Friday, November 29, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 29, 2024.

HACKE, Madeline HACKE, MADELINE LEONA It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Madeline Leona Hacke on November 22, 2024 at the age of 89.
Madeline was reunited with her husband of 69 years, Warren and her son Marty. She leaves to mourn her children, Brad (LeaAnne) Hacke and Pam (Richard) Carr. Her five grandchild that will also cherish her memories are Mandy (Josh), Tara (Jesse), Jeff (Erin), Brittany (Sam) and Brent (Jenna). Her precious Great grand child, Colton who brought so much joy to her life will also miss his Nana.
Madeline was born to Louis and Mary Albert on August 30, 1935 on a homestead north of Coutts. She grew up on the farm with six siblings. Predeceased her are brothers Louis, Willard, and Ernie. She leaves behind sister, Jurreen Albert and Dorthy (Greg) Walton and brother Bert (Marlene) Albert . She was loved by so many people, nieces and nephews and many friends. She had a wonderful life and said she lived in the best of times.
We would like to thank the many people in Raymond that helped mom over the last couple years, especially the Ridgeview Lodge family, Prairie Ridge Good Samaritan Society, and lastly the staff at the Raymond Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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MCDONNELL, Raymond RAYMOND MCDONNELL 1937 – 2024 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ray McDonnell on November 19, 2024, at the age of 87 years.
Ray was born on April 4, 1937, in Vancouver, BC to parents Leo and Katherine (Skipper) McDonnell. He grew up in Vancouver and eventually settled into a lengthy career on the Vancouver waterfront. Beginning as a long shoreman, working with Canadian Stevedoring he became a manager in the general cargo operations with BCR Marine. His many stories of working on the waterfront and various ships both fascinated and wowed us all.
He was passionate about all things sports related, especially hockey and baseball, he was a devoted Canucks and Blue Jays fan. Ray loved to play golf, curl, bowl and fish, a true sportsman to the end. Ray was also a master of the grill and prepared many a fine meal for family and friends.
Ray will be remembered as a sweet generous soul to all who knew him. An enormous heart and a witty dry sense of humour were two of his finest traits. He loved to sing and was never shy to share a song or two at the table. His rendition of “Danny Boy” was always a favorite as was anything Harry Belafonte!
Ray is survived by his loving companion and partner of forty years, Betty; stepdaughter Melody (Tom) Howell; stepson Mike Vandenameele, as well as a large family of nieces, nephews and friends.
His memory will live on with all who knew and cared about him, his was a life well lived.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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FREDSTOLTEITISWITHGREATSADNESST FRED STOLTE It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fred Stolte at the age of 83. Dad was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada with his family as a young boy after World War II. He worked for several farmers in Southern Alberta, Dunlop Ford and finally for Molson’s Brewery in Lethbridge. Dad took a transfer with Molson to Calgary then to Edmonton when the Lethbridge plant was closed. When Dad retired in 2003 he moved to Kelowna, where he resided until his passing.
Dad leaves behind his sons Mark (Sandra) children Melissa (Vincent Guinan) Emily (Travis Scott) and Courtney, Myron (Shannon) children Ashely and Kairi, Jason (Tabitha) children Dakota and Kaitlyn, Philip Hadford and Justin Freedom Michael’s sons. Seven Great Grandchildren, Betty, Lori, and his sister Monica. He was predeceased by his oldest son Michael, brother Cory, Sister Trudy and his parents.
As per dad’s request there will be no funeral service. Those who wish may make a donation to the SPCA or Alzheimer’s Chapter of their choice in Dad’s honour.

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SMITH, Allan ALLAN MICHAEL SMITH 1960 – 2024 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Allan Michael Smith of Lethbridge, on Thursday November 14, 2024.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am, on Friday, November 29, 2024, at ST. BASILS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 STREET NORTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta with Father Kevin Tumback, Officiating. The service will be recorded and will be available to watch at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Allan-Smith. Burial services will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 525 6 Ave North, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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VAS, Annie ANNIE VAS 1935 – 2024 Annie Barbara Vas, of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved wife of Eugene (Gene) Balay, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, on November 11, 2024 at the age of 89 years.
Annie was born on September 9,1935 to Joseph and Barbara Vas of Wrentham, Alberta. Annie grew up on the farm near Wrentham. From her mother she learned the cooking, canning, and baking skills which made her famous with friends and family for her whole life.
Annie attended Wrentham School, graduating as Valedictorian in 1953. She went on to Edmonton to the University of Alberta and enrolled in the Faculty of Education. She received her Bachelor of Education degree in 1960. Her teaching career began in Dickson, Alberta. She then taught at the Alberta Correspondence School in Edmonton and Barrhead until she retired. It was here that at the age of 50, she met the love of her life Eugene (Gene) Balay.
After retirement, the two of them made their home in Lethbridge. They spent much of their time travelling. They travelled twice across Canada, returning via northern USA. They visited Russia, Ukraine, Crimea and Rumania; and made several visits to England, Denmark, and Scotland to visit relatives and friends. When they were not travelling, they had a busy home. Although Annie had no children of her own, she helped family and friends with theirs … eleven in total!
Annie will always be remembered as a kind, loving, humble person who always put the needs of others before her own.
Besides her loving husband Gene, Annie is survived by her sister Rose (Nicholson), Harold Nicholson, the “Eleven Children”, sister-in-law Gillian Vas, Susanne Dyke, Cheryl Balay, David Balay and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Barbara Vas, brothers Joseph, Frank, John, and sisters Irene and Mary.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM, Monday, December 2, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at ST. MARTHA’S PARISH, 355 COLUMBIA BLVD WEST, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Father William Monis, celebrant. The Mass will be recorded and will be available to watch at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Annie-Vas
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 5241 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5G8.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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GANGUR, Mary Ellen GANGUR MARY ELLEN GANGUR (nee O’Shea), of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late George Gangur, passed away at St. Therese Villa on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the age of 95 years.
Mary Ellen was born in 1929 near Mayerthorpe, Alberta to J.A O’Shea (Alvin) and Bridget Agnes Kelly (nee Bridie), Mary had three sisters Lily McCabe, Patricia Letendre and Colleen O’Shea and one brother Neal O’Shea.
In 1946, Mary Ellen married Arthur Wallace Meilicke, a local returning solider and began farming in the Greencourt area. She also worked the switchboard and the post office; their house was a gathering place for all.
After Art passed away in 1968, Mary Ellen moved to the Mayerthorpe area and began working in the post office, she spent a year in Quebec and purchased with her brother Neal the Allen’s Lakeshore Motel in Waterton, Alberta.
In 1975, Mary Ellen married George Andrew Gangur. Their summers were spent at their resort camp-along in Penticton and later at the Spruce Grove Resort in Fairmont. Their winters were spent in Arizona, and they took many breaks for travelling and fishing in Alberta and BC.
In each place Mary Ellen lived she was an active community member. She belonged to many different organizations including the Catholic Women’s League, Ladies Auxiliary to the Legion, the Eagles Lodge, 4-H, Royal Purple, and Red Hat groups. In her home over the years, hundreds have been shown hospitality and enjoyed wonderful meals.
She became known for creating hilarious shows and plays, it always left her audiences wanting more. Her own children and grandchildren and many nieces and nephews loved the stories she imagined and told.
Mary Ellen is survived by her daughters, Phyllis (Bob) Hodges of Saskatoon, Barbara (Brooks) Allisen of Nanaimo, Shauna (Richard) Sharp of Lethbridge and Step-Daughter, Val (Shane) Pinnock of Calgary.
Mary Ellen was especially proud of her Grandchildren, Darcy and Paul Matras, Kerry-Ellen Allisen, Colin Willdig, Brian, Mark, and Nicholas Wynder, Spencer and Allison Pinnock and Alex and Kyrie Lee Rye. She loved to sing to her Great-Grandchildren and beamed at the arrival of the great-great-grandchildren.
Mary Ellen was predeceased by her first husband Arthur Meilicke and her second husband George Gangur.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 7:30 P.M. with Sharon Hagel officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Mary Ellen’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (alzheimer.ca).

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

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HOLZ, Hildegard HOLZ MRS. HILDEGARD HELENE HOLZ of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Willy Holz passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the age of 83 years. Hildegard was a devoted daughter, wife, and mother who gave selflessly to her family. She will be greatly missed.

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

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FORD, Doreen FORD DOREEN ISABELLA FORD, beloved wife of the late DeWayne Ford, of Milk River, AB, formerly of Coutts, AB, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Health Centre on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at the age of 91 years.
Arrangements to be announced once completed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Milk River Health Centre – Long Term Care (517 Centre Avenue Milk River, Alberta T0K 1M0).

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

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WILLMS, Henry Henry Willms 1935 – 2024 Henry Willms, beloved husband of Verna Willms, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at the age of 89 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, December 1, 2024 between 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M.
The Burial Service will be held at the Westview Community Cemetery of Grassy Lake (formerly the Mennonite Brethren Cemetery), on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 10:30 A.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 5431 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the funeral service online may do so by visiting Henry’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 12:45 P.M. on Monday, December 2, 2024. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 1:00 P.M.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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PIERSON, Deborah PIERSON DEBORAH RAE PIERSON, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the age of 69 years.
Arrangements to be announced once completed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deborah’s name to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre – 960-19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5

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

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DERGOUSOFF, Ione DERGOUSOFF IONE DERGOUSOFF, beloved wife of Jack Dergousoff, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at the Fairmont Extendicare on Wednesday, November 28, 2024 at the age of 92 years.
A Reception celebrating Ione’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 12:00 P.M. till 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca).

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

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