SATURDAY, December 12, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 12, 2020.

BENCI

FRANK BENCI, beloved husband of Helen Benci, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the age of 100 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Dr. Maureen Jean Therese Bramwell (Melling)

May 23, 1936 – December 2, 2020

Educator and Inspiration

Wistfully we mourn the passing of our Mum, Gran and Sister, who lived a life selflessly devoted to God, her family, friends, students and the underprivileged.

Born in Stirling, Scotland to two teachers, Maureen inherited their love for learning, first in science and mathematics and later in drama and the theatre, earning a B.Sc. from the University of Glasgow, an M.A. from the University of Calgary and a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia. She was a voracious reader to the end.

Her tireless research of – and practical work in – theatre and drama proved the beneficial link between them and academic performance. Her doctoral thesis established that drama education is no mere frill, but is important to the formation of attitudes and values in young people. Her students – elementary, junior, high school and university – adored her. She inspired far too many to count.

Her artistic and creative talents were many. A gifted theatre director, she began by staging elaborate high school musicals in Lethbridge and Calgary that exceeded any reasonable expectation of what “kids” could do. She expressed herself beautifully in poetry, drawing and painting. But she was no arts snob: she loved The Beautiful Game, often yelling at the players on TV to “get your act together!”

Maureen loved unconditionally. She fretted over her siblings and children, and defended them ferociously. Her grandchildren were the lights of her life and a constant source of pride. They were fascinated by her stories and wisdom, sitting around the table long after meals to listen.

She was always far more interested in others – what they felt and knew – than in herself. She gave generously of her time and modest financial means to those less fortunate, including complete strangers. She adored the dog and cats she spent her later life with, and her eyes lit up talking about the chickens out back!

Her inimitable Scottish brogue was often deployed in favour: students and children were “chookie bendies” or “wee sausages”. But she brooked no blether, and fashioned short work of those who “talk nonsense.” Misbehaving children were warned “ther’ll be wigs on the green” or “a trip to the Humby Home.” We never knew what those things were, but sure didn’t want to find out!

But above all, Maureen was defined by her faith. A lifelong and devout Roman Catholic, she meditated and prayed diligently. She was an active and integral part of every Church community she joined, creating and participating in committees, liturgy groups, meditation groups and choirs. She ministered to the Eucharist and served as a lay reader. She lived by the word of James that “Faith without works is dead”.

Predeceased by her beloved parents, Allen and Anne McCann, Maureen is loved and missed by her surviving sisters, Claire Petrucci (Sergio), Sheena Flynn (Bill) and her brother Fergus McCann, by her children Karen Anne MacDonald (Perry), Steve Melling (Dawn), Allen Melling (Helena) and Michael Melling (Diana Kolpak), by her grandchildren Francis, Kristof, Jaylene, Lexa, Sydney, Brett, Matthew and Liam, and by her great grandson Nolan.

Maureen was born by the sea, and she said often that it was her wish to die there. We are so happy that her last memories were of the beautiful coast of south-west Vancouver Island.

And we are so fortunate to have had her in our lives.

A private virtual family service will be held on Saturday, December 12th with a celebration of life to follow at a later date.

GREER

LENNA GREER, beloved spouse of Linda Rawbon, of Lethbridge, passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 64 years.

Besides her loving spouse Linda and dog Kodi, Lenna is survived by her mother, Barbara Colleen Greer of Prince George, BC, two brothers and one sister, all of British Columbia. She is also survived by Linda’s family in Burlington, ON as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her father, Newton Frederick Greer.

Lenna enjoyed a full career working in the health industry. She owned her own business as a Massage Therapist. Following this, Lenna was the Office Manager and Assistant at Stamina Therapy. She also enjoyed working with the students and teams at Lethbridge College as Program Assistant in the Health and Wellness programs.

Lenna was an extraordinary artist who graduated with honours at Emily Carr University of Art & Design. She has been an avid photographer and a member of the Lethbridge Photography Club and recently volunteered at the Lethbridge Humane Society. She loved reading, writing, nature, cooking, arts and culture and spending quality time with her friends and family.

At Lenna’s request, no funeral service will be held.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Lenna’s memory to the Lenna Greer Scholarship Fund in Photographic Arts at the University of Lethbridge (go.uleth.ca/lennagreer)

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Kathleen Hadlington

1933 – 2020

Kathleen “Kay” Hadlington of Lethbridge, beloved daughter of the late Mr. John Thomas and Jessie Hadlington, passed away in Lethbridge on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at the age of 87 years.

Kay’s cremated remains will be buried beside her best friend Paulene Nalder in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

HARRISON

JOLAYNE DAHL HARRISON passed away Friday, December 11, 2020 at St. Michael’s Palliative Care in Lethbridge. She was 90 years of age.

Thanks to the nurses and staff of St. Michael’s who cared for our mother and family with comfort, compassion and respect. A graveside service will held for the immediate family on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

To send a condolence, please

visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

HARVEY

Lenard Graham Harvey passed away peacefully at Dulcina Hospice in Calgary on December 10, 2020 with his family at his side. Pre-deceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Elizabeth “Anne” Harvey. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Country Hills Crematorium, 11995 16th Street NE, Calgary, Alberta, 403-274-0576.

Marian Hobberstad

1930 – 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of MARIAN HOBBERSTAD of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Hans Hobberstad. She passed peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre with her family by her side on December 6, 2020 at 90 years of age.

Cherished mother of three sons; Donald (Cheryl), Dennis (Pat), Robert (Linda), and two daughters; Diane (Brian) Anderson, and Brenda (Scott) Oseen. She was loved by 13 Grandchildren; Robin (Clint), Devin, Ryan, Danyae (Kyle), Brandon, Riley (Shelby), Tyler (Kristen), Cody (Ashley), Brady (Hope), Lisa (Dave), Michael (Tiffany), Brett (Taylor) and Kristen, as well as eight Great-Grandchildren; Ria, Gabe, Elise, Kinley, Madden, Rhett, Evan, and Colby. She is survived by sisters-in-law; Sylvia (Wallace) Rombough, and Louise Wiest, plus many nieces/nephews and their families.

Marian was predeceased by her beloved husband; Hans, her parents; Lena and Walter Marsh, her mother/father-in-law; Rakel and Rasmus Hobberstad, her five brothers; Clarence (Joyce), Alvin (Margaret), Archie (Hilda), Earl (Kay) and Harvey (Marjorie) Marsh, and sisters-in-law; Olaug (William) Palmer and Olivia (Cecil) Wiest.

Marian Lucille Marsh was born on July 30, 1930, in Granum. She was the youngest and only daughter of Lena and Walter’s six children. Their family moved to the Vauxhall area in 1933, where she attended grade school in Retlaw and high school in Vauxhall.

Mom met Dad at a dance and claimed it was love at first sight. The two married on October 24, 1951 and enjoyed many happy years together. They waltzed so gracefully together, and dancing with Dad was one of the most treasured memories of her life.

Together, they operated a grain and cattle farm in the Circle Hill area and provided a loving home to their 5 children. Mom was a great cook, gardener, and an exceptional baker – known for her delicious buns and cinnamon rolls.

After Dad’s passing in 1988, mom moved to Vauxhall where she lived for the next 25 years. In 2014 she moved to the Black Rock Terrace retirement home in Lethbridge.

Family meant EVERYTHING to mom! We were her ‘most precious possessions’. She welcomed each new member to our family with open arms and cherished the times when we’d gather together for holidays or special occasions. She poured her love into creating wonderful meals served to us on her fine china and crystal. We often celebrated her summer birthday with a family reunion.

Mom was a friendly, social person; joined clubs and enjoyed community events. She valued her friendships, many of which lasted for decades. Mom could be found at the curling rink, hockey arena, ball diamond, skating carnival, and school sports/concerts proudly supporting her family in whatever activity they were involved in. She loved when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren visited and would always play cards and games with them.

Mom was gentle, kind and caring and faced each day with a positive attitude; never one to complain. She loved flowers and her favourite, the rose, will forever remind us of her. We will miss her sweet nature, her grace, the silver in her hair and the gold in her heart.

Private Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel. Due to the restrictions surrounding Covid-19, the service will be invite only. The family invites you to watch the service via live stream at https://www.mbfunerals.com/ . Please click on Marian’s obituary and scroll to the bottom of the page. A link will be available 15 minutes prior to the service.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial Donations may be made in Marian’s name to a charity of ones choice.

Our family would like to thank the staff of Black Rock Terrace for the great care they provided to mom in her six years of residency. She was really happy and at home there and spoke very highly of the staff, meals, accommodations and services. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff of St. Michael’s Health Centre for the wonderful care and compassion they provided to her during her final weeks.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

Chuck Karras
1930 – 2020
 Charles Karras, beloved husband of LoAnne Karras, passed away in Taber on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at the age of 90 years.
 Chuck will be privately remembered by his family. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
 Besides his loving wife LoAnne, Chuck is survived by his children Brian (Pam) Karras of Taber, George Karras of Taber, Charlyne (Dave) Russell of Lethbridge, Darren Karras of Lethbridge and Chris Karras of Lethbridge and the mother of his children Lillian Karras-Lerner. He is also survived by his grandchildren Gena, Jamie, Dwayne, Parker, Anne, Sam, Ellen, Darrell, Chanell, Jeannine and Jordee; great grandchildren Ashely, Taylor, Cayden, Alexa, Dallas and Nicholas; great great grandchildren Jayden, Bella and Alice; sister—in-law Elaine Karras as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives throughout Canada.
 He was predeceased by his son David; parents Nick and Florence
Karras; two infant brothers; brother George Karras; sisters Kay Hamilton and Vivian Winfield; brother-in-law Merve Hamilton.
 Chuck was Taber’s New Years baby of 1930. He grew up and attended Central School in Taber and graduated. Following high school he joined the Navy to see the world and was stationed at CFB Cornwallis on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, close to the town of Digby, Nova Scotia. Due to the death of his father, he received a compassionate discharge to assist his mother with the family business. Throughout his early years he was a barber in Taber and Lethbridge. He joined the SMRID, first working in Bow Island and later transferred to Lethbridge. Chuck farmed southeast of Taber from 1959 to 1984 at which time he moved into Taber. He then worked at the sugar factory until after he was seventy to fill in the winter months. In his retirement he continued his passion for golf and his first hole in one was at the Taber Golf Course on the original hole seven, now non existent. Chuck was a member of the Taber Golf Course for many years, serving on committees and boards. The highlight of his golfing was a week long golf holiday in Maroochydor, Queensland while in Australia. He enjoyed travels throughout Canada, United States, Mexico, Australia and Cuba, always golfing where he could. A long time member of the Elks, rising through the ranks to the Grand Exalted Ruler. Chuck was also a member of the Taber Royal Canadian Legion Branch 20 for over sixty five years. Charles and LoAnne Married on June 25, 1976 and had forty four wonderful years together. Love you now and forever.
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Grace MacMillan

1934 – 2020

Mrs. Grace MacMillan of Lethbridge, formerly of Ontario and beloved wife of Mr. Gordon MacMillan, passed away in her home with her family by her side on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at the age of 86 years.

Grace was born and raised in Lancaster, Ontario. She married Gordon in 1955 in Lancaster and together they ran a dairy farm in Glensandfield, Ontario. Together Gordon and Grace loved to socialize, attending many parties, dances and gatherings. Grace was an amazing wife, mother, a wonderful cook and will be missed by her family, many friends and neighbors.

Besides her loving husband Gordon, Grace is survived by her children Robert MacMillan, Scotte (Ruby) MacMillan, Carey (Sylvia) MacMillan, Brenda (Conrad) Vegtor; grandchildren Kara, Patricia, Kristina, Kas, Myles, Fred, Jason, Karmyn, Kamile, Austin; great-grandchildren Gordon, Leo, Collins, Blake, Quinn, Brooklyn; sister-in-law Claudette Shepard, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Grace was predeceased by her parents Hugh and Margaret Munroe; sister-in-law Helen Macleod nee MacMillan; brother Hugh (Chummy) Munroe; God-daughter Sharon Brown nee Munroe; grandson Gordon MacMillan and daughter-in-law Shirley MacMillan.

For those who wish memorial donations in Grace’s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7; a Heart and Stroke Foundation in Ontario or to a charity of one’s choice.

A Celebration of Grace’s Life will be held at a later date in Alexandria, Ontario.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

Grace MacMillan

1934 – 2020

Mrs. Grace MacMillan of Lethbridge, formerly of Ontario and beloved wife of Mr. Gordon MacMillan, passed away in her home with her family by her side on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at the age of 86 years.

Grace was born and raised in Lancaster, Ontario. She married Gordon in 1955 in Lancaster and together they ran a dairy farm in Glensandfield, Ontario. Together Gordon and Grace loved to socialize, attending many parties, dances and gatherings. Grace was an amazing wife, mother, a wonderful cook and will be missed by her family, many friends and neighbors.

Besides her loving husband Gordon, Grace is survived by her children Robert MacMillan, Scotte (Ruby) MacMillan, Carey (Sylvia) MacMillan, Brenda (Conrad) Vegtor; grandchildren Kara, Patricia, Kristina, Kas, Myles, Fred, Jason, Karmyn, Kamile, Austin; great-grandchildren Gordon, Leo, Collins, Blake, Quinn, Brooklyn; sister-in-law Claudette Shepard, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Grace was predeceased by her parents Hugh and Margaret Munroe; sister-in-law Helen Macleod nee MacMillan; brother Hugh (Chummy) Munroe; God-daughter Sharon Brown nee Munroe; grandson Gordon MacMillan and daughter-in-law Shirley MacMillan.

For those who wish memorial donations in Grace’s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7; a Heart and Stroke Foundation in Ontario or to a charity of one’s choice.

A Celebration of Grace’s Life will be held at a later date in Alexandria, Ontario.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

NEILSON

DAVID BARCLAY NEILSON of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on November 27th, 2020, at the age of 102 years.

He is the loving father of David (Vicki) Neilson of Stirling, Ian (May) Neilson of Kelowna BC, and Alison (Allan) Martin of Lethbridge; five grandchildren Greg Neilson, Erika (Brad) Seward, Stephen Martin, Johnathan Martin (Ashley Haughton), and Andrew Martin, as well as eight great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife Mabel and his sisters Jean and Nancy.

David was born in Dublin, Ireland, and grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He trained as a registered physiotherapist in Glasgow, Scotland, and upon graduation joined the Royal Air Force Medical Corps, serving in Sierre Leone, West Africa during the Second World War.

He married Mabel Newby in 1945, and they came to Canada with their children in 1957. He fondly remembered his years working throughout Southern Alberta with the Lethbridge Regional Hospital’s mobile rehabilitation program. He remained physically fit and active for his entire life, taking daily walks in any weather until the age of 100. David loved to sing, and particularly enjoyed his years with the Golden Mile Singers.

David was a gentle, loving husband, father and grandfather, and will be missed immeasurably.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

REIMER

With heaviness of heart we announce that KAREN ANN REIMER, beloved wife of the late Ben Reimer, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, December 4, 2020 at the age of 75 years.

Karen is survived by their only son, Mason (Caroline) of Lethbridge, her two rays of sunshine, Abigail and Carson, and her faithful puppy Ginger. She is also survived by her three loving siblings, Michael Malmberg (Sharon Mielnichuk) of Fort Steele, BC, Mary (Leo) Dieser of Coaldale, and Tom (Jean) Malmberg of Spring Coulee; and her four sisters-in-law Evelyn Reimer, Marguerite (Harry) Antonio, Rosalie Bain, and Dorothy (Allan) Sera. Karen is loved and cherished by her many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as loyal friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Max & Ardath (Mecham) Malmberg and her brother-in-law Bryan Bain.

Karen was born in Cardston, Alberta on November 7, 1945 to Max and Ardath Malmberg. The oldest of four, she took her big sister role seriously as she led “them kids” on many adventures at the family farm near Spring Coulee. Karen loved to help around the farm, whether it was in the field, feeding the cattle or baking with her mom. On Thanksgiving morning, October 8, 1951, Karen ended up in hospital in Cardston as she was quite ill and was later diagnosed with Poliomyelitis (Polio). Karen would spend many months, which accumulated into years, away from home in hospital being treated for polio and having surgeries. This never held her back or stopped her from pursuing her own personal goals. Karen knew in grade nine she wanted to be a pharmacist. After graduation in 1964 from Cardston High School, she moved to Edmonton and after three short years, received her BSc in Pharmacy from the University of Alberta in 1967.

Karen returned to southern Alberta, living in Lethbridge and working as a pharmacist at Boyd’s Pharmacy. She worked at Woodward’s, the Bay, Skelton’s and Lakeview pharmacies as well before her retirement in 1995. On February 5, 1969, Karen walked into Ben’s Accounting for tax advice and the rest is history as they would later be married on September 5, 1970. Karen and Ben enjoyed many vacations together; travelling to the Bahamas and Hawaii as well as Nevada and Arizona. Their biggest adventure was when they adopted their son Mason on February 14th, 1979, neither knowing quite what to do and both falling in love with their long awaited son. Family holidays were a highlight for Karen; and Mason always made them easier; with her most recent holidays being to Mexico and Texas with Mason and his family.

Karen beat more than polio and post-polio complications, she was also a breast cancer survivor and her more recent fight was against Parkinson’s disease. Karen strength and “You got this girl” attitude was what drew people towards her as a role model. Many looked up to her for her ability to overcome adversity and fulfill her dreams. Karen was passionate about drawing, water colour, and loved to sing with her Sweet Adeline’s chorus. Playing cards was her most recent hobby and she had regular dates with her friends, always keeping track of how many games she won.

Karen’s family was her life line. She adored talking and texting to her nieces and nephews. She never passed up an offer for a visit, a drive to the farm, or to go Duck Lake. Karen cherished every concert the grandkids sang in, every sports event they played in, and every Sunday supper they joined her in as she knew the importance of family. Karen was very proud of her siblings and her extended family, always highlighting their accomplishments with a smile and love.

Karen was and will always be an inspiration as she lived her life on her own terms, “She believed she could, and she did!”.

A special thanks to the home care staff from Gladium both past and present. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an animal charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held once the current Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

SHOT BOTH SIDES

– GROS VENTRE BOY

JONATHON KEVIN SHOT BOTH SIDES – GROS VENTRE BOY, passed away in Lethbridge, AB on December 2, 2020 at the age of 38 years. A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Wednesday, December 16th from 9:00 – 11:00 am with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am. (Due to COVID-19 restrictions only 10 persons will be allowed into the service at a time.)

To WATCH the service Online or to send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

Halina Warszawski

(nee Gowin)

1958 – 2020

Surrounded by her family Halina passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on December 8, 2020.

Born in Promna, Poland on June 12, 1958 Halina came to Canada on a visit in 1976 but remained to marry her loving husband of 43 years, Henry.

Halina was a loving wife, mother and grandmother (babka) and will be dearly missed by her family and friends, both in Canada and Poland.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Wydislaw Gowin and is survived by her mother Stefania Gowin; sons Martin, Conrad (Michaela), and Damian (Tigan); granddaughter Maya Grigg Warszawski. She is also survived by her brothers Zbyszek (Maryla) and Zygmunt (Bozena) and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins in Poland.

Halina’s greatest joy was her family, especially her granddaughter Maya and her numerous flowering plants. Her husband Henry would always complain to her that he couldn’t see outside of their windows due to the amount of foliage she tended.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in support of cancer research or to the Children’s Hospital, Calgary, 28 Oki Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

Comments are closed.