By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 15, 2015.
DONNA JEAN LOUNSBURY
1958 –2015
Donna Jean Lounsbury passed suddenly at her Lethbridge home October 4, 2015, with her friend Shasta by her side. She joins her mom and close friend Vera laughing together and watching over us all.
Born in Calgary Alberta, she was the first child of Robert (Bob) Cecil and Vera Jean Lounsbury, and big sister to Susan Dianne Baran and Robert Brock Lounsbury. Donna had a deep love for her dogs Gizmo and Shasta, but closest to her heart were her nieces and nephews: Darci Lounsbury (Heidi Germdrowner) and Mathew Philips; Danielle (Dani Banani), Lindsay (Boo) and Leah (Leah Beah) Lounsbury; and her great nephew and niece William Philips (Sir William) and Grace Philips (Gracie Goose).
She was the best aunt they could ever have and a huge influence. She received great love and respect back from them through her life. Donna had a long-term and close relationship with her sister-in-law Tracey. In her time Donna touched many people, and was cherished by so many friends. She was quick witted and funny; gifts that served her well as a youth counselor at Sifton House and as a Legal Aid Officer. On both career paths she gave back to humanity. She often made mention of the dry humour of the Blackfoot people – something she embraced as she grew through life. She loved the outdoors, camping and hiking. Donna followed the family way of hunting briefly in her youth when she harvested a gopher with a .22. The event so traumatized her she broke with tradition and never hunted again. Her favourite place was Vancouver Island – particularly the west coast and Long Beach. She tried to make at least one pilgrimage every year. She shared herself on many trips with her family to that magical place. A big piece of her will always be with us there, and we will all feel her presence in that wonderful place.
A celebration of her unique life will be held at the Pincher Creek United Church Saturday October 17th at 2 p.m. following a family graveside service.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Pincher Creek SPCA (PO Box 2647, Pincher Creek, Alberta T0K 1W0) or the Heart and Stroke Foundation (P.O. Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7).
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Katie Nowak
1927 – 2015
KING
1916 – 2015
MARGARET DONALDA KING, nee Greer, beloved wife of the late Ralph King, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Fairmont Extendicare, on Monday, October 12th, 2015 at the grand age of 99 years.
Margaret was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan and moved to Coaldale at the age of two where she received her schooling and lived until her 95th year. It was in Coaldale that she married Ralph and raised their three children. She is survived by her daughter Marilyn Erdmann of Vernon, son Dennis (Dianne) of Lethbridge and son Terry (Judith) of Ottawa. Margaret cherished her 6 grandchildren and 9 great- grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Ralph, her parents Roy and Eva Greer, sisters Rhoda (Toots) Holtman and Alma (Babe) Cross, and brother Gordon.
Throughout her lifetime, Margaret’s love of Coaldale was evident by her active involvement in her community. She was a key member of the Coaldale History Book Committee. Marg was a lifelong member of Coaldale United Church’s Eva Greer UCW and Pythian Sisters.
Marg’s interests and creative talents were many. Her china painting, photography skills and hobbies of sewing, knitting, coin and stamp collecting and scrapbooking were all enhanced by her sense of perfectionism.
At home, Marg was a wonderful homemaker; avid fan of her children’s varied interests and accomplishments and she loved each of her grandchildren dearly.
The family would like to extend our thanks to the staff at the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale and Fairmont Extendicare in Lethbridge whose devoted care enhanced Marg’s quality of life in her declining years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the COALDALE UNITED CHURCH – 2022 18th Street, Coaldale, Alberta on Friday, October 16th, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Glenda Wert officiating.
A Private Family Interment will be held prior to the Service at the Coaldale Cemetery.
In memory of Margaret, donations may be made to the Coaldale United Church – 2022 18th Street, Coaldale, Alberta T1M 1E9.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Patricia Klok
1964 – 2015
With deep sorrow we announce the passing away of our dear mother, oma, daughter and sister, Patricia Geraldine Klok, beloved wife of the late Peter Nelis Klok, on October 11, 2015 at the young age of 51 years.
Patricia was born on July 30, 1964 in Picture Butte, AB where she resided until her passing. She married Peter on December 16, 1987 and together they had nine children. In July of 2014, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and after a lengthy struggle, she passed away at Piyami Place in Picture Butte.
Patricia is survived by her children: Gerita and Chris Joosse (Rianna, Nicole, Curtis, & Cody) Erica and John Mans (Maelle, Cregg, & Kayleigh) Henriette and Jake Rozendaal (Jazmin) Manfred and Aryssa, Petra (Brandon Oudshoorn), Angelique (Josh Mans), Henry, Daniel, and Michelle; her mother: Gerritje Vandenberg, Brothers and Sisters Brenda (Pete) Van Schothorst, Henk (Geraldine), Rex (Marilyn), Elbert, Tony (Christine), Evelyn (Jan) Klok, Geraldine (Leendert) Van Esch, Gerald (Amanda), and Petula, Mother-in-law Rikje Klok, Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Jannie, Corrie (Rien) Janse, Jan (Lia), Gerda, and Evelien (Bertus) Vermeer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Patricia was predeceased by her husband, Peter in 2008, her father-in-law Hermanus Klok in 2006, her father Hendrikus Vandenberg in 2012, and her brother-in-law Henk Klok in 2012.
An opportunity for condolences will be held between 7:00 PM and 8:00PM, on Friday, October 16, 2015, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601-3a Street South.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601-3a Street South with Rev. Bazen officiating. Interment to follow in the Picture Butte Memorial Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Marion Esther Voth (Kolk)
August 16, 1955 – October 8, 2015
Marion passed away peacefully at the Chinook Hospice in Calgary after a long, brave struggle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends at her passing. Marion’s husband Ron will surely miss his soul mate of the last four decades. Her brother Paul and his wife Linda were loving and supportive to Marion in her journey through life. Paul’s son Aaron and partner Jenn were a source of joy for Marion and their daughter, little Sydney, had a special place in Marion’s heart. Ron’s sister, Debbie, was more than a sister in law to Marion; she was a good friend, giving love and comfort. Debbie’s partner, Ken, always made Marion smile! Debbie’s daughter Mariah and her husband Wes will miss Auntie Mimi and the laughs they shared. Herman and Tine Kolk, Marion’s parents, were waiting for her when she passed and surely there was a happy reunion. Allen and Netty Voth always considered Marion as a daughter, never mind the “in-law†part. Marion had numerous uncles, aunts and cousins who she enjoyed. She was still making friends with her health professionals and care givers right until the very end. Marion was about love, joy and making connections with people. She made so many friends over her years of employment with the University of Lethbridge, Mount Royal College, the City of Calgary and her own consulting business. She could connect with people, whether curling, golfing, writers groups, church, chemo rooms, everywhere. Marion was a voracious reader, and the time she probably enjoyed the most was running a small book company called Newt’s Books, traveling around southern Alberta, supplying books for special events. Personal friends were very important to Marion and you all know who you are. She loved connecting with you even if it was just occasionally. She valued your friendship. Marion has gone to be with God now, so share some Marion stories among yourselves, and be glad for the connection you had with her. Memories of Marion live in our hearts. A celebration of Marion’s life will be held at a later date.
PISKO
ROSE PISKO (nee Toporiwski), beloved wife of the late Steve Pisko of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12 (Thanksgiving Day), 2015 at St. Therese Villa, at the age of 94 years, 4 days short of her 95th birthday.
She is the loving mother of: Tom (Carolin) Pisko of Calgary, and Roxanna Crutchfield of Pleasant Garden, North Carolina. Rose leaves behind six grandchildren: Melanie (Robert) Befus, Jason Pisko, Tim (Amanda) Pisko, Amanda (Duncan) Collins, Stephani (Bryce) Watkins, and Harold Robert “HR†Heggedal; and seven great grandchildren.
Rose is predeceased by daughter-in-law Mary Pisko, and sons-in-law Ken Heggedal and David Crutchfield; three brothers: George, Michael, and Steve; four sisters: Mary Smith, Grace Jaddock, Victoria “Vicky†Ihme and Gertrude “Gertie†Currie.
Rose was born October 16, 1920 and raised in Hardieville. On April 29, 1938 she married Steve. They moved into their home in Lethbridge in 1942, where they raised their children. Rose resided here until she moved to St. Therese Villa in 2009. She worked at Woolworths (downtown) for many years.
She is the last of her family of eight children. Rose loved to garden, crochet, knit, and look after her home. She came from a generation that valued working for what they needed. She was always busy and she was known to be “feisty†at times.
Sincere thanks to the staff of St. Therese Villa for their care and compassion.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703-13 Street North, Lethbridge. Viewing will be available one hour prior to the service.
Valerie Sullivan
1958 – 2015
Valerie Sullivan of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Dan Sullivan and mother of Kendra Sullivan, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2015 at the age of 57 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB with Canon Allan McCuaig, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Michaels Palliative Care Unit, 1400-9th Ave. S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5 or PBS Masterpiece Theatre, at KSPS Public Television, Patty Starkey Fund for programming, 3911 S Regal Spokane, WA 98223
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
TAUTFEST
WILLIAM CRAIG TAUTFEST — passed away September 22, 2015 in the Red Deer Regional Hospital, age 58, after a heroic struggle with cancer.
Bill is survived by his mother Beth Christensen of Cardston, AB, sisters Patty (Kelly) Bielert of Cardston, AB, Debbie (Dave) Spalding of Tuscon, AZ, step brother Clifford Christensen Jr. of Lethbridge, AB, step sister Marion (Lloyd) Pollock of Lethbridge AB as well as several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews whom he loved so much. Bill was predeceased by his brother Wesley Ray Tautfest in 1995, his father Ray Donald Tautfest in 2014, step father Clifford Owen Christensen in 2010, step-sister Kim Kristjanson in 2000, and step-brother Kenneth Christensen in 2015.
Bill was born in Brooks, AB on April 10, 1957 and grew up in Rosemary where he made life-long friends, especially Craig Payne who was with him to the end. Bill loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman. He loved to fish, golf, and hunt, and loved to spend time and play games with family and friends. He had an amazing green thumb and loved to grow all kinds of plants. He was always looking out for his little sisters and always had a listening ear. We will miss you terribly Billy! You will always be remembered in our hearts! Special thanks to Dr. Pienaar, Dr. Jessen, the caring and compassionate nurses of the Palliative Care Unit in Red Deer Regional, especially Tom who was so supportive, and Jennifer, his final Respiratory Tech.
Memorial services for Bill will be held Saturday, Oct. 17th, 2015 at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston, 107- 6th Street W. at 11 am. Meet the family from 10-11 am.
Inurnment in the Rosemary Cemetery later that afternoon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or the War Amps.
Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
WILBOR
1924 – 2015
LILIAN MAUD WILBOR, cherished wife of John Wilbor of Coaldale, passed away peacefully with elegance at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on September 25, 2015 at the age of 91 years.
Born in London England on June 21, 1924 to Joseph Melhuish (1899 – 1984) and Edith Melhuish (1900 – 1967). The family immigrated to Calgary Alberta in 1926 where her sister Hazel was born (1929 – 2009).
Lilian made a career in the Royal Bank of Canada where she broke many barriers for women in banking, like staying employed after marriage and pregnancy.
Lil met John Dunn Wilbor, and married in 1957, renewed their vows in 2007 and had an epic love affair that has spanned 7 decades and produced two daughters. Together there was nothing they would not try, they lived in Calgary, Dawson Creek, Edmonton, Delta, New West, Surrey and Coaldale.
Mom was a lovely woman who lived her life with dignity and grace and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are husband and soul mate John, daughters Joni (Dan) Cahill, Lori (Tim) Gibson and grandchildren Pam, Chris, Mike (Liana), J.C., Sarah, Erin and Bryson, as well as her extended family and the many friends she made throughout her lifetime.
Lilian would like to be remembered as a loving and gracious wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt and friend.
A Prayer Service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at The ANGLICAN CHURCH OF ASCENSION – 2113 17 Street, Coaldale, Ab at 7:00 P.M.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the ANGLICAN CHURCH OF ASCENSION, Coaldale, Ab, on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. with Canon Erin Phillips officiating.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com