Tuesday, February 17, 2015

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 17, 2015.

CHIZMAZIA
1916 – 2015
VILMA CHIZMAZIA, beloved wife of the late James Chizmazia, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at her home, with family by her side. Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

HELEN NEWTON
1915 ~ 2015
Helen Newton of Del Bonita, recently of Cardston, beloved wife of the late Ed Newton, passed away on February 12th; sixteen days short of her one hundredth birthday. She was born March 1, 1915 in the house built by her father on his homestead near Longview Alberta ­ to her parents Billy and Ella Bews. She shared fond memories of watching her Dad work in his blacksmith shop, and of helping with the farm work and gardening. She and her sister were “busted” when the turnip seeds they poured down the gopher hole – so they wouldn¹t have to plant any more – started growing. Helen attended a one room school at Longview by riding three and a half miles one way. She completed high school in High River, moving there with her younger sister and only traveling the eighteen miles home on weekends. In 1935/36 Helen completed Normal School training to become a teacher, and began her teaching career that fall in Boundary Creek. She taught there for six years, followed by three years in Del Bonita, four years in Carmangay, and a year and a half at Royalties / South Turner Valley (aka Little Chicago) where she thought she had the world by the tail because she could live at home and still collect a pay cheque. In 1946 she and her lifetime friend Marie Matlock embarked on a five thousand mile round trip journey to California, driving Helen¹s Model A Ford. The scrapbook of that trip is one of the family heirlooms. On February 12, 1949 Helen married Ed Newton in a candlelit ceremony in High River, and after a honeymoon at the coast and a week at the Calgary Bull Sale the two returned to the Newton homestead and farm and ranch operation at Del Bonita. Mom was an active partner on the farm, and a great cook whose hospitality and meals were enjoyed by all who passed through anywhere near mealtime. She was an active community member involved in the United Church as well as several organizations. In 1970 she and Dad were recognized with Alberta¹s Master Farm Family award. She served as secretary of the Del Bonita Historical Society whose work culminated in publishing the area¹s history book “Heritage of the High Country” in 1981. Mom was named Magrath and District citizen of the year in 1987. We know there are many appreciative recipients of the thousands of cards and letters she sent over her lifetime, some of whom will be reading this. Mom lived to see both the Bews place at Longview and the Newton place at Del Bonita receive Alberta¹s Century Farm and Ranch award ­ recognition of the land remaining in operation by members of the original homestead family for 100 years. She contributed significantly to that achievement at both places. Helen is survived by her daughter Kathy (Lavern) Vadnais of Cardston, and their children Maureen Vadnais (Frank Sloan), Megan (Wes) Card, Holly (Gary) Kutsch, Heather Vadnais (Adair Quesnelle), Ryan (Brooke) Vadnais; by her son Bill (Nancy) Newton of Fort Macleod and their children Larissa (Paul) Welsch, Danny (Corina) Newton; by her son Jim (Terry) Newton of Del Bonita and their children Julaine (Gord) Guitton, Jody (BJ) Scheirlink, Amanda (Bert) Caldwell; and by her son Dave (Kelly) Newton of Del Bonita and their children Kaycee Newton, Blake Newton (Brittney Schuurman). Helen is also survived by her dear sister Florence of Calgary, and by twenty-three great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by Ed, her loving husband of fifty-three years, as well as by her parents, her brother Mac, her sister Margaret, and her great grandson Wyatt Card. A Funeral Service celebrating Helen¹s life will be held at 11:00 am on February 18, 2015 at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH ­ 1011 Fourth Avenue South in Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Glenda Wert, officiating. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

KNAGGS
BARRY KNAGGS, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Esther Knaggs, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, February 13, 2015 at the age of 70 years. A Celebration of Barry’s Life will be held at The FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH – 1614 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Bruce Martin officiating. No flowers by request of the family.
In Memory of Barry, donations may be made to a charity of ones choice.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

MARIE DEKEYSER
1922 ~ 2015
Marie Emily Louise Dekeyser (nee Dogterom) of Lethbridge, passed away on February 13, 2015 at the age of 92 years. Thanks to all the staff at Good Samaritan Society Park Meadows Village and VON. Also thanks go to Dr. Coma and Terry from Quality Care. Marie was born August 29, 1922 in Lethbridge to Jacob and Emily (Charest) Dogterom. She received her education at McLean School, White School, Calgary Normal School and summer school at the University of Alberta. Marie started her teaching career in 1954 in a one room school house. Schools she taught at included Keho Lake, Picture Butte, Coaldale, Fort Macleod and Drumheller, where she taught Home Economics. Marie enjoyed art, sewing, bowling and ice skating. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Blankets for Canada and knit hats for hospital newborns. In 1956 Marie married Robert Dekeyser and soon became parents to Sharon and Grant. She moved to Lethbridge in 1995 where she spent her remaining years. Marie is survived by her daughter Sharon (Don) Wolf and son Grant (Corey). Grandchildren include Celina (Chris) Campbell, Lisa, Netania and Jules; and great grandchild Claire Campbell. Siblings include Muriel Zasadny and Jake Dogterom, sister in-law Fran Dogterom, numerous nieces, nephews and their families from both the Dogterom and Dekeyser sides, and life-long friends.
Marie is predeceased by her former husband Robert Dekeyser, siblings Hendrik, Raymond, Louis, Francis, and Dogterom in-laws Irene, Alex, Grace, Irma and Dekeyser in-laws Fritz, Helen, Albert, Marcella and August. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm on Friday February 20, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, (610 ­ 4 Street South, Lethbridge).
A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 20, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS, (610 ­ 4 Street South, Lethbridge). Interment is at Mountain View Cemetery, followed by a reception at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, (610 ­ 4 Street South, Lethbridge). In lieu of flowers, those who wish to donate may do so to: Canadian Cancer Society, Arthritis Society of Alberta, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, The Canadian Diabetes Association or The Parkinson Society of Southern Alberta. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

MICHALKOW
There is a new star in the heavens LEONA THERESA MICHALKOW passed away in her sleep on February 13, 2015 at the age of 85 at the Cardston hospital. Leona was born in Hyas Saskatchewan November 2, 1929 to Joe and Mary Radwanski. She met the love of her life Joe Mickalkow on Valentine’s day in 1947 and married June 3rd that same year. She had her first daughter Cynthia a year later and Gail 3 years after that. They lived in Winnipeg for most of their lives, until in 2004 when Cynthia moved them to Cardston to take care of them. Leona had two precious dogs later in life that she doted on and loved, Lola who she is now in Heaven with, and Penny who will miss her dearly. Leona had two daughters she loved so much Cynthia (Don) Melanson and Gail Michalkow. Leona had 4 grandchildren Joe Melanson (Lisa) and great grand daughter Ashlea; Terra Melanson (Doug Morland); Aleshia Melanson and her dogs; Melissa Philp (Roger) and great grandson Owen. Leona has one living brother Larry Radwanski (Pat) and brother in law Alec Goretski. She was predeceased by her love Joe, her sister Lena and brother Mike. Leona had many beloved friends who were like family and loved her very much. Leona always had a smile on her face for her workers at Lee Crest as they all grew to know and care about her. Leona suffered a lot the last few months of her life but she never gave up and fought so hard. Up until the last few days she was still laughing and making jokes. Her daughters and grand daughters spent weeks by her bedside holding her hand and caring for her until her last breath. She was much loved and will be sadly missed. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Cardston Legion Branch 170 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Friends may meet the family at the Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Wednesday, February 18th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa¹s Catholic Church, Cardston, Alberta on Thursday, February 19th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.with Father Angelo D¹Costa Officiating. Interment in the Cardston Cemetery. E-mail your condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com

ROY LEONARD
1939 ~ 2015
Mr. Roy Leonard of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Marge Leonard passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on February 12, 2015 at the age of 75. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM, on Thursday, February 19, 2015, at St. Augustine¹s Anglican Church, 411 ­ 11 Street South, Lethbridge, AB., with Canon James Robinson, officiating. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

SLEMKO
STEVE SLEMKO, of Coaldale, beloved husband of Frances Slemko, passed away at the Coaldale Long Term Care Centre on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the age of 97 years. Steve is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances; son Ken (Kathy), three daughters Mary Coles (Walter), Loretta Simmill (Kevin), Rosanna Stevens (Tom); grandchildren Ken Coles (Dana), Angela Hope (Nick), Mike Coles, Sarah and Kris Slemko, Steven Simmill (Kathy), Lisa Orton (Jeff), David Simmill (Brittany), Tom and James Funk; 9 great grandchildren; two brothers Pete (Diana) and Bill (Jean). Parents Sam and Pearl Slemko, siblings Anne, John and Mary predeceased him. Steve was born on September 13, 1917 in Coalhurst, AB but raised in Lethbridge until Grade 8 when his family moved to a farm in the Coaldale area. He really enjoyed life on the farm working and playing together as a family unit. He attended Garbutt Business College in Lethbridge and became a bookkeeper and stenographer. He enlisted in 1940 with the Southern Alberta Regiment and because of his training became the ³little Radar O¹Rielly² in a mobile armoured unit. He received his discharge in1946 and returned to Coaldale. He married Frances Wadden on June 30,1951, built a house on a farm in the Coaldale area and raised their four children. Steve farmed until 1971 when he became a county councillor for the County of Lethbridge. He and Frances developed many strong and lasting friendships within the county. Always steadfast in their faith, they joined the Sisters of St. Martha Association. Steve was secretary-treasurer of St.Joseph¹s School from 1969-1994. He loved being around all the children and had a pocket full of coins to hand out. In recognition of his contribution to the community and country, Steve received Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee medals. Steve and Frances travelled the world during their retirement years. His children and grandchildren always returned to the farm for holidays enjoying farm life, card playing and family games. Steve and Frances moved from the farm to a senior¹s residence in Lethbridge in 2012 after Steve experienced deficits from a stroke. He will be remembered with a smile and greatly missed by his family and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to a Prayer Service at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 7:30 P.M. with Father Newton Rodriquez officiating. The Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 – 23 Avenue, Coaldale, AB on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Newton Rodriquez, Celebrant. A Private Family Interment will follow at the Coaldale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve’s name to the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation, C/O Southern Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Program, Foothills Medical Centre, 1403 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

Guinivere Torrie
1920 – 2015
Guinivere (nee Redd) Torrie, beloved wife of the late Marvin Torrie, passed away peacefully in her 95th year at the Taber Hospital on Friday, February 13, 2015. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, February 20, 2015 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and also at the church in the Relief Society Room prior to the funeral service on Saturday, February 21, 2015 between 9:45 A.M. and 10:45 A.M. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Center, 4709 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Prairieview Cemetery, Grassy Lake at 3:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

George Wallace
1931 – 2015
On Friday, February 13, 2015, Alexander George Kasper Wallace, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Taber Health Centre after suffering with various illnesses over the past few years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 – 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Hays Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com. George is survived by his loving wife of almost sixty years, Frieda; his children Alan Wallace of Forestburg, Randy (Andrea) Wallace of Baltimore, Maryland and Robert (Joan) Wallace of Hays; loving grandchildren Christel (Cody) Todd, Jennifer Wallace, Brenna (Fabian) Pahl, Megan Wallace, Russell Wallace, Brittany (Dan) Bastian, Noelle (Ryan) Meier, Amanda (Lincoln) Sipko, Heather (Christopher) Ehnes and Jillian (Matthew) Vanden Dungen and eleven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Helen Wallace, Elsie Pipke and Hedy (Alan) Griffiths as well as numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Tom and Deliah; sisters Thelma Harbaugh, Lyla Davidson, Violet Matkin and Pearl Wallace; brothers Peter and Eldon Wallace; brothers-in-law Jim Harbaugh, Russ Davidson, Garth Matkin and Bruno Pipke. George was born in Cadillac, Saskatchewan on August 2, 1931 to Tom and Deliah Wallace. He was the youngest of seven children. In 1939, the family moved to Rolling Hills to farm. In 1955, George bought some land in Hays and started to farm on his own. On September 24, 1955, George married the love of his life, Frieda Pipke. Over the next few years they had three sons, Alan, Randy and Robert. George and Frieda lived on the farm until 1996 when they moved into a house in Taber. In 2005, due to health issues of both George and Frieda they decided to move into a condo in Taber, where George was still living at the time of his passing. George was a very social man and enjoyed nothing better than getting to know people. He also was a very dedicated family man and always made every effort to go to all family functions, kids sports games and especially his grandkids every recital, Christmas play, sporting events and 4-H show and sales. George also enjoyed a good game of Canasta and reading. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in George¹s name may be made directly to a charity of one¹s choice. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Comments are closed.