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Mackenzie, Jean Primrose (nee Craig)

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MACKENZIE, Jean - Obit

Mackenzie, Jean Primrose (nee Craig)

July 27, 1930 – Cochrane, Alberta
January 2, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our 91 year old Mom, Jean Mackenzie on Sunday, January 2, 2022.  Jean was surrounded by family when she received an offer she couldn’t refuse, an offer to let us know that her work here is done.  Jean has been reunited with family and friends that she has not seen in a long time.  

Jean was born in Cochrane on July 27, 1930 to Ernest and Grace Craig.  She was the youngest of three with two older brothers Bob and Jack.  She completed her schooling in Cochrane and moved into Calgary to work at the Toronto Dominion Bank in downtown Calgary for eleven years.  She loved to tell stories of the bank and the people she met by working there.  Highlights of those years included cocktail parties at the Palliser Hotel during the Bull Sale and meeting a dairy farmer from Cochrane, Angus Mackenzie.  Angus and Jean married on October 22, 1960 and made their home on the farm where Angus was born.  They worked in the dairy industry until 1985, where they sold their milk cows and quota and purchased a small beef herd, which they operated until 2021.   

As they raised their family of four children, Jean incorporated community volunteering into her life.  She was an active member of the Glendale Alberta Women’s Institute from 1960 to 2014, where she earned her 50-year pin promoting the interests of community, citizens, social and cultural projects. She was also an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 15 from 1978 to 1996.   Jean was a member of the Cowgirl Cattle Company for over 20 years and a member of The Cochrane Historical Archival Preservation Society, [C.H.A.P.S].   

Jean lived her life by enjoying family, gardening, knitting, watching sports, travelling, being with friends, and always doing what she could for others.  In particular, she took pride in her vegetable garden, which took many awards at the Bearspaw District Community Fair over the years. Her shortbread was a favourite at Christmas and potluck casseroles were always a hit.  Family members always knew to count on Jean’s knowledge of family history and which local family member had married whom.  In later years, Jean and Angus were often seen having lunch in Cochrane at all the local favourite spots. She had a soft spot for chocolate, red wine, turkey, musicals, curling, Streisand, Sinatra, Blue Jays, Stampeders, and The Calgary Flames. 

Jean is survived by her husband of 61 years, Angus, and her four children, Craig, Mackenzie of Calgary, wife Fay, and children Duncan and Emily; daughter Susan Fedor of North Vancouver, BC, husband Harvey, and children, Teghan, Kye and Matreya; daughter Catherine Griffiths of Houston Texas, and husband Dave, and children, Alexa, Mitchell and Chatham; son John Mackenzie of Cochrane, wife Michelle, and children, Thomas and Julianna; granddaughter Sherri Grimstead Arnold of Portland, Oregon, husband Scott, and great-grandchildren, Annalise and Angus.  Jean is predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Grace Craig; and brothers, Bob and Jack.

Many thanks for the care she received at the Foothills Medical Centre as she was preparing for her final appointment, and the incredible kind staff of Alberta Health Care and Rocky View Private Home Care.

A Celebration of Life with family and friends will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Cochrane Historical & Archival Preservation Society [C.H.A.P.S],   HYPERLINK "http://www.chapscochrane.com" www.chapscochrane.com. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Jean Mackenzie, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.

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