Obituary of Rie MacIntosh

February 28, 1973 – Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

April 27, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Rie Macintosh (nee Hatsushika), beloved wife of Roger Macintosh, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully in the hospital on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the age of 51 years, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born to loving parents, Kayoko and the late Masaaki Hatsushika, Rie was raised in Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. She graduated from the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and Technology. Seeking a change, she moved to Canada in 1999. Rie honed her professional skills in the field of hydrology and worked as a Water Quality Specialist for many years.

Given Rie’s boundless energy and charismatic nature, she made many friends in Calgary. She loved curling, cross-country and downhill skiing, camping, and hiking. Time spent cooking and baking brought her joy, as did dining out with friends.

Eventually, Rie and Roger crossed paths. They married in Nova Scotia on October 12, 2013. Roger shared his love of the mountains and the East Coast; Rie shared her love of travel and adventure. Together, they created a home and welcomed twin daughters, Flora and Ena, on November 1, 2015. Rie and Roger ensured the girls knew their relatives in both Nova Scotia and Japan, travelling to both places regularly, and welcoming family in Calgary.

Rie, Roger, and the girls spent countless weekends camping in the Rockies, biking, hiking, skiing, curling, skating, and swimming, not to mention the countless hours in the park and time at the Science Centre.

Last year, the family spent three weeks in Europe, in part, to fulfil Rie’s dream of attending the Rugby World Cup. She was a serious rugby fan.

Most of all, Rie was dedicated to making beautiful memories with Roger, Flora, and Ena; memories that will last them a lifetime.

Rie is survived by her loving husband, Roger, and their beautiful daughters, Flora Chie and Ena Mai; her mother Kayoko, and brother Hirouyaki Hatsushika, in Japan; mother-in-law Antoinette MacIntosh, brother-in-law Roddie (Mary Morell) and their children Ben and Abbie; sister-in-law Pauline (Ian Smith), and brother-in-law John (Deanna Mattie), all of Nova Scotia; John’s children, Calleigh of Ontario, Ewan and Meaghan of New Brunswick; as well as extended family members in Japan and countless friends in Japan, Canada, and elsewhere.

Rie was predeceased by her grandparents, her father Masaaki Hatsushika, father-in-law Collie, and brother-in-law Thomas MacIntosh.

A Celebration of Rie’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Interment in St. Andrews Roman Catholic Church Cemetery in St. Andrews, NS, will take place at a later date.

Rie’s family extends their sincere thanks to the healthcare professionals who supported Rie on her journey over the last six and a half years, as well as her many friends, colleagues, and neighbours who brought Rie light, laughter, and love.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Rie’s honour may be made directly to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta, 5757 – 4^th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1K8, www.kidscancercare.ab.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with Rie’s family here.

In living memory of Rie MacIntosh, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.