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Mary Otte
September 1, 1940 - January 20, 2014
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<div itemprop="description">Otte, Mary (born Marika Horvath)) Sept 1, 1940 - January 20, 2014. <br /> <br />Mary left this earth peacefully in the early hours of Monday morning to be with her soul mate and husband Dick. Right up until she was called home, she bravely battled the cancer that may have won over her body but never her unwavering and determined spirit. <br /> <br />Her children, their spouses and their children will forever remember Mary: Jane Otte (Dennis Muirhead and daughter Danica), Ken Otte (Angie and son Mason), Richard Kerry Otte (Debra Golding). She was so proud of her amazing grandson, Mason Otte. Also surviving Mary is her sister Irene, nephew Perry, niece Linda and many other relatives in Hungary. We are blessed for the love and support of her treasured niece Judy Nagy and her children Tommy Nagy (Beata) and Suzie Egevari (Phillip and daughter Stella). Through her work, Mary met many people she loved but none near as much as her dear friend Ian Noakes, who always stood by her side, through good times and bad. <br /> <br />All those who knew her, would agree Mary was extremely determined, some might say stubborn, but she worked hard and was unstoppable in the pursuit of her dreams. <br /> <br />Born in a humble home in Szigetvar, Hungary, she dreamed of freedom and a better life. At 16, she bravely left her homeland and family during the Hungarian revolution to pursue that dream. In 1957, from a refugee camp in England, she boarded a plane destined for Edmonton, Alberta and that single decision would transform her life. She was the proudest of Canadians and always grateful to the country where her dreams of family and a better life would be realized. <br /> <br /> <br />Mary and Dick relocated to Calgary for Dick&rsquo;s work and it is at this time, that her own life&rsquo;s work would ignite. Mary was the original &ldquo;foodie&rdquo; and was passionate about people enjoying a great culinary experience. She operated the very successful Blackbeard&rsquo;s restaurant in the 70&rsquo;s and early 80&rsquo;s. This venture led to other hospitality businesses including a Taste-Freez franchise and boutique hotel in the Okanagan and a catering business, fried chicken outlet and pizza restaurant in Calgary. Her retirement years were spent gardening and enjoying time with her dogs and friend Ian in Trail B.C. <br /> <br />Mary worked hard to make sure her children were not faced with the same scarcity she experienced as a young girl. She never took the easy road and everything she achieved was earned through hard work, long hours and persistence. <br /> <br />Mom while we may not have always understood why you chose what seemed to be the &ldquo;hard way&rdquo; we admired you for living life large, doing it your way and providing a better life for us. You were one of a kind and we thank you for teaching us to never lose sight of our own dreams. May the rest of your journey be less difficult and may you always know how much we loved you. <br /> <br />A celebration of Mary&rsquo;s life will be held at Leyden&rsquo;s Funeral home located at 304 18 Avenue S.W. Calgary Alberta, on Friday, January24, 2014 from 1-3 pm. All who knew Mary are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association or the Canadian Cancer Society. <br /> <br />Mary&rsquo;s family wishes to thank the staff of the Tom Baker Cancer Center, CBI Homecare and the Carewest Sarcee Hospice Care Facility for their tremendous care, comfort and support. <br /> <br /> <br />Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. <br /> <br />-Ralph Waldo Emerson <br /> <br /></div>