FRIDAY, May 06, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on May 6, 2022.

Charles “Doc” Dowling

& Frances Dowling

Memorial Service

Mrs. Frances Dowling of Lethbridge passed away on January 8, 2017, and Mr. Charles “Doc” Dowling of Lethbridge passed away on January 8, 2022.

A Celebration of Doc and Frances Dowling’s Lives will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/ obituary/CharlesDocFrances-Dowling and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Dowling-Rossiter Fund at the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, 1202 – 2 Avenue South #50, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0E3, to help support local causes and charities.

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

JOKUTY

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our wonderful mother, grandmother, and dear friend, MARIA JOKUTY, beloved wife of the late Chester Jokuty Sr, on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the age of 95 years.

Maria is lovingly remembered by her son, Chester (Margaret) of Calgary and their children, Erin (Andrew) MacLean, Anna (Brandon) O’Dwyer and their son Sullivan, and Alex Jokuty, her late son Laszlo’s children, Benjamin, Leba and Rose, her brother, Vince (Gerti) Bugledits of Austria, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Along with her husband and son, she was predeceased by her parents, Janos and Maria Bugledits and four brothers.

Maria was born, raised and educated in Hungary. She was a teenager during WII and lived under communism in her homeland. Maria married Chester on October 3, 1949 and shortly after, had their two sons, Chester Jr and Laszlo.

Following the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, Chester, Maria and family immigrated to Canada, arriving in St. John’s NB on April 22, 1957. They continued their journey to southern Alberta where they worked as farm labourers in the sugar beet fields. The family moved to Lethbridge in the fall of 1959 where Maria took advantage of a government sponsored program allowing immigrants to learn English. She attended those classes for three years.

Maria had learned how to sew in those early years in Hungary and in 1961 those skills helped her gain work in a local tailor shop. In 1965, she opened her own shop, which she operated until 1970. Maria and Chester had also been educated in the restaurant and hotel business in Europe so, in 1974, they purchased the Carmangay Hotel. In 1976 Maria’s family returned to Lethbridge where she resided until her passing.

Maria was a dedicated volunteer, having logged hundreds of hours at Winner’s Bingo. She was also a founding member of both the Hungarian Cultural Society of Southern Alberta and the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association, established in 1977. Maria served as an Executive Director of the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association for ten years.

Her dedication to share the richness of the Hungarian culture led her to establish a dance group with authentic hand crafted costumes and numerous opportunities to dance. This group still exists today.

As President of the Cultural Society’s Ladies Group, Maria worked tirelessly hosting fashion shows, dance festivals, dinners, concerts and celebrations of special Hungarian historic events. She was given a Lifetime Membership for her work with the group and was recognized by the Governor General of Canada on the occasion of Canada’s 125th Centennial, honouring those who made a significant contribution to the future and quality of Canadian society. Maria received the Alberta Centennial Award in 2005.

She was an amazing person and will be remembered for her generous and loving nature, her “can do” attitude and her willingness to help anyone in need. Maria will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A special thank you to the nursing staff and volunteers of St. Therese Villa for their thoughtful and compassionate care they showed Maria.

If family and friends wish, donations in memory of Maria are welcome to St. Therese Villa, Covenant Foundation, Room 3C60, 11111 Jasper Ave. Edmonton, AB T5K 0L4

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 1:30 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.

Following the Mass, Maria will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Chester in Mountain View Cemetery.

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

Qiu Yue Li

1930 – 2022

Qiu Yue Li of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Ji Tian Zhong, passed away at Extendicare Fairmont Park on April 22, 2022 at the age of 91 years.

Qiu Yue was born June 24, 1930 in Taishan county, Guangdong province, China. She had two brothers – one older and one younger. Qiu Yue was a farmer in China. She was passionate and active community figure – she helped out with making clothes, food, and village celebrations.

Qiu Yue with her husband immigrated to Canada in 1992 to be with her family. In Canada, she helped raise and take care of nine grandchildren. Qiu Yue enjoyed tending to gardens, leisurely walks, paper crafts, mending, and sewing.

Besides her loving husband Ji Tian Zhong, Qiu Yue Li is survived by her three daughters, Yan Yun Zhong, Tracy Cheng, and Susan Luc; two sons, Jian Jing and Jun Xi Zhong; thirteen grandchildren, Ai Feng Zhong; Wei Zi, Xiao Yi, and Can Ming Li; Maggie, Alan, and Mandy Zhong; Andrew, Peter, Jason, and Michelle Cheng; Jenny and Alice Luc; seven great grandchildren, Hai Lin, Ya Lin, and Hai Wei Chen; Sheng Hua, Cui Hua, and Jia Hua Li; and Julie Zhong.

Qiu Yue Li is predeceased by her parents, Yi Qiong Li and Mei Ai Wang; brothers, Guang Run and Guang Xiang Li; and grandchild, Huan Zhi Zhong.

A Funeral Service will be held at 8:00 am on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

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

Brian Lee McElroy

1948 – 2022

Mr. Brian Lee McElroy of Tilley, AB passed away peacefully on April 25, in Medicine Hat, AB after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Brian was born in Lethbridge AB Nov 17, 1948, to Gerald and Esther. Was raised in Lethbridge, became a cattle buyer, later worked for Balog Auction. He retired moved to Pincher Creek, later moved to Tilley, AB

Brian leaves to mourn his niece Paula and nephew Mitch. Plus many friends. He was predeceased by his parents Gerald and Esther, also his brother Wayne.

At Brian’s request there will be no funeral.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels, Lethbridge, AB.

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

PHIL NORTH

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Friends, family and colleagues are invited to a casual come and go reception at the Coast Hotel, Saturday, May 7th from 1-4 PM.

Freda, Travis, Susan Patti

and Families.

OKA-MITCHELL

Mavis Oka Mitchell, Sikaapinaki (Black Eyes) was born at the Blood Indian Hospital on December 29, 1954, to Mr. & Mrs. Tom and Madeline Oka (nee Young Pine) and died April 29, 2022, in Lethbridge, AB. Although we are saddened as a family over the loss of our dear “Famous Auntie Mavis” she has returned to our Heavenly Father in his Kingdom of God. Survived by her siblings, Delroy Oka & Ronalda Eagle Child (Cyril) and sister in-law Geraldine & Sharon. Also survived by her aunties Odile Day Chief and Bernadette Young Pine. Mavis loved all her nieces & nephews as her own children and their children became her grandchildren ensuring she attended their celebrations and events.

Mavis was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Madeline (nee Young Pine) Oka. Her maternal grandparents Joe and May Young Pine (nee Fox); her paternal grandparents Mike and Helen Oka (nee Weaselfat); her sisters Leita Big Sorrel Horse, Evelyn Bird, Martha Oka Minoose, Mary Cardinal and brother Alymer Oka, brother-in-law Dan Cardinal, nieces & nephews Corrine, Brenda, Melanie & Ervin Big Sorrel Horse, Calvin Minoose, Justin & Tommy Eagle Child, Delbert Young Pine, William Many Bears Jr., and Thomas Bird. Mavis was adopted by late Mr. & Mrs. Harold & Verdun Chief Moon and by Mr. & Mrs. Billy Bird. Mavis was a descendent of the Many Children clan. Mavis knew many people and we apologize if missed anyone.

Mavis is triumphantly rejoicing in heaven as she missed her dear husband, Robert Mitchell. Mavis spent her life teaching the gospel. She had a strong faith in Jesus and would often encourage others in her teachings. Mavis would sing, to all her nieces and nephews, this song “Jesus loves Me!”

Early in her life she had a medical condition but despite this obstacle she lived her life to the fullest. Mavis grew up on the Blood Reserve and surrounding communities as her dad, Tom worked off the Reserve. She was a survivor of St. Mary’s Residential School and later attended day-school. Often her family travelled to the USA to attend full gospel camp meetings. In the summer months, her family picked fruit seasonally in their travels. Mavis had great love, faith, and she continued ministering in her travels for Jesus Christ. In her early twenty’s, she lived in Helena and worked as a Data Entry Clerk. During this time, she worked with computers, and we joked with auntie that her computer was as big as a room. She laughed. Sometimes, Mavis came home to stay with her dad, Tom to help in his care. Mavis knew so many people all over the world and this is how she became the “World’s Famous Auntie.”

Later in her life she met Robert Mitchell from Popular River, Manitoba. She married the love of her life Robert in Winnipeg in 1993. Mavis was so happy, and her family travelled to Winnipeg to attend her wedding. It was a beautiful wedding planned by Mavis. She was so proud when other family members married. Mavis & Robert continued to Minister the Word of God and people called for help from the Western Prairies. Mavis enjoyed listening to Robert sing his Gospel music while he played his guitar. Before Robert’s passing, he gifted her with a CD to help her when she needed him. Mavis & Robert moved to Calgary as Robert wanted Mavis to be near her family. In time, he knew he was sick and told Mavis for them to move to Lethbridge that she would need her family as he knew of his illness.

It took awhile for Mavis to grieve her husband but after this Mavis started on new adventures of learning. She enjoyed reading and started to educate herself on variety of topics. Mavis took Blackfoot, beading classes and enjoyed her crafts, gifting her projects to her friends & family. She attended the Foot Care Program at Street’s Alive and these professionals quickly took to Mavis and became her friend. Mavis was always brought to the front of the line, another client noticed that she was given preferential treatment and he called her “Princess,” so the name stuck. She just laughed when they called her “Princess.” Mavis had an infectious laugh. Mavis cared for all her nieces and nephews (her children); she attended parties and treated everyone special. Mavis was close with her nephew (late) Tommy Eagle Child; she ensured he had everything he needed as he was a single parent. She loved and cared for Tommy’s son, Huxlie Eagle Child again she ensured he had everything he needed. Auntie enjoyed shopping and invited family or friends out for a bite to eat.

We will miss our “Famous Auntie Mavis,” but we know in our hearts she is with her loving husband Robert, and they continue to sing for God himself in heaven above. Thank you to Foot Care Team of Lethbridge, Dialysis Team, recent Nursing team of the Chinook Regional Hospital for the exceptional care they gave our Auntie also to Legacy Funeral Home.

A wake service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston, AB on Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston, AB on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 11:00 am with interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve, AB.

To send a condolence or watch online please visit

http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

PEACOCK

PAUL PEACOCK, beloved husband of Julie Peacock, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at the age of 80 years.

Arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Marcey Pittman Low

SEPT. 15, 1959 – APR. 25, 2022

After a long battle with liver disease, Marcey Pittman Low, beloved wife of Larry Low, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022 at Barrhead, Alberta. She was born September 15, 1959 in Lethbridge, Alberta. She grew up in Warner. Marcey was predeceased by her parents George (Toss) and Paula Pittman and 3 much-loved dachshunds who were her kids. She is survived by her husband of 25 years, his 4 children, their spouses and children, her sister Diana (Paul) Melnyk, brothers Cam (Angela), Brad, Curt (Kristen), and Tyler (Jill) Pittman, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Barrhead Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will be Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Warner Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome. To watch the Service please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/barrhead-ab.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Canadian Liver Foundation, the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or a charity of your choice.

Cornelius “Corny” Thiessen

1937 – 2022

Mr. Cornelius “Corny” Thiessen of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Katherina “Kathy” Thiessen, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the age of 84 years.

Corny was born the 3rd of 14 children to Cornelius and Anna Thiessen on May 17, 1937 in Chihuahua, Mexico. He attended school from grades 1-8 in Chihuahua then moved to Canada with his family traveling by truck. Their first jobs were in Ontario fruit picking, and a few years later Corny moved to B.C and then back to Manitoba where he met the love of his life, Kathy.

Kathy and Corny were married in 1962. School and work brought them to Lethbridge, Alberta where Corny worked for Wheatland Bins and Kathy worked as a nurse. This was going to be the place where they spent their entire married life and many happy years.

In retirement, Corny spent his time recycling bicycles for many years to come, while Kathy began working in financial services in 1992. Through the years they were able to travel to many amazing places and met many amazing friends along the way. Sadly, Corny developed heart problems 2 years ago, and was no longer able to walk. He and Kathy spent many hours sitting in their yard drinking coffee laughing and reminiscing about all of their years together and their fond memories.

Besides his beloved wife Kathy, Corny is survived by 5 siblings; many, many nieces and nephews; and many adopted family from over the years. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by all that knew him.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 10:00 am and 11:00 am on Monday, May 9, 2022 at EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE 4717 24 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, May 9, 2022 at EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 4717 24 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta. Interment will follow in Royal View Cemetery.

To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/CorneliusCorny-Thiessen and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page to find the link.

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

TOEWS

HELEN TOEWS, of Coaldale, passed away peacefully at Sunny South Lodge, on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the age of 95 years.

Helen will be laid to rest in the COALDALE MENNONITE CEMETERY, AB, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. A Celebration of Life will follow at GEM OF THE WEST MUSEUM, 1306 – 20 Street, Coaldale, AB, at 2:00 P.M.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

van RIJN

JOAN ELIZABETH van RIJN, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Paul van Rijn, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at the age of 77 years.

Besides her beloved husband, Joan is survived by her daughters Joanne and Debbie Volume, stepdaughters Michelle (Chesley) Gordon and Taunia (Linden) Young and stepson Shawn van Rijn.

No formal Funeral Service will be held; Joan will be privately remembered by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Joan, donations may be made to the St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit – 1400 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V5.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

WESTBROOK

ROSS WESTBROOK, beloved husband of Kay Westbrook, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the age of 93 years.

Besides his beloved wife Kay, Ross leaves behind his daughter Patricia Hrynczuk (Jake), son Donald and daughter Cheryl; grandchildren Paul Hrynczuk (Elyse Friesen) and Tanya Hrynczuk; and great- grandchildren Wesley Crabbe, Talia Crabbe, Declan Hrynczuk and Addison Hrynczuk.

He was predeceased by his mother Rebecca Westbrook, his father Edward Albert Westbrook and his stepmother Thelma Westbrook.

Ross married Kay on May 10, 1952. Ross completed his electrician apprenticeship with King and May Electric, receiving his journeyman certification in 1956. The majority of his career was spent at the University of Lethbridge, from its inception in 1967 to his retirement in 1991. After retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and daily walks in the river bottom with the dogs. He came from humble beginnings and was always happy with the simple things in life, happy to be at the home he and Kay built.

A Memorial Reception will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, May 9, 2022 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

In memory of Ross, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca)

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

WILD

KATHERINE WILD, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Steve Wild, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at the age of 92 years.

She is survived by her children Joanne (Wayne) Harris of Edmonton; Doug (Muriel) Wild of Lethbridge, her six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Besides her beloved husband Steve, she is predeceased by her daughter Bonnie.

We would like to express our gratitude to the staff at the Golden Acres Lodge and the Chinook Regional Hospital for the exceptional care given to mom.

At Kathy’s request, there will be no funeral service.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

WURTZ

REBECCA J WURTZ, beloved wife of Edward J Wurtz, passed away on Wednesday May 4, 2022 at the Deerfield Colony at the age or 73 years.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Deerfield Colony, on Saturday May 7, 2022 at 11:30 am.

Interment to follow at the Deerfield Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.salmonandsons.ca

Comments are closed.