Marsha Gariepy

September 7, 1945 – North Bay, Ontario

July 4, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Marsha Gariepy of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the age of 79 years.

Marsha was born in North Bay, ON, on September 7, 1945. She married Robert Henry Gariepy in October of 1971 after meeting on a blind date. They were the true definition of soulmates. Marsha fell for Bob’s bright blue eyes and kind heart, while he loved her spicy personality and captivating demeanor. They shared a beautiful marriage of 33 years before the passing of the love of her life in 2004.

Throughout her life, Marsha enjoyed curling, bowling, knitting, and crocheting. In her later years, she preferred aquacise, walking, and always, always dancing. Whether it was kitchen parties with her family or date night with her husband, if there was music – Marsha was dancing.

She was a huge sports fan. The Calgary Stampeders held a special place in her heart, but she would cheer for any team from any sport, as long as they were from Canada. You could always tell exactly how Marsha’s team was doing as her passionate cheers would echo through our home.

Marsha was a devoted wife and mother who loved her family dearly. She was intensely proud of her children and supported them through all that life had to offer. As her granddaughters grew up, Marsha never missed an opportunity to read them a story or play a game of “Snakes ‘n’ Ladders.”

She chose her friends carefully, but those she chose she loved deeply. Marsha loved winter vacations with her family and friends – most recently her trips to Mexico with Don and Kathy Wilm.

Marsha’s favourite saying was “Don’t be bold!” She was never shy to speak her mind or wave her finger at you in comedic disappointment. Marsha was truly one of a kind. She will be remembered most for her fierce independence and witty personality.

“More gladness than sadness.”

Marsha is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Gariepy (Kory Hnidan), from Calgary, AB; her son, Darryl Gariepy (Donna Gariepy), of Winnipeg, MB; and her three granddaughters, Britta Byman (Snookums), and Quinn Gariepy (Her Rose), from Calgary, and Bobby Jan Kiers-Gariepy, of Winnipeg.

Marsha is also survived by her sister, Margaret Johnson, of Northbay, ON; her brothers-in-law, Mike Gariepy (Marge Gariepy), of Comox, BC, and Billy Gariepy (Marilyn Gariepy), of Richmond, BC; her nieces, Wendy and Kelly; her nephews, Tim and Michael; as well as her grand dog, Hunter, of Calgary.

Marsha was predeceased by her husband, Robert Henry Gariepy; her parents, Nettie and David Sneddon; and her mother and father-in-law, Maude and Edmond Gariepy.

We extend our gratitude to Unit 66 at South Health Campus, and a special thanks to the RT team. Most especially—Justin, who was our angel and ensured Marsha passed peacefully, surrounded by her family.

A celebration of life with Marsha’s friends and family will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in honour of her 80th birthday.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Arthritis Society of Canada, 220 Bay Street, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M5J 2W4, Telephone 1 (800) 321-1433, www.arthritis.ca.

In living memory of Marsha Gariepy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.