By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 3, 2022.
ALSTON, James
ALSTON James Turner Alston, beloved husband to Sandra and father to Jared, Kristen, Kayla and Jaclyn (Jeff), and grandfather to Jared James, passed away at his home in Fishers, Indiana from esophageal cancer on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at the age of 63.
Jim was born on October 24, 1959 in Cardston, Alberta to parents Douglas Alston and Janet Turner. He was the second of six children. His siblings Jody, Drew (Wendi), Jacqueline, Donna (Trent) and Jonathan (Melissa) mourn his passing. Jim was pre-deceased by his son Jared, his parents, and his in-laws Evan and Myrtle Jensen.
Jim was a product of the educational system in Lethbridge. He graduated from Agnes Davidson, Gilbert Paterson, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute and the University of Lethbridge. He also attended the Lethbridge Community College.
As a young man, Jim was an avid hunter. He especially loved hunting on the Milk River Ridge. His hunting companions included Kenny McIntyre, Jeff Payne, B.K. Payne, Kim Schnoor, Chuck Cosgrove and Gordie Petrunik. Later in his life, he became a dedicated birder and many of his photographs of nature adorn the walls of our families’ homes. Jim loved watching outdoorsy type shows, including “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” and “American Sportsman.” He loved the outdoors, especially our family’s land on Lee’s Creek near Chief Mountain.
Jim served in the Fiji, Suva mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spent his entire mission on the island nation of Vanuatu. He mastered Bislama so well that he was chosen to be part of a team that translated LDS scripture into that language.
Jim married Sandy Jensen in the Cardston Alberta Temple on September 1, 1983. They had 39 years together. Jim and Sandy’s family lived in Lethbridge, Raymond, Calgary, Philadelphia, Kalamazoo, St. Louis and Indianapolis.
Jim’s career was as a research scientist for leading educational institutions and pharmaceutical companies. He worked for the University of Calgary, the Albert Einstein Institute, the University of Pennsylvania, SmithKline Beecham, Pfizer and Eli Lilly.
Jim was a friend to all. He loved his Turner and Alston families, as well as Sandy’s Baker and Jensen families. He was a wise, loving, kind, thoughtful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, in-law, uncle, grandson and cousin. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held this summer in Southern Alberta.
COX, Susanne
COX, Suzanne Lorna It is with great sadness and much love that we mourn the passing of Suzanne Lorna Cox (Hoyt) on November 26, 2022, and in Sue’s words, at the age of nobody’s business.
Her husband Bill (WD) Cox predeceased her in 2022. She leaves to mourn: her children: her amazing daughters Marian Cox (Clive) and Cheryl Cox (Sue) and her fantastic son Steve Cox (Michelle); her grandchildren Nathan and Melissa Pratt; and her brother John Hoyt (Betty-Ann).
The family would like to extend a great appreciation to the staff at Skypointe Hospice Care for their care and tremendous kindness to Sue. In lieu of flowers donations in Suzanne’s memory can be made to the The Kidney Foundation( http://www.kidney.ca ) or a charity of your choice.
To express condolences and share memories, please visit: http://www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.
KOZELENKO, Lawrence
KOZELENKO Lawrence (Larry) Kozelenko passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 29, 2022 at the age of 84. Survived by his wife, Diane Kozelenko, of 59 years. Daughter Heidi (Jason) Anderson of Lethbridge. Son Stephen (Laura) Kozelenko of Red Deer. Two granddaughters, Sidney Kozelenko and Nikko Anderson (Austin). Sisters-in-law Irene (John) Wood, Lennie Freeman (Michael), and brother-in-law Don Karastas (Kim). And numerous nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents William and Doris Kozelenko, sister Elsie Friesen, nephew Shawnn Friesen. His father-in-law and mother-in-law Fred and Margaret Karastas, brother-in-law Ron Karastas, brother-in-law Bill Wood, niece Wendy Wood, and sister-in-law Rita Wood.
Larry was born October 10, 1938 and raised in Wayne, Alberta. His work for Alberta Transportation spanned for 35 years which ultimately brought him to Lethbridge where he resided for the last 44 years. He loved sports, especially baseball and hockey. But his greatest passion was music. He loved playing the violin and jamming with the seniors every Thursday.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Spring of 2023.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Kidney Foundation or charity of your choice.
RITA MARIE GAUMONT
GAUMONT RITA MARIE GAUMONT (nee Weisgerber), passed away peacefully while surrounded by family and friends on November 19, 2022.
She is lovingly remembered by her two sons, Chris (Stacey) and Marc (Sherri) Gaumont; their father Dennis; her three grandchildren Kylie, Brette and birthday twin Kadi; her brothers Ronald (Beatrice) and Jim; sister Margaret (Brian), as well as numerous nieces and nephews of who she was also very fond.
Rita was born in Calgary, AB before being adopted by arguably the two best parents in the world, Ben and Mary Weisgerber of Schuler, AB. She was raised on the family farm where she developed many beautiful and lifelong friendships. Rita was well known for her bright smile, quick wit and steadfast beliefs in God and the love of family. She was much loved and surely will be deeply missed.
All who knew and loved Rita are welcome to attend her Celebration of Life Service at ST.PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 238-2nd Ave NE, Medicine Hat, AB on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 3:30pm
Rita will be laid to rest at a later date with her parents in the Hillside Cemetery, Medicine Hat, AB
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s memory are gratefully accepted to the Multiple Sclerosis Society at mssociety.donorportal.ca
D’ANDREA, Mary
MARY D’ANDREA 1936 – 2022 Mrs. Mary Anne D’Andrea of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Michael D’Andrea, passed away at St. Therese Villa, on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at the age of 86 years.
Mary was born on July 27, 1936, eldest child of Ignacy and Stephania (Stella) Lubin. She married Michael D’Andrea on May 17, 1958. She enjoyed nearly 30 years in a rewarding and fulfilling teaching career. Mary will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, positive attitude, and love of life. She was very social, creative and crafty, and was involved in numerous organizations, service clubs, and social groups, where she attained lifetime memberships with many of them. She loved to travel and go camping. Mary liked to be silly and have fun, and she always had a joke on hand to share! She also loved to brighten someone’s day. She had an incredible memory and was an inspiration to many. She participated in and cherished many family milestones and celebrations with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.
Mary leaves behind her three children, Sandra (Mark) German of Cochrane, Dianne (Kim) Sullivan of Lethbridge, and Tim (Mardie) D’Andrea of Calgary. She had seven grandchildren: Greg (Mandi) German, Rhonda Kennedy, DeAndra Sullivan, Hunter Sullivan, and KiAnna Sullivan, Mikayla D’Andrea and Mackenzie D’Andrea. Mary had five great-grandchildren: George and Molly Kennedy, Navy, Rhodes and Rune German. She is also survived by her siblings Helena Lubin, Janet Tilbe, Joe (Isabel) Lubin, and Vicki (Brian) Sherman, her sisters-in-law Maria Delger, Maxine D’Andrea, and Joyce D’Andrea, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, and many friends.
She is predeceased by her loving husband Michael D’Andrea; her parents Stella & Ignacy Lubin; her sister-in-law Madeline Jorgenson; her brothers-in-law Len Tilbe, Victor D’Andrea, Fiori D’Andrea, Roy Delger and Doug Jorgenson.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 St S, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects before the Vigil, between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, on Monday, December 19, 2022 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC PARISH, 2405 12 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant.
Interment will follow at the Union Cemetery in Fort Macleod, Alberta.
Donations can be made in Mary’s honor to support CNIB Guide Dogs. To do this, Google “Support CNIB Guide Dogs” and select “Donate in Tribute.” Or to support the Recreation Therapy Program at St. Therese Villa, cash donations will be accepted at prayer and funeral services.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
KITAGAWA, Mikio
Mikio “Mike” Kitagawa, beloved husband of the late Amy Kitagawa (nee Teshima), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the age of 88 years.
Mike moved to Raymond, AB, in 1942 and later settled in Calgary, AB. He worked for Bestway TV and Appliances from 1965 to 2001. He will be most remembered for his generosity and his sense of humour.
Mike is survived by his daughter Susan Kitagawa, his brother Hiroshi “Spud” Kitagawa of Raymond, AB, and four nephews, Alan Kitagawa of Calgary, John (Carmen) Teshima, Paul (Tammy) Teshima, Nik (Anita) Teshima, all of Toronto.
A viewing will be held for those wishing to pay their respects at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Graveside Service to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Queen’s Park. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mike’s service streamed live on the day of the service at http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared and viewed there.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Unit 112 at the Foothills Medical Centre for the great care provided to Mike in his final days.
If friends so desire, in lieu of koden and flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Calgary Buddhist Temple 207 – 6th St. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3Y1. E-transfer donation email: calgarybuddhisttemple@gmail.com.
In living memory of Mikio Kitagawa, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
MERRICK, Gordon
MERRICK We are saddened to announce the passing of our beautiful father, grandfather and great-grandfather, GORDON RAYMOND MERRICK on November 27, 2022, at the age of 88 years.
He leaves to mourn his five children, Richard Merrick, Kathleen (Werner) Schrage, Patrick Merrick, Marion (Darrell) Eastman and Donna Court; grandchildren, Nicole (Doug) Beamish, Alicia (Mike) Hirsche, Richelle Merrick, Bryce (Tamara), Nicholas (Jackie) Schrage, Jim (Jolyn), Amanda, Gordon Merrick, Derek (Kylie), Kristopher (Robyn), Staci Eastman, Braeden Court, Karlyn (Christopher) Hamel, as well as 14 great-grandchildren.
Gordon was predeceased by the love of his life of 50 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Merrick and their infant son, Paul.
Gordon was born in Lethbridge on March 15, 1934. He loved his family first. He was a dedicated, sweet, man with a great sense humour. Gordon was passionate about the health of the environment. Before and after his retirement from AGT (35 Years), he was devoted to many causes to help protect the environment. Gordon was one of the founding members of the Southern Alberta Group for the Environment (SAGE) and instrumental in helping to preserve the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands. He was president of the Oyster River Enhancement Society in Comox, BC. Over the years, Gordon won several awards in recognition of his achievements. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner and with his passing, our family has lost his great wealth of knowledge. Gordon will be deeply missed.
As he wished, there will be no formal funeral service at this time.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
ELLIOT, Leah
ELLIOTT It is with broken hearts that the family of LEAH DAWN ELLIOTT (née Yakemchuk) announces her passing on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Leah is survived by her loving husband Bill, two daughters, Sasha and Ryanna, parents, John and Susan Yakemchuk, two brothers, Robin (Tammy, nephews Connor, Keeling, Carter) and Brad, mother-in-law Wendy Elliott, late father-in-law, Ken Elliott, and Sheila (Mike, nephews Joel, Shaun) Tkachenko.
Throughout her short life, Leah accomplished many things. She loved figure skating, ringette, Ukrainian dancing, water skiing, hiking and helping out with the family business. Leah attended elementary school in Elk Point, AB and graduated in Fort Saskatchewan. Her love of business, took her to Pizza of Waterton and Windflower Coffee, where she demonstrated entrepreneurship to her girls.
Leah’s life was complete with Bill and the girls. They were her whole world. Leah enjoyed attending all of her daughters’ sporting events and loved listening to her girls play the piano and violin. Traveling with her family and friends was a highlight of Leah’s life. Her journeys took her to many parts of the world; in April, she climbed Machu Picchu. Leah’s well-lived life leaves a lasting impression on those that knew her. Family and friends will cherish their memories of Leah. She will be dearly missed and loved forever.
A Celebration of Leah’s life will be held in Mountain View, Alberta on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the LDS Chapel located on Highway 5.
Donations in memory of Leah can be e-transferred to mvsfees@westwind.ab.ca Or a cheque payable to Mountain View School can be mailed to Mountain View School, Box 30, Mountain View, AB, TOK 1NO
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
CODY, Floyd
CODY FLOYD CODY, of Milk River, took his final flight on November 30, 2022.
He is survived by his loving wife, Leslie Cody, as well as his five children; Sheryl (Malcolm) Cody of Camrose, Michelle (Martine) Cody of Sherwood Park, Adrienne (Shawn) McCluskey of Strathmore, Matthew Cody of Lethbridge, and Stephen (Jennifer) Cody of Fort St. John, BC. Floyd is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Aspen, Zachary, Tristan, Hayden, Rylan, Linley, Rachel, and Colton.
Floyd is the second of seven children and is survived by his siblings; Richard (Jackie) Cody, Linda (Neil) Cody-Monaghan, Allan Cody, Tim (Joan) Cody and David (Shonda) Cody, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Don and Grace Cody, as well as his sister Janice Bell.
Floyd and Leslie were married on November 8, 1974. They then moved to the family farm, where they raised their five children. His hard-working ways and natural ability for tinkering, tools, and problem-solving were passed on to all of his family. Everything from rebuilding engines to flying planes, he had a passion for life. Floyd was very active in the community as a member of the Water Co-op, The Knights of Columbus, Flying Farmers of Alberta and the Historical Society of Milk River, to name a few. He was always ready to help out neighbours and friends in need. His compassion, quick wit, and sense of humour will be missed by all. And the sparkle in his eyes will be noticeably missed by us. As he would say, “Old pilots never die, they just become tail draggers. Tap it lightly.” Until we meet again. Love you bunches.
Floyd’s celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
The family requests instead of flowers, please donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca) or your local Foodbank.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
TROCKSTAD, Bruce
BRUCE TROCKSTAD 1943 – 2022 Mr. Bruce Trockstad of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Shirley Trockstad, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at the age of 79 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Bruce-Trockstad and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Lillian Frieburg
1936 – 2022
Lillian Laura Frieburg, beloved wife of the late Ames Frieburg, passed away peacefully in Taber on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at the age of 86 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church,
5009 – 48 Avenue, Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. A private burial will follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Lillian’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. The livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone:
(403) 223-8778.
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