WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

Maxiene Bodgener

1931 – 2015

Mrs. Maxiene Bodgener passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the age of 84 years.

Maxiene was born on August 27th, 1931 in Fort Macleod, Alberta. She received her teaching degree at the University of Alberta, and returned to Fort Macleod where she met her husband Ray. After marrying in 1953 and moving to the farm, she took up teaching Home Economics until she retired. Upon her retirement she took up weaving, and spent the following years creating many beautiful pieces which have ended up in homes spanning the globe. In addition to weaving, Maxiene and Ray travelled the world together experiencing many of the world’s cultures together.

She is survived by her daughter Robyn and grandchildren Mike (May) and Nadine (Jeff); sister-in-law Eleanor Donahue; brother-in-law Raymond Chester; four great-grandchildren Lyndsey, Braden, Janessa and Kiana.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the ANGLICAN PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH, 321 21 St., Fort Macleod, AB with Dr. Sebastian David, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, 200-1301 8th St., Calgary, AB, T2R 1B7.

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

BRODOWAY

The Brodoway Family sadly announce the passing of their husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, MR. ADAM BRODOWAY, beloved husband of Mrs. Shirley Brodoway, on September 26th, 2015 at the age of 80 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held prior to the Memorial Service.

GERTRUDE “GERTIE”

IISABELLA

Mom passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on September 23, 2015 at the wonderful age of 98. She will be dearly missed by all, both at home and at Long Term Care in Milk River where she resided for the last couple of years. Her picture above shows her uncolored hair, which was the envy of everyone who knew her, plus sunglasses to protect her sensitive eyes made her look like a movie star. Gertie is survived by her daughter, Bonnie (Bill deceased) Cahoon their family Johanna Jones, Sandra (Dan) Furgason, Doug (Colleen) Cahoon and Kyle Cahoon (deceased) and daughter-law Marlene, son Ken (Buck) Bester (deceased) Ken’s children Brad Bester, Marty (Christine) Bester and Nicole. Mom had 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren plus furry grand dogs and cats. Also we were very lucky to have 5 generations. At Mom’s request there will be no service or memorial. If you would like to donate, you may do so in Moms memory to Warner Memorial Library. I wish to thank everyone at Long Term Care for all the love and care given to Mom and myself, plus thank you to Cornerstone Funeral Home for their compassion and guidance they have given me.

Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. Condolences may be emailed to care@cornerstonefh.ca

Rita Freeman

1952 – 2015

Rita Freeman of Lethbridge, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the age of 63 years after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

A private family graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, followed by a Public Celebration of Life from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the EAGLES HALL, 631 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta.

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

Helena “Helen” Gaetz

1929 – 2015

Helena (Helen) Alita Gaetz of Lethbridge beloved wife of Joseph Gaetz passed away peacefully on September 24, 2015 at the age of 85.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM, on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street South, with Pastor Tom Peterson officiating.

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

INGA JESSWEIN, beloved wife of Russell Wilton, passed away in Lethbridge on Monday, September 28, 2015 at the age of 64 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

PIUS ALOIS LABOLEVECH passed away peacefully on September 25, 2015 at the St.Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit at the age of 80 years.

He is survived by one sister, Marge Geffre; nine nephews and four nieces; and by a long time friend and companion Frances Beresnak. He was predeceased by two sisters, Lillian Reiner and Barbara Feist.

Pius was born (son of Stephen and Veronica (Jahner) Labolevech) and raised in North Dakota, where he taught and coached basketball for 9 years in various schools. In 1968, Pius relocated to Coaldale to teach and coach boys’ basketball at Kate Andrews (KA) High School.

During his 17-year coaching career at KA, Pius was regarded as a basketball visionary who believed that the profile of high school basketball could be elevated to greater heights and was considered to be a man of great influence who displayed a strong passion and heart for seeing young people succeed. His tireless efforts contributed greatly to the quality of Southern Alberta high school basketball tournaments.

Between 1972 and 1976, Pius led the KA boys’ basketball team to 5 consecutive 3A zone championships, including a capstone provincial championship in 1973. Pius was also instrumental in the creation of the Southwest Conference (an amalgamation of 2A and 3A schools) and successfully pushed to move zone playoffs from school gymnasiums into larger venues including the Lethbridge Civic Centre, University of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Sportsplex.

On May 2, 2015, just a few months prior to his passing, Pius was inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame where his family and friends were able to formally recognize and celebrate his accomplishments. The day was an immeasurably proud and happy one for Pius.

To Pius’ family and friends, he was known for being a man of his word, integrity, kindness, generosity, sacrifice and un-waivered commitment. Pius was very social and enjoyed engaging others with humorous and intellectual conversations that were a mixture of laughter and the making of memories. His unique ability to remember important dates, people’s names and their individual stories made those who knew him feel appreciated, valued and loved.

Son, brother, long-time companion and ‘Uncle’ to his Lethbridge family who loved him dearly, friend and forever coach… Pius will be deeply missed by all who have survived him; and those whose lives he influenced and touched will be forever changed.

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the St.Michael’s Heath Centre Palliative Care Team for the exceptionally kind and compassionate care they provided to Uncle Pius during his brief stay there with them.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, October 2nd, 2015 at 1:00 P.M., with Deacon Frank Peta and Mr. Alanzo Paul officiating. Pius was a very colorful person! So, in his honour and memory, please wear a piece of color on the day of Pius’ celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, our family respectfully asks that you instead donate to a new memorial scholarship that is being set up for students in Pius’ name at Kate Andrews High School, 2112 – 21st Street, Coaldale, Alberta, T1M 1L9.

Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. Condolences may be emailed to care@cornerstonefh.ca

LEAVITT

DURRAINE CLEGG NELSON LEAVITT, passed away on September 28th, 2015, in Cardston, Alberta, at the age of 94. She was born December 21, 1920, in Claresholm, Alberta, the adored youngest of nine children of John Clegg Nelson and Nancy Mary Crouch Nelson. They moved to “The Bungalow” at Glenwood when she was three and to Cardston when she was 15. She married Charles Deloy Leavitt (deceased) in the Alberta Temple on February 26, 1941. They cherished their children: Nancy Mary (adopted and deceased as an infant), Verna Jean (David) Park, Nadine (Lon) Olsen, and Kim Nelson (Maureen Ebert) Leavitt.

Durraine had a reputation as a kind, sweet lady, with an ironic but never biting sense of humor. Her children and grandchildren fondly remember her beautiful handwork, including quilts and crocheted afghans (lucky you if you got one!), dolls, chocolates, and canning. She lived a life full of people and activities she loved, including her work: When her children were no longer little, she started as a “tray girl” in the hospital food service and graduated to helping with cooking and eventually to dietary planning. She loved her service as a temple worker and her missions with her husband in the Liberty Jail in Missouri and the London, England 1881 Census Project. Her lifelong enjoyment of history and learning about her ancestors motivated her join the Cardston First Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers as a charter member in March, 1976; she later served as the first president of the first DUP company in Canada. She was an enthusiastic traveller to visit far-flung family members and to learn first-hand about the places where her ancestors were born.

The family who will remember Durraine fondly includes her three children and their spouses, 15 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by husband Charles Deloy Leavitt; daughter Nancy Mary; and siblings William Marion Nelson, John Leland (Jack) Nelson, Ivan Crouch Nelson, Rhoda Clegg Nelson, Oneta Clegg Nelson, Alvin Crouch Nelson, Loren Crouch Nelson, and Blaudwin Clegg Nelson.

Memorial donations may be made to a cause of your choice.

The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Street Chapel, Cardston (355-3rd Street West) on Thursday, October 1st, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

Friends may meet the family at the Church from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the Service.

Interment will be held in the Leavitt Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

Jan Willem (John) Leffers

1933 – 2015

“I know that my Redeemer lives…” Job 19:25a

On Monday, September 28, 2015, the Lord took into His eternal glory John W. Leffers, beloved husband of Jane, and loving father of Howard and Irene (Nadia), Cornelius and Jennifer (Sophia, Darek, Kylie, Travis, Evan), and Sylvia and Mike Hofsink (Brendan, Rebecca, Emily, Jared), at the age of 81.

John was born in Vroomshoop, the Netherlands, on October 1, 1933. He came to Canada with his family in 1951, and farmed in Barnwell, Alberta, with his father and brothers. Later, he farmed in Coaldale with his brother-in-law. John married Jane on April 2, 1969, and farmed in Iron Springs where they raised their three children. In 1989, they bought a farm in Coaldale, where his sons joined him. He retired to Coaldale, Alberta in 2002.

John was predeceased by his parents; his sister Grace; and brothers George and Klaas.

John is survived by Jake and Annetta Leffers, Maggie and Henk Hofsink, Mary and Dirk Kok, Andy and Helen Leffers, and many nieces, nephews and their families.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm, on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the CANADIAN REFORMED CHURCH, Hwy #3, Coaldale, Alberta, with Pastor Tyler Vandergaag, officiating. A Private Family Interment will be held in the Coaldale Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ARPA Canada, PO Box 1377, Stn B., Ottawa, ON. K1P 5R4.

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

LEONARD

GLORIA LEONARD passed away in Raymond, Alberta on Monday, September 28th, 2015 at the age of 85 years.

Born in Saskatchewan in 1929, Gloria spent most of her life on the West Coast of British Columbia, moving to Lethbridge in 1999. She worked as an accountant, contractor of custom-built homes, and was a general entrepreneur throughout her life. Gloria was an active member of the West Side Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses until shortly before 2004, when she had to move to Columbia Assisted Living in Lethbridge. She was moved to Raymond Long Term Care in February 2008, where she remained until her death. Gloria is survived by a daughter, grandson, one brother and four sisters. The family is not having a service.

Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. Condolences may be emailed to care@cornerstonefh.ca

Antoni Nowik

1932 – 2015

Mr. Antoni Nowik of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Mary Nowik and father to Mr. Philip Nowik, passed away at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at the age of 83 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

PRINCE

LONNY PRINCE, of Shaughnessy, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Prince, passed away suddenly at home, on Friday, September 25th, 2015 at the age of 61 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. Condolences may be emailed to care@cornerstonefh.ca

WEERSTRA

ANDREW WEERSTRA:

May 15, 1931 – September 23, 2015, passed away in his sleep at the Edith Cavell Care Center having lived an extraordinary, experiential life. Andrew was born on the family farm east of Granum Alberta, the youngest of 5 children to Granum Pioneers Ranze and Tjitske Weerstra. He was predeceased by his wife Norma, his daughter Barbara Clay and brothers Joe and Roy Weerstra. He leaves to mourn and celebrate his life, his children Wendy Weerstra of Cochrane, Donna Weerstra of Calgary and John Weerstra of Bragg Creek, two sisters Jenny Declercq of Calgary and Johanna Mackintosh of Claresholm, the mother of his children Isobel Gossel (Calgary) his step children, Allan, Mike, Terry Mayder of Calgary and Wendy Huppe of Bragg Creek. He has 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews all of whom enjoyed spending time with Uncle Andrew.

Andrew established early in life his passion to explore, dream and conceptualize adventures, business proposals as well as multiple social, political and community enhancing initiatives. He achieved many goals; boxing when he attended SAIT as a young man, playing ball, stock car racing, curling and earning his wings to fly private aircraft. He taught his young family to boat, water ski and fish. He loved camping and spent splendid years with Norma “at the lake”. Ever a jokester, he teased, laughed and enjoyed many a good joke. Using his humour, wisdom and passion for municipal affairs he was elected Mayor of Granum, where he worked with his many friends in his beloved home town. Andrew made long standing friendships, always willing to assist others. He was also a friend of Bill W. with whom he shared his most spiritual moments.

Failing health and vision necessitated a move to Lethbridge where he received care, and lived closer to his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. The last few years were likely his most challenging as he bravely contested his declining abilities. He did, however, maintain his interest in politics, current world news and shenanigans of his great grandchildren. He enjoyed having historical, scientific books and articles being read to him. The world has lost a great man.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 – Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, on Saturday, October 3rd, 2015 at 11 A.M., with Reverend Glenda Wert officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In memory of Andrew, contributions may be made to STREETS ALIVE, 323 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, AB. T1J 1Z9

Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. Condolences may be emailed to care@cornerstonefh.ca