Friday, December 13, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 13, 2024.

MATKOWSKI, Irene IRENE MATKOWSKI November 2, 1956 – December 5, 2024 Irene Matkowski, of Blairmore, AB, beloved wife of James, passed away peacefully with her family at her side, at the Crowsnest Pass Hospital in Blairmore, on December 5, 2024, at the age of 68 years
Irene was born in Lethbridge, AB, on November 2, 1956, to Frank and Margaret Trncik. She spent her youth in Picture Butte, AB, until by chance she met James at Campbell’s Hardware store and her heart was stolen. She followed James to the Crowsnest Pass and they spent the next 46 years as husband and wife. They welcomed two beautiful children: Andrea Lynn, February 19, 1979, and Michael James, May 20, 1982. Irene worked for 41 years at the IGA deli as manager. Her work ethic will never be matched, and her customer base was proof of her personal integrity. Irene led the IGA deli to be the highest rated deli for 3 years and locally it was the best place to grab a homemade sandwich specific to your liking. Irene always had a smile and took great pride in ensuring her deli was cleaned, meat rotated, and garnish fresh. Her trays were made with love, and she grew fresh parsley to ensure they had a homemade feel. Anyone that stopped by her home was guaranteed a homemade meal and even a bag of her homemade bread or spudnuts to go.
Her greatest role and joy in life was being a grandma, which she actively participated proudly in their lives. Irene is survived by her forever soulmate James, daughter Andrea (Tony) Clarke, their children; Declan and Gabby, son Mike (Stephanie) Matkowski. Her cat fur baby Rocky who is missing his Mom. Sister Mary (Dave) Brown and their son B.J., her brother John (Jackie) Trncik and their daughter Jaydon. Irene was a beloved auntie to numerous nieces and nephews. The family wants to give special thanks to her niece Dawn (Mike) Peta for all the love and support. A Special thanks to Dr. Botha and the nursing staff, especially Tracy Marshall at the Crowsnest Pass Hospital for their compassionate care. Irene was blessed with many friends too numerous to mention whom she loved deeply.
In respect for Irene’s wishes, no Funeral Service is to be held, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be registered at http://www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation “Palliative Care” in Irene’s name (PO Box 455 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0). Her legacy for caring for others should live on.
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank Fantin’s Funeral Chapel, A Division of The Caring Group Corp. assisting with arrangements. (403) 562-8555

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LITTAU, Elizabeth Elizabeth Littau 1938 – 2024 Elizabeth Littau of Lethbridge, passed away on Monday December 9, 2024, at the age of 86 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday December 14, 2024, at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703-13th Street North, with an opportunity to pay final respects the hour prior to the service.
A Graveside service will be held at Royal View Cemetery, Lethbridge.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca.

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COVEY, Alan COVEY ALAN DALE COVEY, beloved husband of Karey Covey, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the age of 69 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements to be announced once completed.

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

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WENDELBOW, Frieda WENDELBOE FRIEDA HILDA WENDELBOE (nee Hack) passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024, at Fairmont Extendicare in Lethbridge, surrounded by her son, Michael, at 91 years. She bravely faced dementia in her final years and now rests with her Lord and Savior.
Born on September 8, 1933, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Frieda grew up on a farm with her parents, Robert and Eva Hack. She had fond memories of her childhood, including harnessing horse team and learning music with her father. In 1951, Frieda met her beloved husband, Maurice, whom she married on June 20, 1952. Together, they raised two sons, Sydney and Michael, and cherished their role as grandparents to Erik, Paul, and Emily, as well as great-grandmother to Sienna.
Frieda was a devoted homemaker, known for her baking, hospitality, and community involvement, including volunteering at senior care homes and supporting various charitable causes. Her love for music and dance brought joy to her life, as she participated in the Pioneer Pemmican Club and local music groups.
Frieda leaves behind her son Michael (Judith Valois), grandsons Erik (Haleigh) and Paul (Emma), granddaughter Emily, great-granddaughter Sienna, and her younger sisters, Margaret and Rose. She was predeceased by her husband Maurice (2020), her son Sydney (1994), as well as her seven older siblings.
Frieda’s legacy of love, laughter, and family will forever be cherished by all who knew her.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 12:00 P.M.
Frieda will be laid to rest in Bowville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Bible Society (biblesociety.ca).

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

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TRAN, Cong TRAN CONG THI TRAN, beloved wife of the late Cuu Van Tran, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at the age of 93 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Cong, donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (crhfoundation.ca) and Diabetes Canada (Diabetes.ca).

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

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CHAMPNEY, Lauchie CHAMPNEY, LAUCHIE With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Lauchie Arnold Champney of Lethbridge, on December 10, 2024. He leaves to mourn his loving wife and best friend, Esther; his two sons Mitch and Ryan (Ashley); and 7 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Grace (Kaleb), Alden, Ellis, Avery, Jordan, and Sawyer.
A viewing will be held Monday December 16 at 10:00am, with Funeral services and lunch to follow at 10:30am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2410 28 Street South, Lethbridge). Graveside service to follow at Orton Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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MARTENS, Ruth RUTH MARTENS 1940 – 2024 Mrs. Ruth Martens of Coaldale, beloved wife of Mr. David Martens, passed away at the Coaldale Health Centre on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the age of 84 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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CREDICO, Victoria VICTORIA CREDICO 1926 – 2024 Mrs. Victoria (Vicky) Credico (nee Lastuka), beloved wife of the late Mr. John Mario Credico, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritans Park Meadows on December 6, 2024, at the age of 98.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am, on Friday, December 13, 2024, at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC PARISH, 604, 13 STREET NORTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the ALS Society of Alberta 7874-10 Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 8W1, or charity of your choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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