Magdalene (Georgie) Welty

Magdalene (Georgie) Welty, aged 90, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born on March 23, 1933, on a farm near Macklin, Saskatchewan, as the fifth child of Kilian and Ramona Abt. During her childhood, the family moved to the Ponoka, Alberta area, where Magdalene’s spirited nature emerged. She attended Manitou School near the family farm, braving a three-mile round trip each day. After completing Grade 8, Magdalene continued her education at St. Angela’s Convent near Prelate, Saskatchewan, earning her teaching certificate from the Saskatoon Normal School. She embarked on a teaching career in Saskatchewan while also excelling at the piano, earning Grade 6 Honours from the Toronto Conservatory of Music.

In 1963, Magdalene decided to make a change and settled in High Prairie, Alberta, where she earned the nickname “George” or “Georgie” that would become her enduring identity. After a year of teaching in High Prairie, she embarked on a remarkable journey through various small towns, teaching and performing with old-time bar bands. She eventually settled in Calgary, Alberta, where she enjoyed a long career at St. Matthew School. In August 1975, Magdalene married Clarence Welty, with whom she shared a joyful and loving marriage until his passing in 2020. Together, they embarked on numerous road trips across Canada and the USA, often accompanied by their many nieces and nephews. Magdalene cherished her family, friends, music, laughter, faith, and her unwavering support for the Calgary Flames hockey team. She lived a fulfilling and beautiful life and will be dearly missed.

Magdalene is survived by her sister, Catherine (Kay), and sisters-in-law, Adelle and Betty. She was predeceased by her parents, Kilian and Ramona, her siblings and their spouses, and also preceded by Clarence’s parents and siblings. Additionally, she leaves behind nieces, nephews, and multiple generations of family members, whose names are too numerous to mention. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bonaventure Parish in Calgary, Alberta, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 2:30 pm. Condolences, memories, and photos can be shared and viewed on the website http://www.MHFH.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made to the Calgary Flames Foundation.

To commemorate Georgie’s memory, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.