SATURDAY, December 8, 2018

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 8, 2018.

BURGER

Debra Elizabeth Burger (Neitsch) passed away peacefully at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care facility on December 5, 2018, after a courageous, 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 64. Her husband Jack, nieces Sarah Harmon, Erin McIlwraith and friend Shirley Whitney were at her side. Besides her husband Jack, Deb is survived by her step-mother-in-law Lila Sam; nephews Trevor (Anastasia) Kuzio and James Burger; nieces Carla (Tim) Nathan, Sarah (Kyle) Harmon, Erin (Tye) McIlwraith, Margaret Burger; 6 great nieces and 5 great nephews. She was predeceased by her father & mother, Otto and Pearl Neitsch, father-in-law George Burger, nephew Trent Kuzio and mother-in-law Mary Burger as well as numerous friends. Deb was born in Edmonton on October 8, 1954, living on the family farm and attended school in Warburg, Alberta until 1963 when the family sold the farm and another farm just outside Redwater, Alberta. Deb graduated from Redwater High School and then attended NAIT becoming a dietary technician. In 1980, Deb returned to school at Red Deer College, graduating in 1982 as a Pharmacy Technician. She worked at several hospitals in Alberta and in the mid 1980’s moved to Lethbridge, working at Lethbridge Regional Hospital until her retirement in 2010. Jack and Deb met in 1994 and married in 2003 spending their happiest 241/2 years together. We would like to thank everyone at LRH and St Michael’s Care Center for their compassion and the fantastic care Deb received. Also, thanks to all our friends for their continued support through this trying time. A celebration of Deb’s life will be held sometime in the spring of 2019. (Announcement when details are completed). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Deb’s name to the charity of your choice

Linda Donick
1927 – 2018
Magdelena Katherine Donick, beloved wife of the late Nick Donick, passed away in Lethbridge on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the age of 91 years.
Further information including service details will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Irene Gerard

1937 – 2018

The family of Mrs. Irene Gerard sadly announce her passing on Monday, December 3, 2018 at Edith Cavell Care Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta, at the age of 81 years. Irene is survived by one sister Rema Cronk; her children; Janice, Adeline (Cliff), Blanche, Marvin (Teresa), Kelly, Marlene, Peggy, Tammy, and Henry Jr. (Jenine) She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, Henry; five brothers, one sister, three sons Jerry, Arnold, and Allister; five grandchildren Roland, Kimberly, Michael, Dennis, and Patrick, and daughter in-law, Roberta. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 5:00PM and 8:00PM, on Monday, December 10, 2018, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4P3. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM, Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4P3, with Reverend Steven Bateman officiating. Interment to follow in the Royal View Cemetery. A feast will follow the interment at the German Canadian Club, 902 6 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1H 1Y2.

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

HAYES

Donna Adele Chessman Hayes passed gently into the loving arms of her heavenly father on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 in Lethbridge, Alberta. Donna was predeceased by her husband John Leonard Hayes and her children Tracy, Michelle & John Lorne. Mom was survived by her loving children; Dawn (Ian) McClurg, Laurel (Joe) Zwaagstra, Tanya Hayes, Jimmi (Dan) Foley, Danny (Jenny) Hayes, James (Kim) Peterson, Kathy (Darcy) Rice, Kim (Steve) Larochelle, Joely (Joe) Augustino, David (Damara) Hayes, numerous Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren along with her devoted dog, Tasha. Donna was born in Broadview, Saskatchewan on August 13, 1937 to Joseph & Mary Chessman with her Brother Walter. Donna had many interests ranging from gardening, reading, politics and a keen interest in the daily weather. Donna treasured time with her children sitting at her table enjoying a coffee, favorite snacks and rich conversation. Mom was an avid gardener with an incredible green thumb. In the summer we would often find her watering her garden and enjoying the sun. Mom valued education and a strong work ethic. Donna enjoyed years at the University of Lethbridge in the Bachelor of Social Work Program. She dedicated her time as a health care professional serving the elderly well into her 70’s. Tradition was very important to Mom. This included Christmas, Lent and the weekly Sunday dinners shared with her children. Mom will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren and all who knew her. Mom was the cornerstone of our family and left behind a legacy of Faith, Hope and Love ……Until we meet again. In honour of Donna a Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 pm on Monday, December 10, 2018 at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME- 703-13 Street North Lethbridge, AB.

To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

RIEFSNYDER

COKI RIEFSNYDER, beloved wife of the late Henry Riefsnyder, passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritans West Highlands, on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the age of 98 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Mary Smith

1933 – 2018

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our Mum, Mary Elizabeth, at the age of 85 years. Forever loved by her daughters, Maureen (Henry) Bertrand, Wilma (David) Lambert, as well as her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her husband Tommy and son John. Thanks to all that were involved in our Mum’s care. God Bless you all. Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

JENNIE (JANNEKE) SYTSMA

April 12, 1919 – December 2, 2018

“I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith”

– 2 Timothy 4: 7

The Lord took unto Himself our dear mother, grandma (Beppe), great-grandma and great-great-grandma. She passed away peacefully on December 2, 2018 at Extendicare Fairmont Park at the age of 99 years.

Mom & Dad were blessed with ten children, John (Ineke) Sytsma, Gerry (Florence) Sytsma, Richard (Jean) Sytsma, Barbara (Harry) Halma, Weltje (John) Gouw, Wynne (Uilke) Bouwman, Wilma (Andy) Van Biert, Rita (Harry) Brouwer and Jim (Deb) Sytsma, as well as 32 grandchildren and their spouses, 66 great- grandchildren and their spouses, two great-great-grandchildren and many nephews, nieces and their families.

She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Wipkje, in 1948 and her husband, Peter, in 2009. Mom was the last survivor of five siblings and parents Gerrit & Baukje Spijksma.

Mom was born on April 12, 1919 in IJlst, Friesland, The Netherlands. As a young lady, she became a seamstress, married Peter in 1940, had seven children and joined Dad in the bakery business. After the family immigrated to Canada in 1951, Mom & Dad were blessed with three more children. They continued the bakery business in Bow Island and later moved to Lethbridge in 1970. They were members of Maranatha CRC. Mom loved the Lord and served Him faithfully and was a social and hospitable person. She and Dad enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

A Memorial Service will be held at MARANATHA CRC, 260 McGill Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 1:00 P.M.

A Private Family Interment will be held prior to the Memorial Service.

Thank you to the staff at Extendicare Fairmont Park, Dr. H. Leam and other physicians for all of your compassionate care. She will be greatly missed.

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

TROCKSTAD

EIVIND TROCKSTAD, beloved husband of the late Jessie Trockstad (nee Martin), passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the age of 83 years.

Eivind’s memory will continue to be cherished by his children: Linda Campbell (Bart Greenway), Wayne (Carmen) Trockstad, Gary Trockstad; his Grandchildren: Chad (Alicia), Courtney (Matt), Melissa (Evan), Selina and Tanner; Great grandchildren: Treyson, Drew and Chloe.

Besides his loving wife of 58 years, Jessie, Eivind was predeceased by his parents Alf and Janet Trockstad.

Eivind was born in Lethbridge, Alberta at the old Galt Hospital on May 22, 1935. Eivind met Jessie in their early school years and stayed together until finishing school and moving to Edmonton where Eivind joined the Canadian Air Force. Together they moved to the Northwest Territories, where Eivind worked for the Ministry of Transport as a heavy equipment operator. There, Jessie and Eivind started their family and welcomed their first child in 1957. In 1975, their family moved back to Lethbridge, where Eivind worked the remainder of his 35 year career for the ministry of transport.

Eivind’s love for curling started after his move to the Northwest Territiories and continued throughout his life. You could always find Eivind watching curling as he always enjoyed a good curling match.

The highlights of the last couple of years for Eivind was being reunited with his great-grandson and walking his grand-daughter, Melissa down the aisle this past summer.

Eivind will be sadly missed by his family, friends and his “Pop’s Pub Crew” who fondly knew him as “Grandpa”.

As per Eivind’s wishes, no formal Funeral Service will take place. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Eivind, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation – 119 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6 or to Alberta Child Find – 110, 105 12 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1A1.

“E.T. Has Gone Home”

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

Agnes “Betty” van Egteren

1923 – 2018

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 23:13

Betty van Egteren passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. Betty, a true prairie girl, was born to Alec and Cornelia Schaafsma on August 10, 1923, and grew up during the dirty 30’s on a dry land farm near Burdett, AB. Her life was a rich tapestry of colorful events and circumstances which she wove into a beautiful story of faith and strength. Betty was a strong student and after completing high school, moved to Lethbridge to complete her secretarial training at Garbutt Business College. That was the first square in her life quilt; then it was on to Ottawa to work at the Dutch Consulate during WWII. During a trip to Montreal, while working in Ottawa, she met Henk van Egteren, a merchant marine from Holland. Because Mom was fluent in English and Dutch, she was offered a job with a law firm in Amsterdam where she and Henk were married and where their eldest daughter, Corina (Don MacKinnon, deceased), was born. Another quilt square – this would be the wedding knot pattern woven into her life’s tapestry. That patchwork would go on to add 4 more children: Henny (Don Hildebrand), Jan (Elizabeth), Bette-Ann (Jim MacNeil) and Henry (Veronica). Her children and grandchildren were the focus of her life. She knit, sewed, designed, cooked, canned, baked; and throughout all that, taught us all how to believe and work hard through the strong example she set. After moving back to Canada from Holland, Henk and Betty made Taber their home for many years, and her farming roots would lead to a job with the Department of Agriculture where she once again excelled. Her varied career with the Department would span 30 years and it was there she would make many life-long friends. Those friendships were carried to Lethbridge when she and Henk relocated. The harvest moon pattern would now be added to her quilt. Once Betty retired her friendship square would be constructed. Every Tuesday was coffee with her special group of coffee ladies who still continue getting together weekly at Smitty’s. During her brief illness Mom was an inspiration to us all. She accepted her diagnosis with grace and dignity. Her quilt is complete, and her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all of whom were stitched with love into her life which was well lived. In addition to all her children and their partners, left to celebrate her life story are 18 grandchildren and step grandchildren: Sari (Andrew), Kirk (Amrita); Scott (Krista), Erik (Victoria), Corina (Trevor); Bill (Jessie), Marie (Dave), Thunder (Freddie); Evan (Larissa), Matthew (Chelsey); Sam, Caroline (Matt); Kim, Chelsey, Shane; Alanna, Beth and Jim, plus a growing number of great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Betty’s life in the coming Spring. Her family would like to thank Martha’s House for the kindness and care shown to Mom as well as Dr. Steeves, Dr. Shukkoor, and the wonderful staff at the Palliative Care unit at St. Michael’s Health Care Center.

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

VAN NIEUWENHUIZEN

GERRIT VAN NIEUWENHUIZEN, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the age of 88 years.

He is survived by his loving daughters Margaret (Terry) Price, Evelyn (Don) Wilson and Ingrid (Ray) Conway; grandchildren Shelly (Chad) Shaw, Susan (Tom) Roulston, Jessica Lipari (Sam Norgard), Bryant Wilson and Courtnee Conway (Terry Vance); great-grandchildren Kohen & Liam Shaw and McKenna Conway-Vance. Also left to mourn is his brother-in-law Dick (Koshie) van Ree as well as many other friends and relatives.

Gerrit was predeceased by his wife Catherine Van Nieuwenhuizen and his son Edward van Nieuwenhuizen.

At Gerrit’s request, no formal funeral service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gerrit’s honour to the Canadian Cancer Society, #200, 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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