Obituary of Marla Noreen HARDING

Marla Harding, beloved wife of the Late Donald Harding, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the age of 76 years. Marla served tirelessly as a nurse at the Calgary General Hospital and then at the Peter Lougheed Center for over 40 years. In addition to her professional dedication, she became “Mrs. Claus” each year for the Children’s Christmas party. She was known widely for her Christmas Spirit! Friends and family enjoyed many years of international Christmas dinners, fantastic baking, as well as arts and crafts made by Marla. Gardening was another passion which she shared – most evident in her neighbourhood garden. She also loved the theatre and the arts, travel, photography, and painting. Marla made all her family and friends feel treasured and never failed to make their “spirits bright”. Marla is survived by her sister Wilma (Bob) Chadwick; niece and nephews, Michele, Nairn and Dale, and their children Owen, Hayley, Tynan, and Roxanna; and brother-in-law Ray Harding (Betty). She will be dearly missed by Doreen and her daughters Cheryl, Jane, Linda and Sue and “adopted family” the Theodoris; as well as a multitude of friends, all of whom she treated as family. Marla was predeceased by her loving husband of over 50 years, Don Harding; and her parents Travers and Marguerite Newton. At Marla’s request there will be no funeral services. Please forward condolences through www.calgarycrematorium.com If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7, Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www.stars.ca or the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 – 32nd Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3, Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 112, www.diabetes.ca.