Maria “Ines” Vial

Ines Vial, beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully in her home
on September 20, 2025, at the age of 56. She was surrounded by and enveloped with
the love of her cherished fur-baby, Picho, her family and closest friends, concluding a
remarkable 15-year odyssey of living vibrantly with cancer. Ines approached her final
days with the same pragmatism and courage that defined her life. In the months leading
up to her passing, she expressed a deep sense of peace, ready to be liberated from pain
and to embrace what lay beyond.
Born to Ricardo Vial Sr. and Eliana Vial, Ines was predeceased by her father. She leaves
behind a cherished family who will forever carry her spirit: her devoted mother, Eliana
Vial; sisters Maria Vial (Michael Mannister) and Teresa Field (Lawrence); brother Ricardo
Vial (Brigette); nephews and nieces Joseph, Paul, Eric, Julia, Shae (David), Colton and
Cassie; great-nieces and nephews Evelyn, Oliver, Jane and Owen. Ines was blessed
with many dear friends who were like family and whom she cherished deeply. You know
who you are!
Ines held a profound belief in the power of education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree
with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, an Applied Psychology Diploma in
Counseling, and a Master of Education degree from the University of Calgary.
Her professional journey began in social services, where for many years she counseled
families in crisis, drawing on her innate empathy and dedication to helping others. In 2000,
she transitioned to human resources in the corporate oil and gas sector, serving in roles

such as Senior HR Advisor, HR Generalist, and HR Manager for various corporations.
Throughout her career, Ines’ strong ethics and fair-minded personality propelled her to
the pinnacle of her field in remarkably short order.
Following her cancer diagnosis, Ines retired from corporate life to focus on what mattered
most: her health, inner peace, and the bonds she held dear. She embraced a holistic
approach, blending natural health therapies with conventional treatments, which fueled
her optimism and extended her time to savor life’s joys. She traveled the world, gathered
loved ones around the dinner table for heartfelt connections, shared her wisdom with
grace, laughed with abandon, and danced to the rhythms of great music. As the
quintessential Auntie, she was a pillar of support for the young people in her life, offering
guidance and love to family and friends alike.
Ines was more than a family member; she was a remarkable soul whose light touched
everyone she encountered. As her dear friend, Karen Wulder, so eloquently reflected,
Ines was a true blessing—a bright light who embodied living fully, passionately, and with
deep love. In every interaction, she illuminated the value of relationships, kindness, and
integrity. Her character was a tapestry of feistiness, humility, and courage; she stood
unflinchingly for justice while embracing compassion, always making her stance clear
with thoughtful intelligence and quick wit. What endeared her most was her quiet ability
to uplift others through everyday authenticity—making lives richer, conversations brighter,
and friendships deeper. She met people where they were, valuing and respecting them
without pretense, her vibrant passion drawing others in like a warm flame. Though words
fall short in capturing her essence, her legacy endures in the inspiration she left: to be
bolder, more passionate, more alive. To have known her was a gift; to call her friend, an
eternal treasure.
The family would like to express immense gratitude for Ines’ care team: Dr. Marc Webster,
her oncologist for 14 years, for his compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support;
Dr. Eugene Quan, ND, for his expertise and supportive healing modalities; Dr. Lesley
Coulter for her in depth coaching and support while navigating the psycho-social aspects
of a cancer diagnosis. Additionally, Ines was blessed with an excellent palliative care
team and our gratitude goes out to everyone who touch her life. Special thanks are
extended to Father Lawrence Manolache for nurturing Ines’ spirit through the Last Rites.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to an animal rescue/support organisation, honoring
Ines’ love for her faithful companion, Picho. Additionally, Ines would 100% want people
to take their family or friends to dinner, really celebrate their lives, speak to the things they
love to do, and make plans to pursue them.