Marian Zekulin

Marian is survived by Nicholas, her loving husband of 56 years, by their three beloved children and their families: Nicolas (Karen); Katie Partridge (David); Sasha; and by three grandsons of whom she was inordinately proud: Jackson and Charles Partridge; and Adam Žekulin. She is also survived by her sister Sheila McGettigan (Victoria, B.C.) and her cousins in the U.K. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Thomas and Elizabeth McGettigan.

Always a proud Scot, Marian came to Canada in its centennial year 1967 and became an equally proud Canadian.  Following stays in Montreal and Toronto, the family came to Calgary in 1971, where they found great happiness.

Marian loved all the arts but, both professionally and by avocation, her greatest dedication was to music. Trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), she was an inspirational flute teacher for successive cohorts of private students for many years, as well as a clinician for Calgary schools. She was a choir director at both St Luke’s and then at St Peter’s Catholic churches for several years, the latter as conductor of a children’s choir that introduced many young children to the joys of singing. Throughout her years in Calgary, she was a valued singer in several choirs, including the Calgary Renaissance Singers & Players (with whom she also played historical instruments), Spiritus Chamber Choir and, especially, the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus in the choral-orchestral repertoire she cherished above all.

Marian greatly appreciated the numerous opportunities she and Nicholas had to travel all over the globe, the many glorious places they visited, both natural and created, and the many occasions to see great art and hear wonderful music. Long term stays in Paris, Prague and Melbourne were particularly rewarding.

Marian led with her heart and welcomed all with a bright smile and twinkling blue eyes.  She treated everyone unconditionally for who they were, and her example made us all better people.  There are many all around the world who remember Marian with gratitude for her kindness, welcoming warmth and compassion.

Our thanks go to Dr. Rick Ward for his dedicated care over many years, to the exceptional, caring staff at AgeCare SkyPointe and, in her last days, the nurses in Unit 43 at Peter Lougheed Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marian’s name can be made to L’Arche Calgary (www.larchecalgary.org/donate), or the charity of your choice.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Dr NW) on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. with a reception to follow in the Lower Hall. For those unable to attend in person, there is a live stream link available below.

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