By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 14, 2020.
Janet Groeneweg
(Nee: Kennedy)
1938 – 2020
Janet Groeneweg, beloved wife of Marinus “Bud” Groeneweg, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 10, 2020 at the age of 81 years.
Janet was born in Woodstock, ON and moved to Vancouver, BC with her father and sister at a young age. After finishing grade school at 16 years of age, she attended UBC where she received her Teaching Certificate and went on to teach in Smithers B.C, where she then met the love of her life, Marinus. Shortly after they were married in 1959, they moved to Lethbridge where Janet began working with the County of Lethbridge (which became the Palliser School District) as an Educator, while completing a bachelor’s degree of Education at the University of Lethbridge.
In almost 30 years of her Lethbridge career, she held many educational positions, some of which her students today will remember her from. After she retired from her education career, she spent 20 years volunteering at the Medical Imaging Center at the Chinook Regional Hospital. During her years in retirement, Janet also passed her time reviewing books for the Lethbridge Herald, volunteering at Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre and Lethbridge Senior Citizen Organization, as well as attended various community clubs.
Janet will be remembered as a great friend to all. She loved her social life and was a devout member of the Monarch Reformed Church.
Janet will be forever remembered by her husband of 60 years, Marinus “Bud”; son Joe; daughter Patricia (Brian); and grandchildren Tanya, Jessica, and Jacob; sister Pat (Charlie); as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Janet was predeceased by her eldest son Willy; and her infant grandson Marinus.
Cremation has taken place, and a private family graveside will be held in the spring in the Monarch Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, please consider a donation in Janet’s memory to a charity of one’s choosing.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Vera Owsley
1924 – 2020
Mrs. Vera Owsley of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Kenneth Owsley, passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Friday, January 10, 2020 at the age of 95 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SITZ
Sonia Sitz, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, January 12th, 2020 at the age of 94 years. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations in her memory can be made to The Southern Alberta Japanese United Church, 821 9 Ave N, Lethbridge, AB T1H 1E8
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
VAN PELT
CORNELIUS VAN PELT, beloved husband of Lena Van Pelt, of Lethbridge, was called home on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the age of 86 years.
Dad is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lena, his four children, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren: Debbie Van Pelt of Denver, CO, and her children, Hannah and Noah; David (Christina) Van Pelt of Coaldale, and their children, Martina, Liana, Erica and Isaac; Corlene (Joe) Groenenboom of Kipp, and their children, Tim (Carmen) and Becca (Cole) and their daughter, Ava, Joel (Rieneke) and their children, Sadie and Dean, Rachel, and Aaron (Kaitlyn) and their son, Colton; and Tanya (Ian) Russell of Skiff, and their children, Kennidy, Kourt, and Ty. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Terry Wilschut and Audrey Van Dyk, and his brother, Art Van Pelt.
Dad was born on May 4, 1933 in Ridderkerk, The Netherlands. He moved to Canada in 1953 with his parents and siblings, and they settled in the Lethbridge area.
In 1956, Dad met the love of his life—Lena Van Westenbrugge. The couple was married on June 2, 1962. Together, they had four children: Debbie, David, Corlene, and Tanya. Mom & Dad were faithful members of St. Andrew’s Church, where Dad felt it was his mission to greet every person that came and make them feel welcome.
Dad was a social networker, and he valued each and every one of his friendships. He could always be found enjoying good conversation over a cup of coffee. He was happiest when he was spending time with his family, reading a book, tending his hives, or working in his woodshop, but there was nothing he loved more than an adventure on the road.
Dad was the most generous man we ever knew, and he always gave more than he had—whether that was time, money, or knowledge.
A Funeral Service will be held at ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Hugh Jack officiating.
A Private Interment will be held at Archmount Cemetery prior to the service.
In memory of Cornelius, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada at http://www.parkinson.ca/donate or to Compassion Canada at http://www.compassion.ca/make-a-donation.
Well done, good and faithful servant. Alles is goed! Alles is goed!
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
VILKAS
JAMIE JOHN VILKAS, of Lethbridge, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at the young age of 52 years.
Jamie’s memory will live on in the heart of his spouse of 20 years, Andrew Bertrand; sisters, Susan Christie and Anne Bokman, brother, Allan Christie; niece, Angelina; nephews, Jeremiah and Derek; great-nephew, Andrew; great-niece, Kierra as well as numerous cousins and many friends.
He joins his beloved mother, Stella, father, Donald, devoted grandparents, John and Mary, uncle, Robert and his very much missed son, Samuel.
A Memorial Reception will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jamie to the Lethbridge and District Humane Society, 2920 – 16 Avenue N, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 5E9.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
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