Saturday, October 26, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 26, 2024.

KAZOKAS, Trudy (Gertrude)

KAZOKAS Dec. 12, 1922 – Oct. 12, 2024 It is with very heavy hearts to announce that our beloved mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, great-great- grandmother and friend to so many, TRUDY (GERTRUDE) KAZOKAS, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the age of 101 years, after a short illness.
Remember Mom as a giving and loving person. She will be missed by all who knew her.
We would like to extend our thanks to all the Doctors and Nurses who showed such compassion and care to mom. We would also like to thank the Heritage Lodge staff for their incredible attention and love they gave mom. During the years she spent at the Heritage Lodge she had so many special friendships with the staff and residents and want to thank you all.
As per Mom’s wishes, no funeral will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

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

FOORD, Laurel

FOORD It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Laurel Ann Foord on October 14, 2024, at the age of 71. She’s the beloved wife of Bert Foord, who cherished her throughout their 52 years of marriage.
Laurel was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, in 1953 to Bill and Edna Kennedy and was the adored sister to five siblings.
It is difficult to put into words how exceptional Laurel was to everyone who knew her. She was a devoted wife, a remarkable mother, and a dear friend to many. She had a heart of gold and her kindness was genuine, doing things for others not for recognition but out of pure love. If you knew her, she instantly made you feel welcome. With her warm personality and generous nature, you immediately felt like you belonged. She was always there with a smile and a hug whenever you needed her.
Laurel was the confetti at every event; when she arrived, things were immediately more fun. With her contagious smile, joyful laughter, and witty personality, she brought life to every room she entered.
She was treasured by Bert and an extraordinary mother to Candice (Dan), Janis (Slade), Carole (Ryan), Kathleen (Tim), and Steven (Linda). She was also an adoring Nana to 10: Mikaela, Devin, Miranda, Kennedy, Eden, Jade, Iggy, Nate, Smith, and Marlowe. Laurel was the North Star of her family, tirelessly guiding them through life with her unconditional love and shining example. She continues to shine brightly, leaving a legacy of love, strength and compassion with us, and all those who were fortunate to know her.
A celebration of Laurel’s life will be held at The Links of GlenEagles in Cochrane, Alberta on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please brighten someone’s day with a message of love, a hug or even a smile, as Laurel did every day.

SPENCER, Russell

SPENCER Russell Ernest Spencer, beloved husband of Geneva (Law) Spencer, passed away peacefully Saturday October 19, 2024 at the age of 89.
Besides his loving wife of 51 years, he leaves behind a sister Beth Spencer of Estevan Saskatchewan, a son Raymond (Donna) Spencer of Sparwood British Columbia, a daughter Jean Spencer of Calgary, Alberta. Daughters Dawna (Ron) Harker of Cranford, Alberta Rayma Smith of Lethbridge, Alberta, Sheree (Greg) Allen of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, and Andrea (Brian) Dingreville of Coalhurst, Alberta as well as 12 Grands and 16 Great Grands. His big smile will be missed at the canasta table.
A small service will be held on Wednesday October 30, 2024 at 12:30pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints MAGRATH STAKE CENTRE, 21 1 Ave S, Magrath, AB.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

DE GROOT, David “Dave”

DAVID “DAVE” DE GROOT 1964 – 2024 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of David “Dave” De Groot on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Good Samaritan Park Meadows, at the age of 60 years.
Dave is survived by his sister Dot (Bill) French, brothers, Jim De Groot, Fred (Michelle) De Groot, nephew Devon De Groot, and the Delgado family in Spain. He is also survived by many relatives in both Canada and the Netherlands.
He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Ricki De Groot.
Dave was born and raised in Lethbridge. He was an outgoing, personable individual who loved to socialize. With his diploma in Business Administration from Lethbridge Community College, Dave gravitated towards sales and marketing in the grocery and telecommunication fields. Dave also enjoyed working with his hands doing odd jobs like painting and woodworking or upgrading the home he owned.
In his free time Dave’s passion was music and his collection of guitars. His closest childhood friend Tim Carter, a gifted musician, and his family were an inspiration to Dave in his formative years.
During a trip to Mexico in 2006, Dave met his future wife, Susana Delgado and in 2008 he made the decision to move there to be with her. Dave spent ten years in Spain and spread his love of music through his band Crazy 4 Minds. He loved to talk about his band and winning a guitar from the Hard Rock Café during a “Battle of the Bands”. Dave made many friends here in Alberta and Spain throughout his brief time with us.
The family would like to thank all the staff at Good Samaritans Park Meadows facility and their wonderful palliative care in supporting Dave during his struggle with Korsakoff Syndrome and subsequent diagnosis of colon cancer.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta
For those unable to attend, the celebration of Dave’s life will be live streamed and available to view at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/DavidDave-DeGroot-1
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Lethbridge and District Humane Society.
A private Interment will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery where Dave will be laid to rest with his parents.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

DZIEDZIC, Joyce

JOYCE DZIEDZIC 1933 – 2024 Mrs. Joyce Dziedzic nee Matheson, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Michael Dziedzic, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the age of 91 years.
Joyce was born in Lethbridge, Alberta in 1933; the only girl in a family with 4 boys. Joyce graduated as a registered nurse from St. Michael’s Nursing Program in 1956. Joyce practiced nursing in the Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek. She retired as a public health nurse in 1996.
Mike and Joyce were married in 1962, and they resided on the ranch north of Burmis, where they raised two boys. After Mike’s passing in 2005, Joyce returned to Lethbridge where she stayed until her passing.
Joyce was a strong, independent woman who enjoyed the outdoors, walking, hiking, cross country skiing and traveling. Joyce and Mike were avid square dancers as well.
Joyce is survived by her sons Bruce (Tami) Dziedzic, Larry (Teri) Dziedzic; grandchildren Kyra Dziedzic, Brett Dziedzic, Cam Dziedzic; sister-in-law Dorothy Matheson as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Besides her loving husband Mike, Joyce was predeceased by her parents Samuel and Florence Matheson; brothers Bill Matheson, Bud Matheson, Sam Matheson and Clyde Matheson.
At Joyce’s request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of her life will be celebrated at a later date. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Joyce’s name, to a charity of your choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

QUINN, Lillie

LILLIE QUINN (October 16, 1923 – October 22, 2024) It is with heavy hearts the family of Lillie Quinn announce her passing at the age of 101 years. A life well lived and loved by all who knew her.
Lillie was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1995 and recently by her daughter Elaine October 1, 2024.
She will always be remembered by her daughter Colleen Leiser (Jeff), her son-in-law Ken Fritz, grandchildren Brendon Hanlon (Jamie). Courtney Perry (Shane), Austin Leiser (Eden), Jordan Leiser (Mitch); great grandchildren Megan, Marissa, Miya, Brock and Layla.
A Funeral Service will be held at Mountain View Memorial Gardens in Calgary, dates will be announced following arrangements.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

HARTY, Alice

Alice Harty 1952 Р2024 Petronella Theodora Maria Harty (n̩e Van Kasteren, formerly Carlin and Tuveson), passed away in Taber on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the age of 71 years.
Alice has gone to be with her beloved son Lee Tuveson; her first husband and Lee’s father Julian Carlin; parents Ann and Bert Van Kasteren.
In keeping with Alice’s wishes, a private burial will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
If friends so desire, to honour Alice’s memory, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 110 Quarry Park Blvd, Calgary, Alberta T2C 4P5 (www.mssociety.ca) or light a candle in Alice’s memory.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

DEBNAM, Loraine

LORAINE DEBNAM 1948 – 2024 Loraine Debnam of Lethbridge, Alberta, cherished Mama of Holly Debnam (Dwight Marthaller) and much-loved Nana of Chase Debnam passed away peacefully at her cottage on October 18, 2024.
Born in White Horse, Yukon on February 16, 1948, to Chuck & Laura Hayward, the family moved across the country to Ontario and then back west to Calgary – by that time two siblings Gloria Black (Barry) and Ed Hayward (Pam) were added to the clan. Loraine attended Red Deer Lake School, Henry Wise Wood High School and The University of Calgary.
Marrying in 1969 saw Loraine settle in Millarville, where she made countless contributions to the community. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes of a multitude of committees, groups, and events. Among her most proud accomplishments were her involvement in the Community School designation process as well as being the founding editor of The Millarville Messenger.
Loraine is revered for the story reading talents she shared during her time as the Librarian at Millarville Community School. Over the course of her 25-year career she filled many positions from Administrative Secretary (aka “Boss of the School”) to unofficial expert loose tooth remover! During her tenure she was a memory bank of details and history, a consummate organizer, a sharer of wisdom and a source of logic and comfort. She touched the lives of every family whose children went through her school.
The flower garden was Loraine’s place of tranquility and deep thought. Thanks to her vision and hard work each home she lived in had beautiful park like landscaping and plantings, each painstakingly planned and executed to perfection. She found great contentment in sitting on her deck or patio looking out over the natural beauty she helped cultivate.
Loraine found the greatest joy in time spent with her loved ones. This was the basis of her move to Lethbridge – to be near Holly. As her time in the windy city progressed, her Grandson and “Best Boy” Chase came to be another light in her life. She kept her connection to family with daily phone calls with her mom. Loraine treasured the friendships she made. And she held close many special people she connected with over her lifetime; University friends, work colleagues, fellow volunteers, neighbors, and those who she added as chosen family – all felt her kindness and compassion.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, November 1, 2024, at PARK MEADOWS BAPTIST CHURCH, 2011, 15 AVENUE NORTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://youtube.com/live/l6BYH0C81ks?feature=share
Her love for children and caring nature brought her to Operation Christmas Child, where she helped procure items and assemble thousands of boxes for “The Far Away Kids”. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

ELFORD, Donald “Gordon”

ELFORD DONALD “GORDON” ELFORD, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Sheila Elford, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday October 15, 2024 at the age of 76 years.
A Celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at the SOUTHERN AERO HANGER, 150 Kenyon Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Rick Saban officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Gordon’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gordon’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca).

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

TODD, Veryl

TODD VERYL GEORGE MANN TODD, of Lethbridge, AB, beloved husband of Ingrid Todd, passed away suddenly at home, on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the age of 83 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

LUDWIG, Kathy

LUDWIG KATHY LUDWIG, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024, at St Mike’s Palliative Care Centre at the age of 84.
She is predeceased by her husband Oscar and grandson Chris.
She is survived by their son Dennis (Charlene) Ludwig of Calgary, their daughter Karen (Glen) Harrold of Red Deer. She is also survived by her sister Delores (Pat) Spreitzer of Regina and brother Vern (Leona) Cote of Cochrane as well as numerous nieces & nephews.
Special thanks to her only granddaughter Candice Halma for all her help with grandma.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825-32 St. S., Lethbridge, on Tuesday, October 29th, at 6:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be held at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12 Ave. S., Lethbridge, on Wednesday, October 30th, at 11:00 A.M., with Father Santiago Torres, Celebrant. Both the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Kathy’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Cremation will follow, and interment will be held at a later date.

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

SAKAL, Ty

SAKAL It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of TY WILLIAM SAKAL, beloved son, brother, spouse and friend, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the age of 25 years.
Ty is survived by his spouse, Jayden; his sisters, Rio & Ava Sakal; and his mom & dad, Chris Sakal and Dani Jorde.
A Celebration of Ty’s Life will be held at the SANDMAN SIGNATURE LODGE, 320 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Glenda Wert officiating.

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

MITCHELL, Byron

BYRON MITCHELL 1941 – 2024 Mr. Byron Mitchell, beloved husband of Mrs. Mary Mitchell passed away at St. Michaels Health Centre on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the age of 83 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 5 AVENUE SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Streets Alive Mission.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

MCCOY, Kenneth “Ken”

MCCOY KENNETH “KEN” MCCOY, of Milk River, beloved husband of Beverley McCoy, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and family, at the Good Samaritans West Highlands on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the age of 93 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 Main Street NW, Milk River, AB, on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Keith Dangerfield and Pastor Don Kelley officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Ken’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ken, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta (Alzheimer.ca/ab/en)

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

WILLIAMS, Terrel “Terry”

WILLIAMS TERREL “TERRY” EUGENE WILLIAMS, of Peguis, MB, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the Foothills Medical Centre, following a lengthy illness, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the age of 55 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

MORRIS, Elizabeth “Elsie”

ELIZABETH “ELSIE” MORRIS 1928 – 2024 Mrs. Elizabeth “Elsie” Morris of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Terence “Terry” Morris, passed away at Buffalo Grace Manor on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the age of 95 years.
Elsie was born near Shouldice, Alberta on October 5, 1928, and grew up on a farm near Vauxhall Alberta. She studied at the University of Alberta and completed her B.Ed. degree in 1954.
She met her future husband Terry while teaching in Edmonton. They were married in 1961 and had two children, David (Paula) and Sara. The family moved to Nelson BC before settling in Lethbridge in 1969.
Elsie took great joy in writing, gardening, playing piano, and most of all playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be remembered for her insatiable curiosity, joyful demeanor, and passion for storytelling.
In addition to her children, Elsie is survived by her grandchildren Latisha (Creg) Leishman and Lauren Morris, and her great grandchildren Luke Leishman and Brynlee Leishman.
She was predeceased by her husband Terry, and her parents William and Elizabeth Konkin of Lethbridge Alberta.
A Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at SAINT AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411 11 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Dr. Gillian Breckenridge officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society, St. Augustine’s Endowment fund, or a charity of your choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

VERHAGEN, Johanna

VERHAGEN JOHANNA VERHAGEN, beloved husband of Wilhelmus “Bill” Verhagen, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan West Highlands, on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the age of 95 years.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd West, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Johanna’s name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca).
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com