Enid Greenwell

Enid Greenwell, a beloved matriarch and a friend to many, passed away peacefully at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta on August 21, 2025. Her passing, at the age of 87, marks the end of a vibrant life characterized by love, adventure, and an unwavering connection to her family.

Born in the small town of Consett in County Durham, England on December 26, 1937, Enid was the only child of Jim and Freda Batey. She often spoke fondly of her upbringing in the close-knit community, where her parents worked diligently; her father as a coal miner and her mother in service prior to getting married and settling into building a family. As an only child she was spoiled by both her parents and grandparents, and had a warmth and charisma that endeared her to friends and acquaintances alike. She made friends easily and could strike up a conversation with anyone she met.

Enid pursued her education at a Secretarial College, leading her to a fulfilling career that began in Newcastle. She soon met her future husband, John Greenwell, through mutual friends. At the tender age of 21, they were married and soon started their family, welcoming their first child, Susan, just over a year later, followed by two sons, David and Mark. John's career as a Mining Engineer took the family on journeys across the UK, ultimately settling in South Yorkshire in the early 1970s. In 1978, they embarked on a new adventure in Canada, initially residing in Edmonton before making Calgary their home.

The Greenwell family experienced life abroad when they moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the early 1980s for John's work. After three years, they returned to Calgary, where Enid continued to support her husband and work as a secretary and paralegal. John's work took him to Tabas in Iran in the early 90s, and Enid joined him as a Project Secretary, where she played a pivotal role in building a mine in the desert. She spent three years working on the project before returning to Calgary.

Following John's untimely passing in June 2000 after 41 years of marriage, Enid continued her career until she retired at 69, subsequently living with her son Mark for 25 years. Throughout this time, Enid cherished the moments spent traveling with her family, visiting the UK, Las Vegas, Florida, the Caribbean, and Victoria, all of which held special memories for her. Enid was a long standing member of Edith Cavell Chapter #25, Order of Eastern Star. She could always be found at social events and attended meetings until her health no longer permitted her to do so. The company and support of her Sisters and Brothers was evident, even in her absence. She will be dearly missed.

The light of Enid's life was her grandson, Peter James McAleer. Their close bond was a source of immense joy for her, and she often expressed her happiness when Peter married Jesica. Enid felt particularly fortunate to hold both her great grandsons, Peter Liam and Lionel. She also fostered a very close bond with her nephew, Paul Taylor and his wife, Marie, and her cousin, Linda Field and her family, all of whom reside in County Durham, UK.

Enid's legacy will be remembered by her surviving family members, including her daughter Susan McAleer (Andres Duran), sons David Greenwell and Mark Greenwell, her grandson Peter James McAleer (Jesica), and her two great grandsons, Peter Liam and Lionel. She will also be missed by her nephew Paul Taylor (Marie) and her cousin, Linda Field (Trevor). Preceding her in death are her parents, James and Freda Batey, her husband John Greenwell, her mother-in-law Margaret Greenwell and her sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Allan Davies.

Enid  lived a full and interesting life, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew her. Her spirit will continue to inspire her family and friends as they carry forward her legacy of love and happiness.

The family would like to share a special thank you to all of the nurses, health care aides, doctors, staff and Palliative Care at the Foothills Hospital who took such wonderful care. They were amazing.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 6, 2025, at Pierson's Funeral Services in Calgary, Alberta, allowing family and friends to honor Enid's remarkable journey through life and the love she shared with those around her.

For those unable to attend in person, you're invited to join via ZOOM

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to the Calgary Health Foundation in Enid's name.