September 14, 1950 – Regina, Saskatchewan
December 3, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ione Patricia Hooper, who succumbed to an eight-month battle with glioblastoma on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in Calgary, AB. Surrounded by her family, Ione departed peacefully. She will be remembered by both her loved ones and the many friends whose lives were enriched by her graciousness, generosity, and optimism.
Ione was born on September 14, 1950, in Regina, SK, to Caroline Mary George and Noble Otto (Ted) Old. She completed her schooling in Davidson, SK, alongside her three sisters, Gloria Zdunich, Lee Old, and Bobbette Old. Academic and personal achievement led her to be awarded a full scholarship for undergraduate study at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina campus. She furthered her education at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, earning her master’s degree in library sciences.
Drawn by an enduring appreciation for the prairies, open landscapes, and big skies, Ione made Alberta her home and, on May 11, 1974, married Harold Richard Hooper.
Beginning with cataloguing and following through to work in the Business and Rutherford Libraries, the majority of Ione’s career was at the University of Alberta. Her distinguished professional life was dedicated to fostering access to information, and she found immense fulfillment within the academic community.
Ione is survived by her three children, Christopher Peter (married to Janice Lesley Millar), Emma Patricia (married to Charles Robert Williams), and Erin Kathleen (married to Joshua Keith Macedo); as well as four grandchildren, Declan James Hooper, Stella Catherine Hooper, Aubrey Daniel Williams Hooper, and Kit Emerson Hooper Williams.
Ione’s interests were deep and diverse. She loved athletic outdoor pursuits, especially with friends and family, including running races from fun runs to full marathons, cycling events, and tours around the world, cross-country skiing, hiking, skating, and generally anything that kept her outdoors and moving. Travel and reading were two other lifelong loves. Ione eagerly sought new horizons and perspectives, by plane, train, bike, and foot, and in a constant stream of enthusiastically consumed books.
Ione exemplified the spirit of community through steadfast support, compassion, and the ability to inspire joy through adversity. She volunteered regularly for many charities and organisations, including the Calgary Reads Book Sale.
Beyond her immediate family, Ione leaves an indelible impression on an extensive circle of friends who will long cherish her unwavering positivity, thoughtful engagement, keen intellect, and deep, genuine interest in and concern for others.
Throughout life’s challenges—including those faced most recently—Ione demonstrated remarkable adaptability, resilience, and composure. The family expresses gratitude for having been part of Ione’s remarkable journey. Her enduring legacy will remain with all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Lawrence Anglican Church (5940 Lakeview Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the church.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222, https://albertacancer.ca/.
