carstairs Bancroft United Church, 1202 Hammond Street, on Monday, September 30^th at 2 pm with Reverend Bryan Derksen officiating.