April 6, 1945 – November 16, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Mom, Grandma and GG. Our hearts are broken, as we say goodbye to a truly magnificent woman. Deanna passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family at the age of 78, after a two-and-a-half-year courageous battle with ALS.
Deanna had a wonderful and adventurous life. She was born in Port Alberni on April 6, 1945, to parents Robert and Olga McIntyre (nee Bonora). The family moved to Nanaimo when she was 4 years old. She describes this time of life as simple and fun. she created many life-long friendships here. In Deanna’s earlier years she worked as a Car Hop at A&W as well as a waitress at The Diner’s Rendezvous and the Tally-Ho Hotel. This is probably where Deanna developed her fiercely independent personality and strong work ethic, which continued throughout her lifetime. Deanna had a very successful 39-year long career as an insurance agent and financial advisor in Nanaimo and Calgary. This became Deanna’s passion in life. She truly cared about her clients, treating them as if they were her own family, always being there to help them in any way she could.
Deanna was one in a million, she was tiny, feisty and a beautiful Liz Taylor look a-like. Her presence instantly filled any room. A vibrant woman who will be remembered most for her outgoing, flirty personality and her impressive fashion sense. She had the ability to engage in any conversation and to always make others feel welcomed and appreciated. She created many friendships throughout her life, and greatly treasured every one of them. Deanna was a regular at the local church (casino) where she could be found every Friday night gathered with friends in her continued quest for the next big win. Deanna thoroughly enjoyed life to the fullest.
To our Mom, Grandma and GG, We love you, we miss you and you will be forever in our hearts. Until we meet again.
Deanna is survived by her daughter Sheila (Don) Grandberg, three grandchildren, Ashley Grandberg (Evan Nelson), Steven Grandberg (Erin Boettger) and Melissa Grandberg; and four great-grandchildren, Mason, Magnus, June, and Harper. She is also remembered by her former husband Dave Allery, stepchildren, Dan (Hayley) Allery, Lindsay (Jon Burkett) Allery; and step-grandchildren, Jared, Tessa, Dane and Elli. She leaves behind her sister Shirley (Bruce) White, niece Christine Von Pander, numerous cousins and many other family and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Olga and Robert McIntyre and her daughter Barbara Douglas.
A Celebration of Deanna’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Deanna’s service will be streamed live, and a recording will be available, visit www.mhfh.com. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made, in Deanna’s honour, directly to the A.L.S. Society of Alberta http://www.alsab.ca/
McINNIS & HOLLOWAY
Fish Creek
14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB, T2X 3J3
403-243-8200Obituary-