Friday, January 2, 2026
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 2, 2026.
BOGDANOWSKI, Jadwiga JADWIGA BOGDANOWSKI 1931 ~ 2025 Jadwiga Bogdanowski passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 25, 2025, in Lethbridge, Alberta, at the age of 94. She was called home to the Lord on Christmas Day, a time that held special meaning in her Catholic faith.
Born on September 27, 1931, in Wilno, Poland, Jadwiga’s early life was shaped by hardship as she was a survivor of a forced labour camp in Germany during the Second World War. She endured these trials and later emigrated to Canada in 1946 where she began a new chapter, marrying, raising her family, and building a life rooted in devotion, perseverance, compassion towards others and gratitude.
Jadwiga was predeceased by her parents Josephine and Felix Izmajlowicz; husband Felix Bogdanowski and her brother Stanley Izmajlowicz.
She is lovingly remembered by her sister Mary Fakir; daughters Rose (Glen) Piattelli, Annie Baumback, and Katharine (Kevin) Nugent; five cherished grandchildren Kevin, Craig, Paul, Stephanie and Samantha and four adored great-grandchildren Hazel, Lily, Emilie and Olive.
A faithful Catholic, Jadwiga lived her life guided by prayer and trust in God’s will. She found joy in dancing, fishing, gardening, and spending time outdoors. She was blessed with a wonderful sense of humour, a generous heart, and a quiet strength that uplifted those around her.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Canadian Red Cross.
Jadwiga’s life is a testament to faith, endurance, and love of family. She now rests in the loving arms of our Lord and is reunited with those who have gone before her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
THURSTON, R. Bruce THURSTON It is with great sorrow that the Thurston family announces the passing of R. BRUCE THURSTON, a devoted husband, loving father, and principled leader whose life was guided by integrity, community, a deep belief in education, and a commitment to leaving every person and place better than he found them.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Wendy; his daughters, Kasha (Koji) and Brynne (Tyson); and his siblings, Ron and Linda. He was predeceased by his parents, Ed and May Thurston, and his sibling, Pat. Bruce’s memory will also be held close by a wide circle of colleagues and friends whose lives he touched.
Through decades of consulting, including his leadership of Management Resource Services, Bruce championed small businesses, sharing his expertise, mentoring leaders, and supporting organizations through periods of change. He also shared his knowledge as a long-serving faculty member in the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge.
Bruce was guided by unwavering values in everything he pursued. He approached both life and work as opportunities to learn, evolve, and contribute. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, he earned numerous accolades and academic achievements throughout his career. As a CPA, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and most recently, the Legacy Award from the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, honouring his impact on the business community.
Growing up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Bruce found immense happiness in the outdoors and in the simple joys of life. He loved being in nature and cycling, skiing, camping, and walking. He cherished reading, coffee with friends, and staying up-to-date on the latest in technology and news. These activities reflected his spirit: grounded, curious, and engaged with the world around him.
Bruce embodied the belief that meaningful lives are built through connection, service, and the courage to reinvent oneself. His legacy lives on through his family, his colleagues, mentees, and the values he lived by every day.
R. Bruce Thurston, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, with family by his side, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 70 years.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Chinook Regional Hospital, the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, and St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit for their exceptional compassion.
Friends, colleagues, and peers are invited to celebrate Bruce’s life at the LETHBRIDGE TRADE & CONVENTION CENTRE, 101 Exhibition Way South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 1:00 P.M.
In honour of Bruce’s advocacy for heart health and local community access to cardiac care, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bringing Hearts Home Cardiac Campaign (Cardiac Sciences Capital Campaign), c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation:
https://crhfoundation.ca/cardiaccare/ “Let’s keep building a community where businesses grow people – and people grow businesses.”
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WHITEHEAD, John John Blair Whitehead June 15, 1942 – Dec 28, 2025 On a crisp December day in 2025, our beloved Dad saddled up old Smokey and rode off to reunite with his sweetheart, JoAnn. Until his very last days, he lived his best life – horseback riding, hunting, and sharing stories with anyone who would listen.
He lived in the service of others and didn’t know how to say no. His family, friends, neighbors, and strangers could always count on him.
He will be deeply missed by all that knew him but those that were fortunate to call him Dad or Grandpa will miss him most, David (Lisa), Noel (Tracey), Jennifer (Mike Harris), Andrea (Brian Knecht), Patricia (Wade Smith) and their families.
A funeral service will be at Fort Macleod Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (643 20 St, Fort Macleod) held on Saturday January 3, 2026 at 12:00pm with friends meet family from 11:00-11:45am prior to the service.
An evening viewing will take place at the funeral home (433 Stubb Ross Rd S, Lethbridge) on Friday January 2, 2026 from 6:00-7:00pm.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.salmonandsons.ca
STEEL, Arlene STEEL ARLENE STEEL passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 75 years. She bravely dealt with disability for many years.
She leaves to mourn, her husband Dale and son Graham of Edmonton.
At Arlene’s request, no funeral will be held.
WILSON, Georgina “Jean” WILSON GEORGINA “JEAN” WILSON, beloved wife of the late Daniel Wilson, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, December 29, 2025 at the age of 79 years.
At Jean’s request, there will be no formal funeral service. Jean will be remembered privately by her friends and family.
Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
At the family’s request, all condolence messages will remain private.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Jean, donations may be made to the Salvation Army (salvationarmy.ca)
D’AGNONE, Tony TONY D’AGNONE 1949 ~ 2025 It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of Tony D’Agnone of Skiff/Foremost, following a brief, but intense battle with pancreatic cancer.
A Vigil Rites/Prayer Service will be held at 6:00pm on Monday, January 5, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
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http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WESLEY, Elaine ELAINE WESLEY October 1, 1939 ~ December 28, 2025 Elaine Wesley of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the age of 86 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
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http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
GOOSEN, Leonard “Len” LEONARD “LEN” GOOSEN 1956 ~ 2025 Mr. Leonard “Len” Goosen of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Sherry Goosen, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 69 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
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http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
HADDOW, Ruth RUTH NINA HADDOW 1922 ~ 2025 Mrs. Ruth Haddow of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. George Haddow, passed away at Bow Island Long Term Care on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 103 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
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http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
BENGRY, Brent BENGRY BRENT BENGRY, of Lethbridge, passed away at home on Monday, December 29, 2025 at the age of 67 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MARTIN, Ella ELLA MARTIN 1935 ~ 2025 Mrs. Ella Martin of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Pastor Harold Martin, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, December 26, 2025 at the age of 90 years.
A Funeral Service will be held on 11:00 am on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at CHRIST TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 416 12 St S, LETHBRIDGE, AB., with Pastor Olivier Ravelojaona officiating.
A Graveside Service will be held at ROYAL VIEW MEMORIAL CEMETERY following the Funeral Service.
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http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
BLACK PLUME, Frankie BLACK PLUME Frankie Black Plume, passed away on December 20, 2025 in Cardston, Alberta at the age of 59 years.
A wake service will be held at the Moses Lake Community Hall, Blood Reserve, Alberta on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. A funeral service will also be at Moses Lake Community Hall on Saturday, January 3 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Crying Head Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
To send a condolence please visit
http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
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