Mary Francis MacLeod

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of a vibrant, strong, and talented, woman, much too soon.

Mary Francis MacLeod “Holtorf” began her extraordinary life’s journey on May 28, 1938, and on February 26, 2016 ended that journey to start the next at the very young age of 77.

Mary was born on the family farm in Allan, Saskatchewan, the third child to Henry & Lena Holtorf. After leaving the farm and moving to Saskatoon, she worked as a telephone operator. In 1957 she married her first husband and had five children. She was already an entrepreneur at the time, owning a boarding house, as well as running a very busy household. Mary also did some modeling appearing in the Bay advertising back in the 1960’s.

After the end of her first marriage she moved her brood to Calgary, it was 1967. Sadly she lost her youngest child Shawn Irwin on August 20 that year at the age of two. Once settled in Mary took to raising her family and working to support them. Her first job in Calgary was selling trophies and gifts. She then became a realtor and though not without its challenges for a woman in business, she was quite successful, winning top sales in 1971, 1972 and 1973. In 1971 she married Gordon MacLeod together his three children from his first marriage and her four, became our blended family. Their 45 year partnership had many trials, tribulations, adventures and accomplishments.

In the 1970’s Mary and Gordon purchased and refinished several properties to resell. With the support of Gordon, Mary’s gifts of organization, design and sales really shown, helping making these ventures successful.

In 1978 another adventure took them to Slave Lake, Alberta. They owned and operated 2 motels, a trailer park as well as a restaurant and lounge. After a couple of years they sold those businesses and returned to Edmonton.

Mary and Gordon opened and ran two electrical contracting companies. Mary was self-taught and learned how to do all of the bookkeeping for these companies. Mom and Dad making the perfect team. The first company was AMELCO Electric in Edmonton in 1976, after seven years they moved back to Calgary & ran AMELCO Electric Calgary.

In the mid 1980’s Mary went to California to study gemology, receiving her diploma as a Gemologist. She dabbled in importing and designing unique jewelry items, combining her gift of sales and passion for design.

Also in the 80’s Mom purchased Prism Publications. Prism sold advertising and collected content for community newsletters and booklets, then published for a variety of organizations. She sold that company in the early 90;s.

After selling AMELCO Electric in 1993 Mary and Gordon established another electrical company, TRECC Electric. Both are still thriving businesses today. After selling TRECC Electric Mary and Gordon finally retired. “sort of”

They built and sold another home in Windermere B.C, after selling it they then moved to Nanaimo, B.C. in 2010. Mom and Dad renovated one apartment when they first arrived in Nanaimo. Mom always loving to have a project to do, after a few years in their first home in Nanaimo Mom designed another house, they had it built and she decorated it wonderfully. The landscaping is incredible with a feature fountain in back and rock gardens in front.Mom loved to golf and for several years lived in Chestermere near Lakeside Golf Club, where she and Dad were members. She was active in the golf community, making many lifelong friends. She threw fun and welcoming parties in their home, always with such attention to detail. Mary had a feisty personality and was always ready to have some fun. They also lived in Radium, B.C. in summers for several years, with a golf membership at, The Radium Resort Golf Course. For several years Mom & Dald also enjoyed golfing around Sedona Arizona.

Mom always put so much preparation into all of our family gatherings. She was a talented cook, serving up traditional menus as well as introducing her family to many fun and different dishes over the years. She hosted weddings, holidays, milestone birthdays and anniversaries. The 08 birthday in August, 2008 was very memorable with family every decade ending in 08 represented from birth, “baby Abriele” to 70, “Mary” and every decade in between.

Mom had an amazing talent for knitting. She created, blankets, clothing, dolls, animals, tree ornaments, household decorations, many are family heirlooms we will always cherish. Mom also made many items that she donated to charities and craft fairs for others to enjoy. She was a fabulous interior and exterior designer; honing her talents on homes that she renovated and had built. Every project was done brilliantly, such attention to detail, colour and style. She designed, built, decorated and landscaped her last home in 2015 in Nanaimo. It gave her so much pleasure to be busy and productive.

Mary is survived by, her husband Gordon, children Cheryl (Dan), Lee (Diane), Debbie (Don) & Michele. Grandchildren, Laine (Sheldon), Steven (Shae), Michael, Jessi (Dave) & Ryan. Stepchildren, Terry, Bob (Debbie), Jack, granddaughter Kelly. Mary is also survived by her 8 brothers & sisters, Linda, who helped Mom out so much these last few years, Rita (Al), Georgia, Joe (Laura), Louise (Barb), Judy, Pat (Jane), Gary (Anita). Many nieces’ nephews and great nieces & nephews.

Now Mom, in her own words “will never be short of breath and will always be able to dance”.