SATURDAY, August 1, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 1, 2020.

Maureen Bailey

1943 – 2020

Mrs. Maureen Bailey of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Bruce Bailey passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at the age of 77 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, August 7, 2020 at PARK MEADOWS BAPTIST CHURCH, 2011 15 Ave N, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Due to the restrictions in place from the Chief Medical Officer of Health – Funeral Services are now limited to 100 attendees. Including family and Funeral Home Staff.

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

JOHNSON

JOYCELIN “JOY” CLARICE JOHNSON of Magrath, beloved wife of the late LeRoy “Roy” Franklin Johnson, passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan Society Garden Vista in Magrath, AB on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

She is lovingly remembered by her son: Ron (Mary Ann) and their children Scott, Matt (Paula), Jennie (Chad) Harris, Angie and Amy (Gerrit) Anker; son Kim (Debbie) and their children, Chad (Kara) and Kade (Juanita); son Wade and his children, Brad (Dana) and Josh (Jenae); son Brent (Jessica); as well as 19 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Midge Jahrig and Karen Smith; sisters-in-law, Joanne Overn and Deana Johnson; brother-in-law, Don Johnson as well as her half brother, Rob Overn.

Besides her husband Roy, Joy was predeceased by her parents, Roy and Leta Overn and brothers, Alan and Rick Overn.

Joy was born in Wetaskiwin, AB on July 20th, 1932. When she was six years old, her family moved to Magrath where she was raised and attended all of her schooling. Joy married the love of her life, Roy, on September 7th, 1950. They lived on their farm in Spring Coulee until retiring to Magrath. Roy passed in 2003 and in 2006, Joy moved to Park Bridge Estates in Lethbridge. In 2015 she moved to Martha’s House then in 2019, moved back to Magrath and resided in the Good Samaritan’s facility until her passing.

Joy was a dedicated farm wife, loved the outdoors and raising her family of four boys on the land. She was musical and found much joy in playing her piano and singing. She also loved to socialize with friends and family while golfing and curling.

She loved and was much loved by her family and friends, and will be deeply missed.

A Private Service for family and close friends will be held in the Magrath Cemetery on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 11:00 AM, where Joy will be laid to rest with her beloved husband.

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

Stjefan “Steve” Kain

1933 – 2020

Stjefan (Steve) Kain husband of Nada Kain passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24th at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, at the age of 86 years.

Stjefan was born in Jaskovo, Karlovac, Croatia on September 13, 1933 to Stevo and Ljuba Kain. Besides his wife, Steve is survived by his children Jean (Tracy) Schnarr, Danny Kain, Kenny (Mandy) Kain and his grandchildren, Jordan (Courtney) Schnarr, Declan Kain, Carter, Keaton and Harlow Kain.

Steve grew up and worked on the family farm until he joined the army at the age of 19 where he became a border guard and served for two years. Steve wanted to find a better life and was determined to escape the communist country of Yugoslavia and eventually settle in Canada. He and a few friends sneaked across the border into Germany in the middle of the night when the German guards were doing their shift change. He spent a year in Germany working on a farm in hopes of getting to Canada, and with the help of a church was granted permission in 1958. He arrived in Regina, Saskatchewan where he began working in the construction trade and began his career of becoming a painter.

Steve worked hard and saved up his money in order to be able to bring his girlfriend Nada to Canada in 1963. They were married and lived in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan until 1969 when they moved to Lethbridge, Alberta. He began the company of OK Painting and Decorating and later also secured his contractor’s license. After many successful years and long hours of hard work dad retired in 1988.

On many a day you could find dad walking around the neighborhood or at the local Tim Horton’s. He loved to walk, and he loved his coffee. Dad enjoyed watching his sports and most of all his time with family.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, brothers Joza and Iva and sister Katica. He is survived by his brothers Mirko (Kathy) Kain of Lethbridge, Mike (Seka) Kain in Ontario, Blaz (Danica) Kain in Sweden, sisters Ankitca of Croatia and Maritza of Australia.

We would like to thank the many nurses and Dr’s Thibodeau and Saleh for the care that they took in looking after dad during his stay. The extra measures they went to and always taking the time to keep us informed.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge.

Due to the restrictions in place from the Chief Medical Officer of Health – Funeral Services are now limited to 100 attendees. Including family and Funeral Home Staff.

To honour Steve, we ask that instead of sending flowers please donate to the Diabetes Association, 8602 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1.

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

NAKATSURU, Nancy Toshiko

October 16, 1959 – Bow Island, Alberta

July 25, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Nancy, beloved daughter, sister, the “favourite Aunt,” and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at age 60, after living with cancer for three years.

She will be missed by many, but especially by her mother, Minie Nakatsuru; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Grace and Mike Goldmintz and Brenda and Greg Birch; her nephews, Jeff and wife, Callie, and Justin Goldmintz; her nieces, Jaelyn and Lauren Birch; and her dear friends, Cindy and Arlene.

She is predeceased by her father Roy Nakatsuru.

Nancy was born in Bow Island and raised on the family farm. After her first year at U of A, she transitioned to a successful, 30 year IT career with AGT, Telus, ISM AB, IBM and in 2016 with Alberta Health Services. At work she was known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, kindness, and sharing her delicious cookies, baking and potluck dishes.

Nancy loved her weekly dinner and movie, golf, her many trips to Vegas, slurpees and treats, Marvin the Martian, knitting, and her cats, Dasher and Dancer. Her home was the hub of all holiday and family get-togethers. Nancy was generous and took pleasure in sparking joy for others. Nancy will be most remembered for her devotion to her parents.

Nancy’s family would like to extend special appreciation to the amazing staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic, FMC Unit 36 and Dulcina Hospice.

A graveside service will be held in Lethbridge at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Nancy’s obituary at http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation- Tom Baker Cancer Clinic, AHPCA- Dulcina Hospice, or Meow Foundation Calgary.

In living memory of Nancy Nakatsuru, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

POPSON

It is with profound sadness that the family of STELLA PATRICIA POPSON announce that she passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on July 28th, 2020 at the age of 89.

Stella was born July 4th, 1931 in Enchant, Alberta to Harold A Orsten and Jennie (Hagen) Orsten and was the youngest of 8 children. Stella grew up in Enchant and then moved to Lethbridge where she met Stephen Popson, the love of her life. Stella and Steve lived their entire married life in Lethbridge and had 3 children, Dwight, Wade and LeAnn. They enjoyed 53 wonderful years together until Steve’s passing in 2003.

Stella started her work life at the Coca-Cola Plant in Lethbridge and then went on to work at the Capital and Paramount Theatres, Lorna’s Flowers and eventually retired from the Sears Catalogue office. What Stella loved most was spending time with her family, working in her garden, sitting out on her porch and watching the many birds that came to her feeders.

After a stroke in 2009, Stella continued to live in her home with her loving and compassionate caregivers and her faithful dog companions. Stella was deeply loved by her family and always looked forward to visits from her children and their spouses, grandchildren and her newest joy, great-grandchildren. Stella had a deep faith in God and looked forward to joining Steve in her heavenly home.

Left to mourn Stella are her children: son Dwight (Mary Jean) and their children Steve (Amanda) and Cody; son Wade (Sandra Napper) and his children, Neil (Chrystina), Michelle (Chris Badura), great-grandchildren Ethan and Emma, daughter LeAnn Esau (Ron), sister-in-law Audrey Orsten, Anne Stoakley, Helen (Jim) Betts, brother-in-law Frank (Pat) Popson, numerous nieces and nephews and her faithful dog Joey.

Stella was predeceased by her husband Steve, parents, siblings and spouses Sigurd (Elsie) Orsten, Jens Henry “Happy” (Isabel) Orsten, Mildred (Harold) Skretting, Melvin (Henny) Orsten, Stanley (Helen) Orsten, Richard (Joyce) Orsten and Harold “Soonie “Orsten, brother-in-law Michael (Marie) Popson, Stan Popson, Jim Stoakley, and sister-in-law Catherine (Les) Rittenhouse.

We sincerely thank Stella’s wonderful caregivers, Gloria Barrios, Jacky Olvis and Glenda Ferenz for their kindness, patience and compassion as they cared for our mother over the last 11 years.

Due to COVID restrictions, a private service will be held on Saturday, August 1st, 2020 with Pastor Wes Midgett officiating.

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

REMPEL

MARY REMPEL, beloved wife of Peter Rempel of Coaldale, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on July 29, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

Along with her husband, Mary is lovingly remembered by her five children: Ria (Ken) Frances, David (Kerry) Rempel, Wilma (Rick) Enns, Irene Rempel and Vivien (Phil) Sharp; 15 grandchildren, 13 great- grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Helen (Walter) Neufeld, Martha and Art Retzlaff, Harriet (Bill) Rempel and Marie and Cliff Hamm as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her son-in-law Tom, several nieces and nephews and all of her siblings. She was the last survivor of her birth family.

Mary was born September 30, 1931 to her parents Peter and Maria Neufeld. She moved to Rosemary, AB as an infant and lived there until she was 79 years old, at which time she moved to Coaldale.

Mary was a warm, loving woman. She loved to read and had an almost photographic memory of stories. She loved to tell the stories that she had read to her family while working together. Mary had numerous hobbies and loved to garden, knit, crochet, embroider and needlepoint. Much time was given to these hobbies while listening to sermons or books. Her faith was very integral to her being; she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour at the age of 19 and her faith in Jesus Christ shaped her life and her relationships. Mary realized that faith is a journey and not a destination and she enjoyed the journey. She looked forward to going to heaven and desired that each member of her family have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Mary’s prayer list was very long; we joked that the only way she stopped praying for someone was when they died.

Mary was a very capable person. She started working off of the farm at the age of 40 as a cook at Bud’s Restaurant in Bassano, then at Brooks Nursing Home. She later became a bookkeeper, first at Brooks Co-op and then for several other businesses. Mary loved to do income tax for friends and family!!!

With driving becoming more challenging, the move to Coaldale happened in 2011. This was a precious time together with Vivien and her family. December 2012 found Mary and Peter moving into Sunny South Lodge, where they have lived since and where new friendships were made.

These past eight months have been very challenging for Mary. Covid-19 did not kill her but she was a casualty of the lockdown. Mary struggled mentally, physically and emotionally by not being able to see her beloved family.

Our thanks go to the friends and family who kept in touch, even when Mary and Peter moved to Coaldale. A special thank you to Dr. Benke, Dr. Justin Steed, Kristin (HC) and the staff of Sunny South Lodge, who loved Mary and cared for her so lovingly these past months. Thank you to Dr. Sailendra, Dr. Thibadou, the ER staff and the staff of 4C for their care of Mary this past week. Thank you to pastors Gary Burke, Lil Thompson and Jake Unrau for their spiritual quidance over the years.

Since we are not allowed to hug each other, funeral arrangements are postponed indefinitely.

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

SVRCEK, Helen Catherine

(nee Obbagy)

August 24, 1931 – Milk River, Alberta

July 27, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Helen Svrcek, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

Helen was born and raised in Milk River, AB, to her pioneer farm parents, Veronica and John Obbagy. Helen embodied the spirit of pure un-judgemental love with an exuberant positive and do-it-yourself philosophy. She was very creative and intuitive. Helen had a ardent love of nature, as well as reading, gardening, cooking, baking, and being unbeatable at cribbage, scrabble, and Chinese checkers. She also sang in the Christmas Choir and took great pride in dressing her best every day. Helen says her greatest accomplishment and joy in life was raising her wonderful children. She said she had no regrets and left nothing undone.

Helen leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Teressa-Fay (Gabe), Ronald, Carol (Alan), Marlene, and Bryan; her grandchildren, Steven and Kevin; her brothers, John (Lucille), and Leslie (Sharon-predeceased) and their daughter Sheree; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Louis, her sister Olga (Harold) and grandchild Jamie.

Graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Helen’s obituary at http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, http://www.heartandstroke.ca.

In living memory of Helen Svrcek, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

TOTTEN, Gladys Eleanor

We are sad to see her go,

yet thankful she suffers no more.

Born in Edmonton on September 2 1923, GLADYS TOTTEN passed away in Lethbridge at St. Therese Villa, Monday July 27, 2020.

Our beloved mother, grandma, ‘grandma-great,’ sister, auntie and friend will be missed by so many, but we will be sustained by wonderful memories. When people talk about Gladys, it usually involves her amazing food. No one could hold a candle to her prime rib roasts and perfect Yorkshire pudding, fried steaks (yes, fried), spaghetti with ribs, or incredible ravioli. No one left her house hungry.

Gladys was raised in Calgary, where she met her late husband Gene on an outdoor skating rink when they were both 16. From that day forward, nothing could separate them, save for the Second World War, and they were happily married for 57 years. It was ridiculous how close they were; like canoodling teenagers all of their lives.

She was predeceased by her son, Jay, in 1979, and by Gene in 2001. She is survived by her daughter, Sherri (George) Gallant of Lethbridge, and their children Jason Horvat; Allan (Ashley) Horvat; Bryan Horvat; Eric (Amanda) Gallant, and Emily Gallant – all of Lethbridge.

Great-grandchildren are Brandon Reid, of Grande Prairie; Julia (Horvat) Ronchetti, of Botucatu, Brazil; Morgan and Grayson Horvat of Lethbridge; Isaiah and Gideon Gallant, of Lethbridge; Harrison Horvat of Lethbridge; and Taylor and Jordan Adamson, and their mother, Tracie (Horvat) Snider, of Lethbridge.

She is also survived by two brothers and their families, whom she adored: Robert (Mona) Kitchener of Sundre, AB, and William McLellan (Eileen) of Abbottsford, BC, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gladys loved to boast about her grandkids and great grandkids. They were smarter and better looking than anyone else’s grandkids. She said so. A few days before she passed, we were able to tell her that another baby will soon bless our family, and she was delighted.

Gladys was a loyal friend, a devoted wife, and a loving mother, grandma and auntie. She thrived on family dinners, and loved to dance with Gene big band music. She sewed, knitted argyle socks, did needlepoint, and always had fresh flowers on the table. Unfortunately, she preferred ghastly sweet wine over the good stuff, poured over crushed ice in a cut-crystal glass. Well, to each her own.

There is so much more we could say, but how does one distill so long a life? She taught us much. She will be missed.

Our heartfelt gratitude to staff at St. Therese and at West Highlands Good Samaritans, who cared for her with compassion and love.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no formal funeral service is planned. The family will hold a celebration of life in late September, when her ashes will be laid to rest in the scatter garden with Gene’s and with her mother’s at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home, 2825 – 32 St. S., Lethbridge AB.

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

WISHNEVSKI

Mary Lauretta Wishnevski, beloved wife of the late Dieter (Rusty) Wishnevski, cherished mother and grandmother, passed peacefully on July 28, 2020.

She is survived by her children Valerie (Carey), Laurie, Bradford; sister Eunice, her nieces & nephew and her much loved grandchildren.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Rusty and brother John.

Mary was born in Peel Township, Wellington County, Ontario July 11, 1933. She was born the youngest of three children to Robert and Lauretta Ritch. She worked many jobs in the Kitchener area when she was young before coming west to Alberta in 1960 with Rusty. They were married February 15, 1962 and eventually settled in Lethbridge and bought their forever home in February of 1968.

Mom was a kind and gentle person. She had many talents such as baking, gardening, and in her younger days was a prolific 5 pin bowler. She was a longtime volunteer in the gift shop at the LRH. She was an avid card player and enjoyed her retirement playing with her friends and family.

Family gatherings were not complete without one of her great feasts and many games of cards.

Most of all she was a wonderful mom who loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the team at the LRH Heart Function Clinic with a special thanks to Erin, as well as the palliative team at St. Michael’s Health Centre.

In keeping with her wishes, a private family gathering will be held to celebrate the life of our amazing Mother.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 100-119 14 Street NW, Calgary AB T2N 1Z6.

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

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