SATURDAY, July 31, 2021
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 31, 2021.
ANDREACHUK
Joyce Laraine Andreachuk (Mueller) passed away peacefully, in the presence of her loving family, on Saturday July 24, 2021 at the age of 95.
Joyce was born in 1926 on the family farm near Warner, Alberta. She was the daughter of Rosa and Michael Mueller. Mom had a lively childhood with six brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by her two sisters Irene Walker and Ruth Belsher. She was predeceased by her siblings and in-laws Oscar (Violet) Mueller, Ken (Elda) Mueller, Lloyd (Dorothy) Mueller, Ray (Vivian) Mueller, Rome (Kay, Leona) Mueller, George (Doris, Selma) Mueller, Grace (Fred) Nelson, David Walker and Laurie Belsher.
Joyce loved to play basketball in her youth and was an excellent seamstress. She met her late husband, Andy Andreachuk, on a blind date. Through their fifty years of marriage, they enjoyed travelling to Palm Springs, California, Hawaii, and Kokanee Springs BC. They were constant companions and enjoyed golfing, fishing, and cooking together.
Joyce was kindhearted and never hesitated to help anyone in need. She was very involved with the Regional Hospital Auxiliary for many years.
Joyce and Andy had five children, Janice (Al) Sheets, Richard (Andrea) Andreachuk, Carol (Rick) Andrews, Robert (Gerri) Andreachuk and Ross (Tricia) Andreachuk. She has thirteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
We will greatly miss our sweet and gentle Mother.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joyce’s memory to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 19 St S Lethbridge AB T1J 1W5
Condolences can be sent to http://www.evergreenfh.ca
BRUYCKERE
LUCIEN “PETE” BRUYCKERE, beloved husband of Lorraine Bruyckere, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at the age of 83 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Delores Butterwick
1932 – 2021
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Delores Butterwick, beloved wife of the late Bill Butterwick. She passed away peacefully at the age of 89 surrounded by her loving family.
Delores was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on February 26, 1932. The family moved to the Peace River Country shortly after her birth but moved back to Lethbridge so she could start school. In 1943 the family moved to Foremost where Delores completed her high school education. Shortly after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Bill Butterwick in 1949.
Delores is survived by two sons Randy (Norma), Dan (Donna); one daughter in law Cynthia; sister Myrna (Bob) Kuhl; eight grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill and her son Beverly.
She will be fondly remembered by her many friends and family that knew and loved her.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 pm, on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at the FOREMOST COMMUNITY HALL, 802 1 Ave W, Foremost, Alberta, with Reverend Pauline Bell officiating. A private family Interment will be held prior.
Those who wish may watch the service via livestream by visiting Martin Brothers website and scrolling to the bottom of Delores’ obituary.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
CHIEF BODY
RAVEN CHIEF BODY (NABISATKI “Material Woman”), of the Blood Reserve, passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the age of 34 years.
A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 11:00 A.M.
Following the Service, Raven will be laid to rest on the Blood Reserve.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
DIETRICH, Doreen
Doreen Joan Dietrich was born in 1939 to Arthur and Mary Jensen. Doreen married Ed Dietrich in 1957, and spent 64 wonderful years together. When Ed’s career took him to Edmonton, Doreen showed her support by moving north. Together, they started their family. They had three children, Marilyn (Stephen) Brown, Kathleen (Wayne) Rustling, and Kristen Jensen. After a short battle with cancer, she passed away on July 26, 2021 at the Chinook Regional Hospital.
A life beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 9, 2021 at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge.
To send a message of
condolence please visit
Guisto “Joe” Ficiur
1935 – 2021
It is with great sorrow and broken hearts the family of Guisto “Joe” Ficiur announce his passing on Saturday, July 24th, 2021 at St Michaels Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit at the age of 85.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Annie and his 3 daughters, Christina (Jeff) Moroz, Alana (Glen) Hubbard and Cynthia (Kelly) Trapp, his grandchildren Alisha (David) McKay, Spencer (Lana) Moroz, Maggie (Greg) Hemsing, Ryan, Alex and Brooklyn Mclellan, Kelci and Derek Trapp, his great grandchildren Oliver, Levi and Violet MacKay. He is also survived by his sister Nevia Brudnicki and brothers, Albino and Ernie Ficiur as well numerous nieces and nephews and family in Slovenia. He was predeceased by his father Giusto Ficiur, his mother Anna Ficiur and his brother Dino Ficiur.
Joe was born in Isola, d’Istria (Slovenia) on September 25, 1935. At an early age, Joe learned the value of hard work and dedication, and this stayed with him his entire life. In 1957, Joe and his family immigrated to Canada from Italy. He spoke often of his first year in Canada working sugar beets on a farm near Raymond.
In 1960 Joe met the love of his life Anne and they married in 1963. Together they built the foundation of a lifelong love and legacy that grew bigger and stronger every day. Joe’s most important legacy he built was a family that loved him dearly and learned from him every day. He taught us all lessons in life that we will never forget and will always treasure. His legacy is all around us and for that we are so very proud and grateful, especially for all the sacrifices he made for his family throughout his life.
Joe was a builder and he could build anything; there was rarely a day when Joe had nothing to do and if there ever was, a new project was in the makes. One of Joe’s final projects in his retirement was fulfilling their lifelong dream of owning their own farmland, there he built a home, raised animals, tended to the land and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.
One of Joe’s final wishes was to take his final ride on the road he first arrived on so on July 26th, he and his family took the last ride on HWY #5 and #52 to Raymond and back, this was the road he came in on and the road he wanted to go out on. Joe also wanted a Celebration of Life for family and friends to gather and reminisce which is planned for his birthday, September 25, 2021. Please contact the family no later than September 10th to RSVP by emailing chrislmoroz@gmail.com or anneficiur@shaw.ca more details will be provided then.
The family would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the many caring and supportive family, friends, and staff at St Mike’s PCU, especially Madelyn and Yvonne, you are angels on earth. If so desired, a memorial donation can be made in Joe’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. https://www.cancer.ca/en/get-involved/events-and-participation/home-march/?region=ab
Your presence, love and kindness will always be remembered,
rest for now, until we meet again.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
JONES
Constance (Connie) Jones
Mom passed away July 27, 2021 in Lethbridge at the age of 84.
She leaves behind her children Heather and Brian (Elena) as well as her beloved grandson Bradyn.
Mom was extremely proud to be a Registered Nurse. She graduated from St. Michaels School of Nursing in 1958 and practiced up until her health would no longer allow her to maintain the high standards that she had for her profession. In recent years she would recount many stories from the class of ’58 and how important that time was to her. Mom was raised Roman Catholic and gave much time and attention to the church. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved singing in the church choir. Mom enjoyed playing all card games, especially crib, camping and sewing. If mom was sewing you knew she was happy and would always be thinking what her next project would be.
To Ed and the WHOLE team at Norbridge pharmacy, we cannot thank you enough for the extraordinary decades of care you provided for Mom.
At Mom’s request there will not be a funeral service.
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE PLEDGE
I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to pass my life in purity and to practise my profession faithfully.
I shall abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and shall not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.
I shall do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling.
I shall be loyal to my work and devoted towards the welfare of those committed to my care.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MANNING
JULIE MANNING, beloved wife of the late Marshall Manning, passed away peacefully, but suddenly at home in Lethbridge, following a long lingering illness, at the age of 91 years.
Julie is survived by her sons: Pat Manning, Jim Manning and Bob Manning; and grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by brother Steve (Joan) Gulyas and sister Kathy Miskulin, as well as her best friend Caroline Davidson.
Besides her husband Marshall, she was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Mary Gulyas and brother-in-law Mike Miskulin.
She will be sadly missed.
A Graveside Service will be held at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 1:30 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback officiating.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MORIYAMA
JACQUELINE (JACKIE) MORIYAMA passed away suddenly, but peacefully, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Monday, July 26, 2021, at the age of 81 years
Jackie was predeceased by the love of her life, Mickey.
She was an accomplished seamstress and gardener, Loved music and playing her organ. She was known for her humour, quick wit and her love for ice cream.
Jackie will be missed dearly by everyone who knew her, especially close friends Barb & Fred, Carrie, Tracy, Les & Val, along with her TAB family and her new family at Cedar Creek Adaptacare. She always had a positive attitude and loved joking around with anyone she talked with. She tried almost until the day she died to get the doctors to allow her to go swimming.
Jackie’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Lethbridge Christian Tabernacle (1805 9 Avenue North, Lethbridge) at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 4, 2021.
Jackie has requested that no one wear black, only bright colours!
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, donation may be made to STARS Foundation (1441 Aviation Park, PO Box 570, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7)
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
1948 – George Plaksey – 2021
George Plaksey of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Jenith Anne “Jane” Plaksey, passed away in the afternoon on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021, at the age of 73 years after a very courageous five-month battle with cancer. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Shelly Plaksey, Cheryl (Kevin) Kalmring, and Kevin Plaksey; grandchildren, Braden Kalmring and Brooklynn Kalmring; brother, Phillip (Veronica) Plaksey; sisters, Mary (Wayne) Sorrell and Eileen (Randy) Rosenau; brothers-in-law, Tom (Maria) Vetter and Norb (Cindy) Vetter; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Davidson, and Donna (Randy) Hay; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Eva Plaksey as well as the love of his life, Jane. George was born in the Leader Hospital on June 13, 1948. At the age of two, his family moved to Medicine Hat, AB where he completed his schooling in the catholic school system. He was on the honour roll in high school and was president of McCoy High School in Grade 12. George was an active boy who helped raise his siblings, loved to camp, plays sports, and walk the City of Medicine Hat. He had a strong belief in God and a deep seated love for the church so, after graduation, he attended seminary school intending to become a priest. After nine months of studying, he returned home and was reintroduced to a young lady that he been previously been introduced to by his sister in high school, Jane Vetter. George promptly decided on a new calling, husband, and father. George and Jane were married in 1970. He made the decision to return school to become an electrical technologist, completing his first year in Medicine Hat and his second and third year at SAIT. He began his career with Calgary Power (aka Trans Alta) where he remained for 28 plus years. These were very busy years for George and Jane. In 1970, they welcomed the first of their three children, Shelly; quickly followed by Cheryl in 1971 and Kevin in 1973. George loved being a family man above all else and was a very active father. They were a close family and together they enjoyed many summer holidays and good times. He was a strict but fair father; praising you when you made the right decisions. In his later years, he became best friends with all his children and gave them so much more than they ever wanted. At the age of 56, George and Jane made the decision to return and retire in Medicine Hat, AB to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They settled on an acreage close to Elkwater that came to be known as “the Ponderosa”, which was always his dream. George immensely appreciated the many, many good times that he was gifted to have with his family and his closest friends; annual family reunions, playing cards, camping, hunting, making sausage, and building projects. Sadly, when Jane passed in 2019, George lost most of his zest for life. His final two years were rough, but he never stopped caring for other people and putting his family and friends first. He was an intelligent and devout man of religion and faith who will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Sunday, August 31st, 2021 at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PATRICK’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 238 – 2nd Avenue NE MEDICINE HAT on Monday, August 2nd, 2021, at 11:00 am with Fr. Roque Periera, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in George’s memory may be made to Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading George Plaksey. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 1Z5.
Stanley “Stan” Shimozawa
1940 – 2021
Stanley (Stan) Susumu Shimozawa passed away suddenly but peacefully on July 24, 2021 at the age of 81. It was shocking to all as Stan was healthy and active, visiting with friends, and helping out in the community right to his last day.
Stan was born in Nanaimo, British Columbia on February 21, 1940. He had 8 brothers and sisters; Kay (Sam), Walt (Audrey), Slim (Kiyoko), Sue (Yo), Tom (Fumi), Mits, Joe (Kaz), and Diane. He was a father to Penny (Richard), Stacey (Glen), and Tate. He was a Grandfather to Kevin, Alex, and Wilson.
Stan grew up mainly in Lethbridge but spent time across Southern Alberta, notably for 18 years in Milk River where he became part of the fabric of the town; making friends and helping whomever needed it. He returned to Lethbridge in 2018 where he spent his last years reconnecting with old friends, spending more time with his siblings, and making new connections. Stan was the glue that connected many different groups of friends, notably within his beloved “Breakfast Club”. When he moved into Blue Sky Manor he made an instant and special connection with Cheryl Orr and they quickly became inseparable. Our heart goes out to Cheryl who lost her constant companion.
Stan enjoyed many hobbies over the years including cribbage, golf, bowling, and calligraphy. He never missed marking a special occasion or event with a beautifully handwritten card.
Stan will be missed dearly by everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him. He will be remembered for hosting large family gatherings where he could be found serving food and making sure everyone was well fed.
Stan was a lifelong volunteer, most recently at the Nord-Bridge Senior Centre, and the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood, giving to an organization that is meaningful to you, or doing a good service for someone in your life, giving was Stan’s way of showing gratitude to those he cared about and is the best way to honor him.
Stan’s family appreciates that he knew so many people and touched so very many lives, and we encourage all his different groups of friends to get together and reminisce and share stories of this wonderful man. We as a family will gather and do the same, celebrating his life and times and remembering the Stan we knew.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SMITH
MARY JEAN SMITH beloved wife of the late Joseph Smith, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at the age of 66 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Patrick Siedlecki officiating.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Cor Van Raay
1936 – 2021
Cor Van Raay, father, companion, prominent cattle and grain farmer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 29, 2021, with family at his side.
Born May 30, 1936 in Nijmegen, Holland, Cor was an enigmatic personality that lived life to the fullest.
As a boy, Cor knew he wanted to be a farmer. He attended agricultural school but realized there wasn’t enough land in Holland to farm the way he dreamed. Driven to achieve his goals, Cor arrived in Vancouver in 1959, where he worked as a landscaper. Soon a farming opportunity beckoned in Alberta where Cor began his career growing beets. Later, he added barley, potatoes, and wheat to his crops. In time, he bought land and cattle, developed large feedlots, and honed his marketing skills. He passionately believed if he did what he loved, success would follow. It did. Cor became a leader in the cattle and grain industry. When challenges arose Cor’s work ethic, drive, and high expectations, fortified him. With his business acumen and leadership abilities, it was natural for Cor to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities and he became partners in numerous business adventures. In later years, Cor successfully extended his farming enterprises into Saskatchewan.
Cor met his future wife, Christine, in Alberta. The couple married on April 20, 1963. Christine’s participation in the farm made her a wonderful partner in life and business. They raised six children, Kenneth, Brenda, Sandra, Colleen, Michelle, and Darren. Sadly, Christine passed away in 2005.
Cor believed Canada and his Southern Alberta community provided opportunities which contributed to his success. In a spirit of gratitude and generosity, he gave back to his community by supporting a variety of organizations with monetary donations and service. Among them are the YMCA, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College, and St. Michael’s Health Centre.
He received many honors including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, induction into the Alberta Hall of Fame, Picture Butte’s Citizen of the Year award, and an Honorary Doctor of Law from the University of Lethbridge.
Cor was passionate about fitness. He enjoyed cycling, running, and power walking. This balanced well with his love of pie. He ran his first marathon when he was 61. At the age of 70, he embarked on the adventure of a lifetime when he cycled 7,100 km across Canada in 73 days.
Cor cared deeply for his family in his quiet way. He valued being there for his children and grandchildren. Cor’s family is so proud of the great and kind man he was.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Lori Van Raay, daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Bill Bezooyen; daughter, Sandra Van Raay, daughter and son-in-law, Colleen and Duncan Mackey; daughter, Michelle Van Raay, and son and daughter-in-law, Darren and Crystal Van Raay; grandchildren, Emily, Adam, Dexter, Luke, Zoltan, Sawyer, Sullivan, Lincoln, Agatha, Pax, and Brock.
Cor is also survived by his companion, Julie Perverseff. Julie poured her heart and soul into life with Cor. Cor was fortunate to have this special person willing to take on the life’s adventures wholeheartedly in his golden years – including starting a farming operation in Saskatchewan. Julie can never be thanked enough for the care, support and love she gave Cor these last 10 years.
Cor is predeceased by and his wife Christine, parents Maria and Gerrit van Raaij, sisters Joke and Annie. Survived by siblings Henk, Will and Thea.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC PARISH, 355 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta,
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC PARISH, 355 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Private Family Service will take place at Mountain View Cemetery following the Funeral Mass.
For those who wish, the service will be available to view via livestream by going to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Cor-VanRaay and scrolling to the bottom of Cor’s obituary.
Donations in memory of Cor can be made to the Covenant Foundation – Supporting St. Michael’s Health Centre Covenant foundation.ca online or mailed to 3C60, 11111 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 0L4
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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