WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 7, 2020.

Chester Coolen

1932 – 2020

Mr. Chester Rudolph Coolen of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Elsie Coolen, passed away in Langley, BC on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

Chester Coolen was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, September 25, 1932. He was born to Ella and Chester Coolen and was the youngest of 9 children. Chester built a special relationship with his two nephews, Frank Creelman and Doug Nicholas.

As a young man Chester joined the Canadian Air Force and served his country for 32 years stationed throughout Canada and France.

Chester was more than a handy man, he was capable of fixing anything and was always there with help when we needed him. He loved family holidays, playing board games, camping and visiting with friends. When Chester retired, he, Ruth and the girls moved to Coaldale to enjoy civy street. He attempted to grow his hair out and quit shaving for a time (Geee..), they were able to buy a house and expand their ceramic business which they both enjoyed and excelled in. Chester also was a Commissionaire for several years before retiring permanently.

He was a faithful and caring husband of his first wife, Ruth Coolen, throughout her lengthy illness.

He was lucky to spend the last seven years with his second love, Elsie Coolen. They enjoyed working around the yard, planning and going on a cruise together and finding that special someone who could put some pep back in their step!

Chester is survived by his wife Elsie Bauch Coolen; daughters Christine and Michelle; granddaughters Emily, Cassidy, Miranda, Madeline and Adryanna. He also had 3 great grandchildren Charlotte, Eliza and Lucas.

He is also remembered by Elsie’s children Ted, Bernie, Dora and Richard.

Chester is predeceased in death by his first wife Ruth Coolen.

Due to the recent restrictions surrounding COVID-19, a private family service will be held. The family invites you to watch the service via livestream on the Martin Brothers website at 10:00am, on Friday, October 9, 2020.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in memory of Chester Coolen to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, 119 14 St NW #100, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6, or the Alzheimer Society, 1202 2 Ave S #40, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0E3.

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

DAVIES

1921 – 2020

VICTORIA “VICKY” DAVIES (née Ostaficiuk) passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, October 3, 2020, after filling 99 years of living with love, family, friends, and activity.

Vicky was born in Lethbridge, and lived her school years in the Vauxhall district. She moved to Toronto to work and study in the fashion industry and met Harvey, the love of her life. They married and celebrated 66 years together.

Moving to Taber, at the end of WWII, Vicky ran a very successful women’s fashion store for many years, and then moved to Lethbridge to enjoy retirement. Through the years Vicky was a very avid and accomplished golfer, and still golfed at Henderson Lake when she was 90 years old. Other interests included gardening, square dancing, collecting coins and stamps, and amateur radio. While enjoying each activity she gathered a wide circle of friends with common interests.

She is mourned by two sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will always be fondly remembered by all her friends, especially the dear friends who helped Vicky to remain living independently in her own home.

At Vicky’s request, a private graveside will be held at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Matilda “Tillie” Farrington

1930 – 2020

Matilda “Tillie” Farrington passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Friday, October 2, 2020 at the age of 90 years.

Tillie was born in Hardieville, Alberta and grew up on a small farm near Stewart Siding. She married Don in 1953 and together they nurtured a wonderful family life with their three children.

Tillie is predeceased by her beloved husband Don, her parents Marko and Roza Miskulin and her siblings, Anne, Joe, Nick, George and Mike.

She is survived by her son, Greg (Garilene) and their family Kari Patricia, Ryan (Jen), Aiden and Natalie of Kingston, Ontario; daughter, Mary Anne (Mark) Murphy of Lethbridge and their family Curt Derbyshire (Amanda), Kari Derbyshire (Jon) and Florence; son Jim (Alejandra) Farrington of Calgary and their family Courtenay, Kyo (McKenzie), Juan, Ali and Sophia.

Tillie is also survived by her sisters-in-law Kathy Miskulin and Mary Miskulin.

Tillie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She set an example by praying quietly, thinking deeply, giving generously and living simply. She was devoted to her family and was greatly loved by them.

Our family would like to thank the Heart Function Clinic, especially Dr. Janzen and Tara for excellent and compassionate care over the last several years.

A Private family graveside service will take place with Father Tim Boyle officiating.

Those who wish, may make a donation to The Lethbridge Interfaith Food Bank in Tillie’s honour, 1103 3 Ave N, Lethbridge, AB T1H 0H7.

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

LUCY JEANETTE JOHNSTON

Sept 29, 1937- Sept 23, 2020

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away on September 23, 2020 in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Lucy was born the youngest of a blended family in Ninette, Manitoba on September 29, 1937, and raised in the Baldur, Manitoba area. She married Keith Johnston on November 9, 1957 and they built their life together throughout the prairies of Western Canada, eventually choosing Lethbridge as their home. She and Keith retired in 1995, shortly before he passed away in 1997.

She was a very resourceful woman with a no-nonsense attitude. However, she was caring, generous and kind, often volunteering her time, attention, and wisdom to those in need. There was always an extra chair or two at the dinner table for those alone during the holidays, as well as working many of those holidays to ensure others had a chance to spend it with their families.

Lucy’s hobbies included bingo, reading, traveling, camping, and spending time with her family and friends. And there was always a cat or two around that were spoiled and fed beyond reason. One of Lucy’s greatest accomplishments is her 39 years of sobriety within AA and the countless people that she sponsored.

Lucy is survived by her sons; Fraser and Randy (Nemia), her granddaughters; Jeannie (Mac), and Angela (Brandon), her great grandchildren Ashley and Martin, as well as all of her friends and family. She was predeceased by her husband Keith in 1997.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 9, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. Due to Covid-19 restrictions it will be a private Service, but please join us with the Zoom Meeting through Lucy’s Obituary at http://www.evergreenfh.ca

Meeting ID: 892 3187 4660

Passcode: 777933

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to AA GSO contribution.aa.org

Condolences can be sent to http://www.evergreenfh.ca

Brian Jorgenson

1950 – 2020

Brian Harvey Jorgenson of Lethbridge AB passed away quietly and peacefully at the age of 70 years. He grew up on the family farm east of Granum. He was a skilled carpenter and woodworker and operated the family farm until his health made that impossible.

Brian is survived by his sisters Jacquie (Warren) Davis and Madeline (Ray) Courtman as well as numerous family members and friends.

Brian was predeceased by his parents John and Lorna Jorgenson.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Legacy Lodge, 335 Lettice Perry Road N, Lethbridge AB T1H 5V7.

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

Josef “Joe” Kern

1934 – 2020

My father Josef Kern was born on June 11, 1934 in a small town called Vaschka in Yugoslavia. It was a German community. His parents Anton and Anna and three siblings, oldest sister Theresa then Mary and brother Tony. According to my father, he had fond memories of a beautiful home and land that provided for them with cattle and other livestock along with a vineyard. But at the age of 8 years, they were forced from their home because of the war. settled in Linz, Austria. They spent 12 years living in Barracks. Then in 1956 they took an opportunity to move to Magrath, Alberta in Canada. He and his parents moved in with his brother Tony and sister-in-law Katie. He worked hard and met his love Antonietta Iafrancesco who came from Italy in 1958. They were married in 1962 and had their first son Mike in 1966 and son Robert in 1969. Dad was a terrific father who loved his family and friends. He worked hard at CPR and SRI homes where he retired at the age of 62 years. His beloved wife passed away at the age of 73 sadly in 2003 and he missed her terribly.

He loved his sons Mike (Shannon), Robert (Tarah); beloved grand-children Nicholas (Toni), Scott (Ashley), Shaun (Savannah), Jacey and Eliana.

He had a big heart and always helped his family. Tragically he suffered a stroke at the age of 79 in 2013. He then resided at a Seniors Home with assisted living. As a family we made the best of the situation and always visited dad only trying to love and laugh as often as we could. He was happy.

His son Robert and wife Tarah acquired his home. Unfortunately, Rob’s life was taken tragically in 2016 in a motorcycle accident. No parent wants to out live their children. We all endured as a family and loved dad until his struggle came to a peaceful end in the early morning hours of Friday, October 2, 2020.

“Family” was important to my father, he taught us how to live, laugh and love and focus on the day to day.

Rest in peace dear father, we will always remember you as a strong loving man. “God Bless” you, join your place with mom and Robert now.

Josef will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony beside his darling wife Antonietta in the Mountain View Cemetery.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Josef’s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta Box 2211 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7.

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

Joyce Owen

1921 – 2020

Joyce Owen, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2020. Joyce was born on February 23, 1921 in Lethbridge to Scott and Anne Davis

She was predeceased by her husband Elwyn “Jim” Owen; son Roger; parents Scott and Anne David and brother Russell Davis.

Joyce is survived by her son Lorne (Linda); daughter Vonna Lee (Jack); daughter in law Laverne (Roger); 5 grandchildren, Geoff (Paula), Corinna (Norm), Kimberly (Tyler), Bryce (Joanne) and Rena (Jamie) and 9 great grandchildren.

She attended school in Coaldale and then the Galt School of nursing in Lethbridge and graduated in 1944. Later that year she married Elwyn “Jim” Owen and moved to the family farm north east of Coaldale. She enjoyed farm life and where they raised their family. In later years they travelled many winters to Arizona, after Jim passed away she continued to travel there. She loved time with friends and family and was always up for a game of cards!

A Private funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 10, 2020, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. The family invites you to watch the service via livestream on the Martin Brothers website.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations can be made to GARD (Grassroots Assistance In Rural Development); http://www.canadahelps.org or mailed to 35832 Heatherstone Place, Abbotsford, BC V3G 1E6, or a charity of your choice.

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

Katie Regier

1942 – 2020

“For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”

Philippeans 4:13

With saddened hearts, but thankfulness for a life well lived, we said goodbye to a tremendous wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, in the early morning hours of October 4, 2020.

Katie was born in the Mennonite settlement of Wernersdorf USSR (now Ukrain), to Henry and Maria (Peters) Heidebrecht. After losing her father amidst the tragedies of WWII, Katie along with 4 generations of her family eventually made their way to Canada and settled in the Coaldale area. Katie attended school in Coaldale and made many lifelong friends. In 1965 she married the love of her life John Regier. Katie and John were blessed with two beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in early adulthood made much of life challenging, but Katie faced it with courage and never let it get in the way of enjoying the many blessings of life.

Katie accepted Christ at a young age and this faith sustained her through the many obstacles she experienced in life.

Katie was predeceased by her parents Henry and Maria Heidebrecht.

Besides her loving husband John, Katie is survived by her children Shari (Jeff) Ruggles, Bonnie (Jamie) Chartier; also mourning her loss are her five grandchildren Taylor (Dan) Pinto, Tannis Chartier, Zak Ruggles, Connor (Andrea) Chartier, Benjamin Chartier; siblings Henry (Cheryl) Heidebrecht, Helen (Ed) Hendricks as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Due to the recent restrictions surrounding COVID-19, a private family service will be held at 3:00pm on Thursday, October 8, 2020, with Pastor Dave Acree, officiating. The family invites you to watch the service via livestream on the Martin Brothers website under Katie’s obituary notice. An inurnment was held prior in the Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Katie’s name may be made to The Gideons, PO Box 3619 Stn Main, Guelph, Ontario N1H 9Z9.

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

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