Mercedes (Marci) Margaret Elizabeth McGraw
Mercedes (Marci) Margaret Elizabeth McGraw (Beaton)
April 29, 1940 - May 10, 2024
With profound sadness and a heavy heart, the family of Marci McGraw announce that her journey on this earth has ended at the age of 84. Marci passed peacefully surrounded by her family at the Pilgrims Hospice Society in Edmonton, Alberta.
Marci will be lovingly remembered by her daughter and son-in-law: Linda and Timothy Smith; grandson: Teagan Smith; sisters: Gertude (Trudy), Bernadette (Berie), Joan, Madonna and Catherine (Jean); brother: Andrew (Andy); as well as numerous nieces/nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her parents Mary Frances Byrne and Peter Joseph Beaton of Newfoundand, her sisters Anne, Marie and Linda, her brothers Joseph (Joe), John (Jackie), Roland, Francis (Frank), Kevin and David, her daughters Mary-Frances Black and Jacqueline Leigh McGraw.
Marci was the fifth child of sixteen and was born in Badger, Newfoundland on April 29, 1940. In 1952, her family moved to Corner Brook where the last three siblings were born. Over the course of her life she lived in many places across Canada. When she was 19 (1959) she moved from Corner Brook to Halifax but missed her family so much that she moved to St. John, New Brunswick to be with one of her sister's. There, she married Jack Black and had her first child, Mary-Frances Black. After the passing of her child and divorce, she moved to Toronto for a few years then settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba where her mother and several siblings resided in 1974. Winnipeg was where she gave birth to 2 children, Linda (b.1975) and Jacqueline (b. and d.1976). Encouraged to move to Alberta by another sister, Marci packed up and moved herself and her 12 year old daughter in 1987 to Calgary, Alberta where she stayed until 2017. Upon arriving in Alberta, Marci started her own cleaning business that joyfully fulfilled her and that she found much success in for 30 years. In 2017, Marci decided to retire and join her daughter in Edmonton, Alberta.
She enjoyed family and often returned to Corner Brook at Christmas where she made this time very magical for her younger siblings. Marci's true passion in life was giving. She spent an abundance of her time speaking and sponsoring many with the Alcohol Anonymous Organization from 1993 - 2018. Marci also enjoyed crocheting and spent much of her days and evenings in her retirement making and giving treasured items to family, friends and even people she just met along the way. These crocheted treasures will be held close to the hearts of all that received them.
Marci loved a good party and was often referred to as the "Life of the party". The party didn't start until she arrived. She also loved to fish and make new friends. This joy carried itself out in a career she enjoyed as marketing manager for a fishing lodge in Northern Manitoba in the 80's. Because of her outgoing personality, she found immense joy and success in that position. Marci could make friends anywhere. She spent her final days at the Pilgrims hospice in her glory. Every Volunteer, Custodial Staff, Healthcare Aid, Nurse and visitor that entered her room became family. She made sure everyone laughed with her infectious laugh while offering them unique, loving and meaningful compliments.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pilgrims Hospice Society.
A celebration of Marci's life in the form of a traditional Newfoundland party will be held at her daughter's residence in Edmonton, Alberta at 3:00pm on Saturday July 27, 2024. Please contact Linda for more information at marci1940@gmail.com.