Thursday, August 21, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 21, 2025.
BOURASSA, Rita RITA DOREEN BOURASSA September 2, 1930 – August 16, 2025 It is with love and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Rita Doreen Bourassa (née Gelinas) on August 16, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 94.
Rita was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence Bourassa. Together they shared a lifetime of devotion, raising their children and creating a home full of love and cherished memories. She will be remembered and missed by her children Carrie (Charlie), Laureen (widow of Jim), Tom, Brenda; her grandchildren Nadine, Tricia (Frank), Jeremy (Cheryl-Lee), Anita, Jeanine, Ryan (Mylene), Taylor (Kooper), and Landen; and her great-grandchildren Alex, Austen (Leah), Braeden, Kas, Devon, Olivia, Cash, Alexis, Cecelia, Sophia, Kevin, Oakley, and Westyn. She also leaves behind her brother Denny (Anne), sister Delores (Bob), and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.
She was predeceased by her infant son Larry, her brothers Maurice, Raymond (Louise) and Allen (Teresa), and her sister Aline (Tom).
Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on September 2, 1930, Rita was the eldest child of Lionel and Alida Gelinas. She grew up in southern Alberta and spent much of her life in Fort Macleod and Lethbridge. In 1952, Rita proudly graduated from the Holy Cross Hospital School of Nursing in Calgary, beginning a long career as a registered nurse, later moving into the medical records department. She was admired for her skill and dedication, and the care she provided touched the lives of many patients and families in Fort Macleod.
On August 22, 1953, Rita married Lawrence in Fort Macleod. Their partnership was built on deep love, shared values, and dedication to family and community.
Family was an important part of Rita’s life. She took pride in her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother and delighted in many of their milestones. She rarely missed a game or race, and her enthusiasm for sports – whether baseball, football, curling, hockey, or track – was infectious. To her family, she was a strong presence on the sidelines, cheering them on.
Beyond family, Rita had many interests. She was an avid curling fan and a spirited card player, known to hold her own at a cribbage table. In her later years at Pioneer Lodge, she enjoyed the company of friends, lively games of cards, and plenty of laughter.
She was known for her sharp wit, a determined spirit, and a presence that left a lasting impression on those around her. Her keen sense of humour, generous nature, and the unmistakable sparkle in her eye touched the lives of many. Her memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Prayer Service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Eden’s Funeral Home in Fort Macleod, AB.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Fort Macleod, immediately followed by a family interment at the Fort Macleod Union Cemetery and Funeral Tea at the Fort Macleod Community Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s honour to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200-325 Manning Road NE, Calgary AB T2E 2P5, Web:
http://www.cancer.ca/en/donate/?region=ab To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.edensfuneralhome.com
ANDERSON, Janet ANDERSON JANET ANDERSON, beloved wife of Leo “Monty” Anderson, passed away in Cardston, Alberta on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at the age of 87 years.
The Funeral Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hill Spring, Alberta on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Friends may meet the family from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment to follow at the Hill Spring Cemetery.
To Watch the Service Later or send condolences please visit
http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
LARSON, Teresita TERESITA LARSON 1936 ~ 2025 Teresita Larson of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on August 11th, 2025, at the age of 88 years.
Teresita is survived by her daughter Jessica Wilson, son-in-law Jeremy Wilson and her grandchildren Shinnea and Rylen.
Besides her loving husband Clifford Larson, Teresita was also predeceased by her parents Pedro and Agueda Villaces, her brother and 12 sisters.
Special Heartfelt thankyou to Dr. Wong and the dialysis unit for the many years of excellent care. We will be forever grateful for the immense compassion and dedication that each of you showed Mom throughout her dialysis journey.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Dialysis Unit or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Visit
http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
HANKEL, Raymond “Ray” HANKEL RAYMOND “RAY” VICTOR HANKEL, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Katharina “Kay” Hankel, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, August 18, 2025 at the age of 95 years.
As per Ray’s wishes, no formal funeral will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MANY FINGERS, Ivan MANY FINGERS Ivan Many Fingers passed away on August 17, 2025 in Cardston, Alberta at the age of 74 years.
A wake service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve Alberta on Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The funeral service will also be a Senator Gladstone Hall on Monday, August 25 at 11:00 am. To send a condolence please visit
http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
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