Friday, January 6, 2023
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 6, 2023.
HEAVY RUNNER, Lenora HEAVY RUNNER Lenora “Kenora” Jolaine Heavy Runner passed away on December 31, 2022 in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 65 years.A Wake Service will be held at Moses Lake Gym, Blood Reserve on Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 5:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve, AB.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
OORDT, Mary Mary Doris Oordt 1938 – 2022 Mary Doris (nee Stremler) Oordt of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Martin (Marty) Oordt, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2022 at the age of 84 years.
Mary was born in Lynden, Washington where she grew up, married her high school sweetheart, Marty, and their life adventure began. Mary completed a Masters in Sociology in California and started her teaching career in Kentucky. In 1967, Mary moved with her family to Lethbridge where she taught while living on a small farm outside of Lethbridge. She left teaching to run her own business and volunteer for many groups including the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Friends of the Galt, Empress Theatre and Lethbridge Symphony. In her retirement with Marty, they continued to volunteer and fundraise as well as publish Lethbridge Living Magazine together.
Family was very important to Mary. She is survived by her daughter, Marya Helm; son-in-law, Jon; grandson, Oliver; brother, Al (Becky); and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Martin; brother, Casey; granddaughter, Madelyn Grace; sister, Gertie; and parents, Steven and Dora.
A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00pm on Monday, January 9, 2023, at the GALT MUSEUM, 502-1 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may make Memorial Donations to the CMHA South, the Friends of the Galt, the Lethbridge Symphony Association, or the Lethbridge Community Association.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
ROYER, Alice
ROYER, Alice Viola January 27, 1927 – December 31, 2022 It is with great love and deep sadness, the family of Alice Viola Royer (Galloway), shares the news of her passing. Alice died peacefully on December 31st, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, 27 days before her 96th birthday. Alice married Dan Royer in 1947 and was predeceased by him on December 28th, 2012. Born in Fort Saskatchewan, AB, to Percy and Gladys Galloway, Alice was also predeceased by her four siblings, Lloyd (Violet), Dorothy (George) Ottwell, Ken (Edith), Joyce (Laurence Brabbins & Bill Andrais) Brabbins. Alice is survived by her six children: Terry (Maureen) Royer, Diana (Rick) Bernard, Wynne (Gord Towers) Royer, Greg (Cindy) Royer, Randy (Jane) Royer, and Michelle (Bruce) Griffith-Cochrane. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Over the years Alice made many friends in the communities in which she resided, including Fort Saskatchewan, Rocky Mountain House, Wetaskiwin, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Mississauga, and Calgary. A Celebration of Life and Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 1:00 pm – St Peter’s Catholic Church, 541 Silvergrove Dr NW, Calgary, AB with Father Johnathan Gibson celebrating and reception to follow. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and available to view on Alice’s obituary on Eden Brook and St. Peter’s websites. Alice will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation directly to Dementia and Alzheimer research in Alice’s name.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting http://www.edenbrookcemetery.ca
PAVKA, Frank FRANK PAVKA 1928 – 2023 Frank (Fritz) Pavka of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mary Ann Pavka passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the age of 94 years.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Ann, his six children:Terry (Donna) Pavka, Jane (Jim) Bettcher, Joyce (Guy) Sunada, Jennifer (Roger) Wallace, M J (Matt) Kabayama, Patrick Pavka, his 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandsons He is also survived by his siblings: Mildred (Ray) Bagozzi and Laddie (Anne) Pavka his sister’s in-law: June Lastuka, Ann Lastuka and Gina Baird, and brother in-law: John (Heidi) Lastuka and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Monday, January 9, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 119 14 St NW #100, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
TURNBULL, Francis “Frank” FRANCIS “FRANK” TURNBULL 1942 – 2022 Francis (Frank) Edward Turnbull of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Rita Turnbull, passed away on December 31, 2022 at the age of 80 years.
Besides his loving wife Rita, Francis is also survived by his children, Donovan Turnbull, Leanne (Darin) Collar, Darrin (JoAnne) Turnbull. Grandchildren: Jesse and Kendra Turnbull, Alysha (Michael Harper) Turnbull, Tristan and Branden Collar. Great Grandchildren Jaxon & Ella Harper.
Francis is also survived by his sister Audrey Forsyth, Virden MB. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. He was predeceased by his sisters Marina, Irene and brothers Earl, Charles and Alan.
Francis was born and raised in Virden MB on May 26, 1942. He met his wife Rita in Picture Butte and knew she was the one. They married within 6 months and the adventure continued for the next 58 years. Working at a bank gave them the opportunity to live in many communities throughout Alberta. They eventually settled down in Raymond and Francis worked at Kawneer for over 20 years until his retirement. Upon retirement, Francis and Rita moved to Lethbridge where they lived until his passing.
Francis participated in many hobbies and activities including coaching and watching hockey, union participation, bingo, bowling, walking and the casino.
Friendly Frankie was always there to help everyone including doing their taxes. He loved and adored his grandchildren and the newest great grandchildren that made him smile and laugh. We will all miss his laughter and teasing!
As per Francis’ wishes there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Jack Addy Cancer Centre, 960 19 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
PALMER, Erin ERIN LEE PALMER 1970 – 2023 Ms. Erin Lee Palmer, of Lethbridge, beloved daughter of Donna Palmer and the late Peter Palmer, passed away at South Health Campus in Calgary, AB on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the age of 52 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
GRASPOINTNER, Andreas “Andy” ANDREAS “ANDY” GRASPOINTNER 1948 – 2023 Mr. Andreas “Andy” Graspointner of Milk River, beloved husband of Mrs. Marian Graspointner, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, January 2, 2023, at the age of 74 years.
Always with honour and integrity, Andy set and followed his own journey of life.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WARREN, John WARREN JOHN WARREN, beloved husband of Barbara, born August 18th, 1939 in Shenfield, England, passed away peacefully at home in Lethbridge, on January 4th 2023 with the help of MAID (medical aid in dying) at the age of 83, encircled in love by his wife and three daughters.
Barbara’s memories: John and I met in January 1955, when he was 15 and I was 14. From that magical moment we enjoyed every step of our journey together.
On 16 March 1963 we were married and, four months later, we sailed to Montreal on the Empress of Canada. We drove our VW van to Calgary where we spent the next 13 years, enjoying our lives and our new family. Christine, Pauline and Tania, three wonderful daughters, were all born in Calgary.
We all moved to Lethbridge in 1976, and this move was a good one for our family. We enjoyed our lives here, and were happy to see our girls mature into kind, loving, strong women. Their spouses, Michelle, Troy and Ted have all added to the tapestry of our family, as have our grandchildren, Russell, Tegan, Samantha, Colton, Denver, Matthew, Dylan and Kaleigh. We all love and enjoy each other.
John chose to ask for medical assistance in dying (MAID) because he had been suffering from the pain of peripheral neuropathy since 2010. John, from this experience, believed in the right to die. From 2012 to 2015 he was Vice President of Dying With Dignity Canada and fought for the right of Canadians, “who were suffering intolerably from an incurable condition”, to be eligible for MAID. The organization won that battle in 2015 when the Supreme Court of Canada ordered the government to change the law.
In October we hurriedly returned from our winter home in Mexico because John was so sick.
John applied for MAID, served the mandatory waiting period of 90 days and on 4th January his suffering was ended with the help of a physician. He was surrounded by his daughters and was in my loving arms. We had a magical life together till the end of his journey. That is all that matters.
Dr. Seuss was right, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the Shooting Star Foundation, 5015 50 Avenue, Taber, AB, T1G 1N3.
A private Family Service will be held at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LEMAY, Lisa LEMAY LISA MARIE LEMAY, beloved mother of Joseph, Ella, and Embry LeMay, daughter of Barbara (Jose) Ruiz and sister to Stephanie Brown and Jessica Chaykowski, passed away suddenly at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at the age of 40 years.
A Celebration of Lisa’s Life will be held at a later date.
In memory of Lisa, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
FIRST CHARGER, Stella STELLA FIRST CHARGER 1947 – 2022 Mrs. Stella First Charger of The Blood Reserve passed away peacefully at home at the age of 75 years. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her family.
A ONE DAY FUNERAL AND WAKE SERVICE WILL BE HELD AS FOLLOWS:
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday January 7, 2023 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Wake Service will follow from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
DRAGLAND, Shelley DRAGLAND SHELLEY DRAGLAND, loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and grandmother, passed away on December 27, 2022 at the age of 59 years.
Growing up, Shelley always had a passion for caring for others. This passion continued into her adult life where she graduated from Mount Royal University as a Recreational Therapist. She spent over 25 years working with clients who had disabilities, including volunteering at the special Olympics and caregiving for a client while they lived in her home for over 10 years.
Shelley was known as the fun mom who welcomed all into her home. She was the energetic grandma who would come up with the best games to play. She was an adventurous daughter and a silly quick-witted sister. She was the aunt who always had fun activities and adventures planned and the friend who was always there.
Shelley is remembered by her family and friends for her high energy and generous spirit. She loved singing, dancing and cartwheeling wherever she went, crafting with her grandkids, and cooking the most delicious meals for those around her table. She loved cheering her kids on in their sports and making people laugh. Shelley loved being outdoors; going on family camping trips and fishing were her favourite hobbies.
Most of all, Shelley loved being a mom and grandmother.
Shelley’s kind heart and welcoming arms will be missed by everyone.
A Come and Go Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
HALE, Kenneth HALE 1944 – 2023 KENNETH EDWIN HALE died at St. Michael’s Health Centre with his family at his side on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at the age of 78 years.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Christine Anne, son Kenneth Edward Hale and daughter Sandra Christine Hale-Minehan.
He lived a long, full life and was loved by many.
“Even when the heart falls silent, we do not cease to be, because in the end, we all become memories.” With respect to Ken’s wishes, his family will say goodbye to him privately.
Thank you to all of the staff of Fraser House A2 in St. Michael’s Health Centre, for their compassion and affectionate care in guiding us through this difficult journey.
LYNAGH, David LYNAGH DAVID JOHN AIDAN LYNAGH, beloved husband of Eileen, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at Park Meadows Good Samaritans, on Thursday December 8, 2022 at the age of 83 years.
Arrangements to be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SLOVAK, Betty SLOVAK, Elizabeth “Bette” Elizabeth “Bette” Margaret Slovak passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Foothills Hospital following a stroke. Leaving this place just in time for a Heavenly New Years Eve Ball.
She was born September 18, 1930, the eldest daughter of Walter and Annie Sherman in Lethbridge. She became an older sister to Lorraine Winget and Carol Kovacs.
She grew up in Lethbridge and worked at MacKay Brothers’ John Deere before marrying the love of her life, Michael Slovak on September 18, 1954. They loved to dance and were members of the Pemmican Club and attended every Pemmican Ball, no matter the temperature or the weather. The city girl became a farmer’s wife, and they settled in the Wrentham area. Bette sang in the church choir, was a Sunday School teacher, active member of the church ladies’ group, and a Brownie Leader. They moved to Claresholm in 1965 when the Wrentham School decided to transport students to Raymond. Mike and Bette decided that their children would not ride the bus for over an hour one way, so relocated to Claresholm. Here Bette became involved again in Church and community choirs, was a CGIT leader, treasurer for Meals on Wheels, and belonged to the TOPS club. Prior to her passing she resided at the Cottonwood Village.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Community Baptist Church, 4404 – 4 Street W, Claresholm, AB, on Friday, January 20, 2022 at 2:00 PM.
Waiting in Heaven for Bette are her parents, husband, Mike Slovak; and granddaughter, Sarah.
Bette is lovingly remembered by her family of three: daughter, Lorna (Dennis) Guitton, Ken (Denise) Slovak, and Tom (Darla) Slovak; grandchildren, Gord (Juliane) Guitton, Beverly (Kevin) Allain, Michael and Brady Slovak, Amber O’Neill and Samantha Chretien; great-grandchildren, Rylen, Jase Guitton, Andrews and Aaron Allain and Rider Kuntz; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as sister and brother-in-laws.
The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, donation be made to STARS, PO Box 570, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7 or to the Claresholm Health Foundation, PO Box 2638, Claresholm, AB, T0L 0T0.
Serving Claresholm and Surrounding Areas Since 1997 (403) 625-5111 & (888) 216-5111
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