Davina Lorraine Ames

Beloved mother and friend, Davina Ames passed away peacefully at Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, Alberta on January 30, 2026.

Davina was born in Calgary on August 30, 1935. She was the middle daughter of David and Florence Engelman and grew up with her sisters Irene and Janet in Inglewood, one of Calgary’s most historic communities.

From her early years, Davina had a passion for community service and a genuine love for helping people. At the age of 12 she began what would become a long-time volunteer career serving at St. John Ambulance.

As a young adult, Davina enlisted in the Royal Canadian Airforce and immediately formed friendships that would last a lifetime. She was disappointed when she could no longer serve in the Airforce due to an issue with sleepwalking, but in typical Davina style she took it in stride and quickly sought out other opportunities to make a difference.

Davina and her husband George married in 1958, and their family became complete with the arrival of their two boys – Raymond and David in 1966 and 1967. Sadly, George passed away in 1977, but Davina carried on raising her boys as a brave and devoted single mother. At this time, she also went to work as a secretary with the Roman Catholic Diocese where she spent her career there in various roles including Administration and the Tribunal office.

In the 1990s Davina began volunteering with her church, Holy Name Parish, and upon her retirement in 2000 she took on a new role – serving on the church’s volunteer board. During this time, she was also a member of the Holy Name Catholic Women’s League. She was a long-time volunteer with Meals on Wheels and Carewest Sarcee where she practically became a legend for showing up at just the right time with a listening ear and a tray of beautiful, colorful pastries, all home-baked with love in her kitchen.

Through it all, Davina was grateful for the support of her family, friends, and long-time neighbors who helped her balance work and community service with her responsibilities as a single mother. Going the extra mile to stay connected to family and friends was important to Davina and to that end she enjoyed many excursions in her RV.

Davina lived independently in the home she loved in the Killarney community until her 90th birthday when she moved into the Royal Park Retirement Residence. It was there that she celebrated this significant milestone in her long life surrounded by family and friends.

Davina is survived by her sons Raymond (Monica) Ames and David Ames, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. Davina was predeceased by her husband George Roy Ames, her parents David and Florence Engelman, her sisters (and brothers in law) Irene (Victor Field) and Janet (George) Rhinehart, as well as her much loved cousins Robert (Bob) Engelman and Alex Scott.

Davina’s life was characterized by a long track record of volunteer service, and devotion to her sons, family, friends, and church. She will be remembered for her tireless commitment to a cause greater than herself and that is giving of her time, talent, and treasure for the good of others and the strengthening of community. She truly was one of Alberta’s trail-blazing pioneers to whom we owe respect, honour, and gratitude.

A Prayer Service will be held at the Holy Name Church (2223 34 St SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday February. 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. 

A Funeral Service will be held at the Holy Name Church (2223 34 St SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday February. 11, 2026 at 11:00am. A recording of the service will be available below for those unable to attend in person.

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