BROOKS-KIRCHGESSNER Marcella (Martha) (nee:  Almon)  1906 - 2003

Mrs. Marcella Brooks-Kirchgessner of Calgary passed away peacefully at the Southwood Care Centre, after a brief illness, at the age of 97 years. Marcella was born in George's River, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, moved to Nacmine, Alberta in 1925, and married William Brooks in 1928.  Marcella was a hard worker and frugal during the depression, taking in boarders from the local coal mine.  In 1956, Marcella and Bill moved to Calgary after the birth of their first grandchild, Jo-Ann.  She worked as a maid in the Braemer Hotel and then as security at Royalite Oil Company.  Working as a maid for several families in Calgary, a job she loved and took pride doing. Even in her later years she loved to be active around the house, always on the go and disliked idleness.  While living in Glenmore Manor from 1984-1998 she was always helping her neighbors, seeing they had a warm meal or taking care of them when they were ill.  Throughout Marcella's son-in-law's lengthy illness 1983-1986, she visited him daily as they were the best of friends. In 2000, Dawn and Tony presented Marcella with her only great-granddaughter Delaine, who gave hours of joy.  During her short s tay at the Southwood Care Centre, she tried to help other residents.  Marcella always had a positive outlook, living each day to the fullest.  She got high off people and loved them of all ages, truly young at heart! Marcella was the loving mother of son, Bill (Lorraine) Brooks; she was a wonderful grandmother to Dawn (Tony) Scott, and Jo-Ann de Repentigny (Denis Couturier) and great grandmother to Delaine Scott.  She is survived by great-nephew Ross (Elaine) Ferby and dear friends Allen Hopper and Ally Molyneux.  Marcella is also survived by several nieces and nephews in Nova Scotia.  Marcella was predeceased by her parents and all of her nineteen brothers and sisters.  Her first husband William Brooks of forty-five years passed away June 1970; her second husband Max Kirchgessner of two years passed away May 1979; son-in-law Joseph de Repentigny October 1986, and daughter Dorothy de Repentigny June 2002.  She was also predeceased by many other nieces, nephews and dear friends. Those wishing to pay their respects did so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S "Park Memorial Chapel", (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.), on Monday, March 3, 2003 from 7:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M.  Funeral Service were held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S "Park Memorial Chapel" on Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at 10:00 A.M. To e-mail expressions of sympathy: condolences@mcinnisandholloway.comSubject Heading:  Marcella Kirchgessner. Thank you to Dr. Patrick Wong, home care staff Eva and Dale, Dr. Mortis and staff at Southwood Care Centre. In living memory of Marcella Kirchgessner, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.  McInnis and Holloway TELEPHONE:  (403) 243-8200