Elizabeth Jane DeCoste

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Jane DeCoste of Calgary, Alberta, on August 31, 2025 at the age of 73. Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, on July 6, 1952, she was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony and Margaret DeCoste. Elizabeth is lovingly remembered by her sons: Dean Bell (Alicia) of Berlin, Germany; Jay Bell (Jordi) of Calgary; and Micah Bradley (Amber) of Calgary. She was a devoted grandmother to Jacob, Jackson, and Jonathan Bradley, all of Calgary.

She is also survived by her sisters: Velma MacEachern (Gerard), Cape George, NS, Geraldine Rogers, Sault Ste Marie, ON, Shelley DeCoste, Deborah DeCoste (Allan Ingelson) and Frances DeCoste (Bill Hogue), all of Calgary, and Wanda McLay (Dean), Kimberley, BC. Her brothers, Milford DeCoste (Jacqueline), Monastery, NS, Lloyd DeCoste (Debra), Cape Jack, NS, and Gary DeCoste (Denise), Tracadie, NS, also mourn her passing along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brother-in-law Daniel Rogers, her brother Francis (in infancy), and her nephew, Derek MacEachern.

At the age of 20, Elizabeth left Nova Scotia for Ontario, where she married and welcomed her first two sons, Dean and Jay. She later moved to Calgary to be closer to her sisters and start a new chapter of her life. There, she spent time working in the energy sector before remarrying and having her third son, Micah. While raising her three sons she spent time working in the cosmetics industry before finishing her career with LaFarge Canada from where she retired in 2016.

A woman of deep Catholic faith and devotion, Elizabeth was a longtime parishioner of St. Michael Catholic Community, where she served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered her time generously. She formed deep and lasting friendships within her church community, bonds that sustained her and remained with her until the end of her life. Elizabeth relished the peace and stillness of her daily quiet time and space. It was here that she found comfort and purpose in reflecting on Bible scriptures and always praying for loved ones and strangers alike. Her passion for continuous learning was evident in the many Christian courses she completed.

When not spending time with family or her church, Elizabeth found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved long walks in nature, often accompanied by friends or loved ones. Her daily routine often included yoga, pilates, or simple stretching. She took pride in her home, keeping it clean, welcoming, and organized — a reflection of the care and attention she brought to every aspect of her life.

Elizabeth will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The family recognizes and is deeply grateful for the support of Elizabeth’s friends, neighbors and church community, as well as her lifelong childhood friend, Linda Wood, during her illness. Your kindness brought her great comfort. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Patrick Lai, her long-time physician, Dr Melling at the Foothills hospital and Dr McCulloch with the hematology department, Starr and the staff in the Bayview wing at AgeCare Glenmore for their continuous and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Evan J Strong Funeral home at 5502 2nd Street SW  (South Location) Funeral Mass will be celebrated on September 9, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Michael Catholic Community Church, 800 – 85 Street SW, Calgary, AB. The service will be live-streamed through the link below.

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