Mary Eldean O’Hearn(née Ehnes)
July 29, 2025
In Loving Memory
Mary Eldean O’Hearn (née Ehnes)
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Mary Eldean O’Hearn, fondly known as Eldean or Deanie, on July 29, 2025, at the age of 87.
Eldean was born in Weston, Ontario, on September 23, 1937, to Mary and Arthur Ehnes. She was the youngest of four sisters and is lovingly remembered by her sister Joan Gunn. She was predeceased by her sisters Dorothy Wagg and Margaret Moir, her beloved husband Earl O’Hearn, her parents, and close family friend Ted Shigihero.
Eldean will be deeply missed by her daughters Dana Ardiel (Mike) and Trisha Cruickshank (James), and her adored grandchildren: Hannah Cruickshank (Landon), Sydney Cruickshank, Dylan Cruickshank (Aly), and Austin Ardiel. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends across the country.
Eldean graduated from Toronto Teachers College in 1958 and began her teaching career in Toronto. She married Earl on June 27, 1959, beginning a life full of ongoing adventures. Together, they made several cross-country moves, eventually settling in Alberta, where Eldean carried on her teaching career after obtaining her Education Degree from the University of Calgary.
Eldean and Earl expanded their family through adoption, welcoming Dana in 1976 and Trisha in 1980. The family lived in Breton, Alberta, where Eldean taught Grade 1 and enjoyed horseback riding, skiing, and actively supporting her daughters in their many activities. In 1989, they relocated to Kingston, Ontario, where Eldean and Earl operated two coffee shops named after her—Deanie’s Donuts—before returning to Calgary in 1992.
After Earl’s passing in 1994, Eldean built a rich life filled with friendships, golf, travel, and community. She shared many special years with Ted Shigihero, spending summers at Glennifer Lake golfing, socializing, and doting on their beloved dog Morky and fit in a tropical holiday together each winter.
Eldean lived in Calgary until 2020, when she moved to Kamloops, B.C., to be near Trisha and her family. It was there she bravely faced a diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Even in the face of this challenging illness, Eldean remained vibrant, kind, and full of warmth—enjoying wine tastings, dog cuddles, and visits with loved ones.
A naturally outgoing and energetic spirit, Eldean lived life fully. She loved dogs—especially Mitzi and Morky—and stayed active with swimming, bowling, billiards, bridge, card making and golf. She was a proud and faithful member of St. Thomas United Church, where she sang in the choir and knitted prayer shawls. She was also an avid reader and loved her time with her book club.
Eldean’s life was defined by her sense of adventure and willingness to try new things, dedication to family, friendships, and strong faith. She was a teacher in every sense—both in the classroom and in life—and her legacy of love and strength lives on in all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held August 18th, 2025, at St Thomas United Church in Calgary at 12.30 pm. (100 Hawkwood Blvd NW,) Reception to follow. The livestream link for the celebration of life is https://youtube.com/live/1N_JemyU35g In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eldean’s memory to the SPCA, a cause close to her heart.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 11
You are not alone in your pain. Even as you grieve, your mother’s love is a part of you that will never be lost. She lives inside your heart and in your memories♥️
Your mom knew her daughters were there for her ; I am sure your time bought her joy and comfort which is the best gift you could give a parent!
Thinking of you,
Reshie💕
Sorry for your loss. May you always be blessed with the memories.
Belinda
Condolences to the family … thanks for the
obituary. Many things I didn’t know about
Aunt Deannie! She was so active!
Rick
Eldean was a great friend and a lovely lady who was always busy with many activities. We shared a love of music and of singing in our respective church choirs in Calgary. We met in the Calgary Newcomers Club. After Earl died she wanted to play golf, and asked, if she learned how, would I play with her. Of course we played golf together quite often until I moved away ( husband’s job moved us). I know she enjoyed playing with me and also with Ted. I have fond memories of our times together then and on visits back to Calgary.
Love Diane Scott
Our sincere condolences to all the families-Eldean was a wonderful lady certainly lived life to the fullest. May she now rest in peace with Earl and her puppies. Glad to have met her & may she be no longer suffering. All our sympathies for the families to get thru a difficult time ahead of them Love Mom & Dad Ardiel
Trisha, Dana and family:
Ian and I wish to send you our deepest sympathies on the passing of Eldean. She was a vibrant energetic woman who seemed to like to take challenges and who was not afraid to try new things. I always thought she was an independent, self-sufficient person, moving out west when all her family were in the east.
I remember exchanging letters with her about choirs and choir music and we would talk about how busy Christmas was with the preparation. She seemed to love music all her life. I think I still have some piano books with her name on them – from the Ehnes household.
I also remembering visiting Eldean and Earl for a few weeks one summer when I was thirteen. I’m sure it was an eye opener for them to have a lazy teenager around, but they were very gracious and took me places to see in Calgary.
May your heart be filled with peace and gratitude for all the wonderful memories you must have. Love Ian and Leslie
Tricia and Family,
Thinking of you.
Fondly,
Janeen Asfeldt
Thinking of you Dana & your family during these sad days with the loss of your Mother. She was a beautiful lady and I remember meeting her a couple times when she visited you at KTR. I know it’s very hard losing your Mother but she is now in a better place.
Our hearts and love go out to you and your family.
With our heart felt sympathy. Love, Fred & Verna ❤️
on behalf of Ted’s family- we wish to express our most sincere condolences to all of Eldean’s family. They will all have a joyous get together along with Morky and the other puppies.
A time to remember with comfort and laughter all the fun times that were shared and enjoyed.
We will be thinking of you tomorrow, Dana and Trisha, and wishing we could be there in person to pay tribute to Deanie’s memory. She was one of a kind! (and a favorite aunt 😊) I felt a special kinship, especially celebrating birthdays a day apart.
Reading the obituary brought back special memories. Always a smile and that laugh. I’d forgotten about Deanie’s donuts ’til now…the cottage on Sharbot lake…
Cherish the fond memories!
Barb and Brian and family
I know you were both small , but we were your neighbors at Sharbot Lake. You will probably remember Cam andJeff more and our little miniature dauchound Heidi. We enjoyed our days with your family. Our sympathies go to you girls for both your Moms and Dads passing.Your mom was so good at keeping touch with letters for years and years ,now I understand why the last writings were very shaky. Take care. Gene and Bev