OBITUARY
Naomi Crystal Migas
May 12, 1975 – December 20, 2018
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Naomi Crystal Migas on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at the age of 43. Naomi passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her husband and family.
Left to mourn Naomi’s passing and celebrate her unwavering strength and spirit are her husband, Alex MacWilliam; parents Pat and Brenda Migas; sister Deidre (Calvin Jones), brother Michael; and niece Katheryn Jones. Naomi was predeceased by her grandfathers James Anderson and Peter Migas; nephew Stephen Ray Migas-Johnson; uncle Wayne Anderson; and aunt Patricia Groleau.
Naomi was born in Shoal Lake, Manitoba and raised in nearby Oakburn. The family moved to Calgary when Naomi was 11 and she completed her schooling at Crescent Heights High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. Naomi worked in the financial and oilfield sectors and most recently as project manager for major petroleum and pipeline companies. She was actively involved on the executive of Calgary Women in Energy and served as mentor and inspiration to many students at the Haskayne School of Business.
Naomi was fearless. Her favourite quote, “All they can say is no”, reflected her “can do” approach to life, and led to decisions that filled her life with adventure and connections. Her time living and working in Ireland was a defining moment, as in her own words she moved there, “without any safety net”. She learned to trust herself and to rely on her own instincts.
As a very proud Calgarian, Naomi performed in the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics. This love of her city included passionate support for local arts and culture, particularly live theatre. Through her volunteer work with Alberta Theatre Projects, she met, Alex- her rock. The two of them, though having a relatively short time together, were true soulmates, as those who knew them will attest. Naomi introduced Alex to the wonders of the night sky and led him on many evening journeys chasing the Northern Lights and super moons. They shared a love of travel, and did so extensively. Their last trip together was a lengthy European adventure this October. The highlight of the trip was that Naomi was able to take Alex to her favourite place on earth, the spectacular Cliffs of Moher on the windswept Irish coast.
Gratitude played a huge role in Naomi’s life. She loved to laugh and even through all the trials and challenges of her long illness, her appreciation for the many friends in her life, that continued to laugh and to cry with her, remained strong. Naomi faced her illness with incredible courage and grace and used it to learn and to teach. She never missed an opportunity to share her experiences and her wisdom with family and friends, as well as with others dealing with serious health issues. Just as importantly, she openly shared her views with members of the health care system and provided frank and constructive opinions as to how patients should be listened to and respected. Naomi was also very quick to express her gratitude and appreciation for the kind and loving treatment she received from the many nurses, physicians and health care providers who fought along side her. In particular, we wish to thank Dr. José Monzon, Sharala Gautam, Dr. Fell and Dr. Datta, and the angels in the chemotherapy unit at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
It is impossible to capture Naomi’s life in words. While her body ultimately let her down way too soon, her amazing spirit will live in the hearts and memories of everyone fortunate to have known and loved her.
A celebration of Naomi’s life will be held at a later date in the spring.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Naomi Crystal Migas 2019..
Foster’s Garden Chapel & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: calgary, Province: Alberta