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Marjorie Ellen Reed (Madge) passed away on March 6th, 2026 at the age of 95 surrounded by loved ones in Calgary, AB.
Madge was born an only child on February 18th, 1931 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to her parents George Edward Hunt and Dorothy Turnbull. Madge grew up with her future husband, Willys Herbert Reed, attending school together and living behind one another. They were married June 13th 1953 in Norwood, Manitoba
After they were married, Madge and Willys spent 4 years living in a trailer working seismic crews. In 1958, the growing family went to Maracaibo, then Edmonton, Australia, Edmonton again, before arriving in Calgary in 1967.
Divorced life led Madge to enroll in a travel guide course at Mount Royal College in Calgary, which led her to becoming a tour guide with Goway travel in 1984. Madge spent the next 20 years sharing her love of travel with others, leading multiple tour groups through the countries of China, Africa and Australia; she visited Australia over 40 times
After travelling the world, Madge didn't slow down and instead spent many years as a White Hatter volunteer at the Calgary International Airport, greeting travelers to Calgary or helping them navigate the airport. She also spent many summers working as Mrs. Livingstone at Heritage Park, making fresh Bannock and emulating the simple life of Alberta settlers.
From a young age, Madge was a member of a choir group and throughout her life, she never missed the opportunity to sing along with any music she heard - especially Christmas carols, the Canadian anthem, and Happy Birthday
Every Christmas, Madge could be found baking her butter tarts, shortbread and mincemeat pies for friends and family, and spending the holidays with her children and their families. Christmas morning held a special place in Madge's heart and she cherished the phone calls with her family in different cities. The movies 'White Christmas' and 'The Sound of Music' were always a part of Christmas celebrations as well.
Besides her love of travel, Madge enjoyed all local Calgary sports, frequently attending Stampeders games, as well as being an avid watcher of curling. Anyone who knows Madge, knows her love of Eeyore and how she looked at the world with her "rose colored" glasses - her constant positivity bringing a lightness to the lives of those close to her.
Madge aka "Nana" is survived by her 4 children - Glenn Reed, Christine Reed, Suzanne Campbell and Geoffrey Reed. She had the love of her 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. In respect of Madge's wishes, the family will have celebration of life in this coming summer.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Marjorie "Madge" Reed, please visit our Tree Store.