Saturday, February 18, 2023
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 18, 2023.
BRANNER, Claire BRANNER, Claire Isobel Jun 22, 1928 – Jan 31, 2023 Claire Branner (nee Davison) passed away at 94 years in Calgary, AB. Funeral Services will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca St. SE, Calgary) on Friday, March 3, 2023, at 11:30 AM.To send condolences please visit http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com
TAN, Jing Tang JING TANG TAN 1956 – 2023 Mr. Jing Tang Tan of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Lai “Fanny” Lim, passed away in a tragic accident in Lethbridge, on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at the age of 66 years.
Jing Tang Tan was born on April 5, 1956, in Taishan, Guangdong Province of China. In 1973 of July, he graduated from Taishan Fucheng High School. After graduation he worked on a government funded farm until 1990 where he immigrated to Canada where he marries Lai Fun Lim. They settled in Lethbridge, Alberta where they worked various jobs in restaurants in Lethbridge. In 2006 he acquired Ciao Mein located on the Westside of Lethbridge. He sold the restaurant in 2017 where he and his wife started an early retirement.
Jing Tang Tan was born to the late Xi Pei Tan and survived by his mother Qiu Lau Wu where she resides in Cincinnati Ohio. Jing Tang is the third oldest of the six siblings, older brothers Jing Shun Tan (Ai Chan Huang) and Jing Hui Tan (Yue Fang Chen) of Cincinnati, Ohio, younger brother Jing Yan Tan (Xiao Hua Tan) of Taber, Alberta, younger sisters Jin Zhu Tan (Zhong Liang Huang) and Jin Yu Tan (Edmund Chu) of Cincinnati, Ohio; fives nephews, six nieces, six great nephews and one great niece.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Mr. Wayne Kwan officiating. Interment to follow at the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WEASEL BEAR, Jonathon WEASEL BEAR Jonathon Weasel Bear, passed away on February 12, 2023 at the age of 43 years.
A Wake Service will be held at the Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, South Hill Chapel, Cardston on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in St. Paul’s cemetery.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.
WRIGHT, James WRIGHT JAMES LLOYD WRIGHT, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Julie Wright, passed away at home on Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at the age of 92 years.
He is deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jim was an extraordinary man with a remarkable sense of duty, unwavering integrity, and exceptional perseverance. He is lovingly remembered for his selfless devotion to family and friends throughout a well-lived life.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through James’ obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Funeral Service, James will be laid to rest in Archmount Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
JOHNSON, Audrey AUDREY JOHNSON 1930 – 2023 Audrey Irene Johnson (nee Stevens) born September 12, 1930 passed away at home with her husband Doran of 73 years holding her hand on February 12, 2023.
Audrey was born on the family farm near Erskine, Alberta. After finishing as much schooling as a one room school could provide, she moved to Lethbridge to complete high school. Not long after graduating she met her future husband Doran in Lethbridge, Alberta. Together they had two children, a daughter Cidnee (Jim) Chalmers and a son Blake (Brenda) Johnson. Being a young mother was a challenging new experience. Cidnee and Blake will attest that they only reason they made it out of childhood was because of Kay Wheeler. Audrey and Kay were the best of friends and remained so for over 70 years.
As her children grew Audrey went back to work. Wherever she was she applied herself and was respected and appreciated. Audrey enjoyed a long career with the Lethbridge Community College. The people she met became lifelong friends. You have enriched her life so much.
After retiring Audrey decided she should take up golf if she wanted to spend more time with Doran. Mom was not a golfer by any stretch of the imagination. Mom would take lessons from Paul Lowe, but her focus was more on her golf attire.
Audrey was a very proud grandmother and great grandmother. Audrey and Doran have 4 grandchildren Erin Harrison (Jordan) Kelly Hluschayk (Blair) Blake Chalmers (Sara) and Colin Johnson, 8 great grandchildren. All the grandchildren and great grandchildren have their unique Grandma Johnson story.
As Audrey’s health declined in the latter year’s, family became her caregiver. Without the help of Sandra and Neil Hahn our family would have been lost. Doran, Cidnee, and Blake thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done and continue to do. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the West Highlands Care Home.
As per Audrey’s request there will not be a formal service. The family will gather later in the summer for the interment and share stories that would make her laugh.
Flowers are gratefully declined, instead if you care to, make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SHIMOZAWA, Hisashi “Slim” HISASHI “SLIM” SHIMOZAWA 1928 – 2023 Hisashi “Slim” Shimozawa of Taber, beloved husband of the late Kiyoko Shimozawa, passed away unexpectedly (seems weird to say it, but it’s true) after a brief stay at the Taber Health Centre, on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the age of 94 years.
Dad is survived by his son Trent (Merina), daughter Lisa, granddaughter Chrystal (Rick), great grandson Loki and great granddaughter Clio. Also left to mourn his passing are his siblings Kay Sameshima, Tom (Fumi) Shimozawa, Diane Lyseng, and sister-in-law Audrey Shimozawa. He has many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Mom’s family who will miss him dearly. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings Walt Shimozawa, Sue (Yo) Nishimura, Joe Shimozawa, Mits Shimozawa, Stan Shimozawa, and brother-in-law Sam Sameshima. Losing Uncle Stan was particularly tough on him, as he was supposed to see him after the lengthy lockdown, but sadly he did not get that opportunity. Dad is also survived by his trusty feline companion Mari, who is adjusting to her new loving home in Moose Jaw, SK. He can now reunite with all of the furry family members who left before him.
Dad was born in Steveston, BC to Kazuichi and Hatsu Shimozawa on August 4, 1928. The family lived in Nanaimo, BC, until the WWII internment, when they were sent to Tashme (Hope, BC). When the war was over, the Shimozawas moved to Southern Alberta (Stirling, Taber, and Lethbridge), and Dad went to work for Tona Ohama Farms in Rainier. He went to Japan and met and married Mom, and they then lived in Rainier, Barnwell, and Taber, where Dad resided at Clearview Lodge at the time of his passing. He worked for many years for Diamond S Produce (Shimbashi Farms), working farm labour and looking after irrigation.
After his retirement, he mostly looked after his yard, and his house. He was very handy and could fix most anything on his own. He took great pride in his garden, and he and Mom spent many hours looking after the vegetables, flowers, the apple tree, and the grapevines.
You could also find him at some local haunts (the Palace and the Royal) having a cold one with his friends; as he got older and outlived his first set of drinking buddies, he started hanging out with the young guys, he truly loved that.
When Mom’s health declined, dad became her caregiver, and took great commitment in looking after all of her needs. They moved into Linden View together, and when mom needed more care, he had to move back to the house, and then eventually to Clearview.
Dad was an uncomplicated soul, he never complained about anything, and was very matter of fact when it came to talking about things like the internment, moving out of his house, letting go of his driver’s license, Mom’s passing, and even in his own death, he didn’t complain, always smiling at the nurses and thanking them. He was the best dad and provider, a very hard worker, and he was a good friend to many.
We knew he wouldn’t live forever, but dammit, we would have loved a couple more years. Bye, Dad. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 Steet South, Lethbridge, Alberta with Reverend Yasuo Izumi, officiating.
Please consider a donation in Dad’s name to Taber and District Housing Foundation, 5318-48 Avenue, Taber, AB T1G 1S2, or http://www.taberhsg.ca. Clearview Lodge was his home for the last 3 1/2 years, and we are very grateful for the care and love he received there.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WHEELER, Neil WHEELER NEIL GRANT WHEELER, beloved husband of Roberta Wheeler, passed away on February 16, 2023 at the age of 70 years.
A Graveside Service will be held at the MAGRATH CEMETERY on Thursday February 23, 2023 at 11:00am.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
SWANEK, Mary SWANEK It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of MARY SWANEK. Mary passed away peacefully wither devoted and loving husband, Rodney, by her side. She was blessed with a wonderful life of 75 years.
Along with her husband, she is survived by her son Scott (Christina), daughter Meghan (Chad); grandchildren Taylor, John, Scotty, Mikail (Ashley), Madison, Maddie, Lillian, Isabel; and twin sister Barbara (Donald).
Mary was born to Stanley and Isobel Fulks and grew up on the family farm in Waskatenau, AB with her three brothers and two sisters. It was there that she learned a strong work ethic and developed a passion for cooking and baking.
Mary and Rod were married for 52 years. They were truly devoted to each other and were rarely apart. Together they built a lifetime of memories and happiness as they raised their two children, Scott and Meghan. Mary will always be remembered for her thoughtful and generous heart. She loved sharing her baking with friends, family, neighbors, and mailing parcels filled with homemade baked goods and love to her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed visiting Waterton Park, tending to her flowers, and enjoying a nice cup of tea.
Mary battled kidney disease valiantly for many years. Our family would like to sincerely thanks Dr. Morley Wong and the staff of the Lethbridge Renal Clinic for years of wonderful care, as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital. Mary truly appreciated their excellent care and kindness. It is because of their excellent care that she was able to live many years, have quality time with her family, and leave many wonderful memories of a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving the gift of life by being an organ donor or making a donation to The Kidney Foundation of Canada – Southern Alberta Branch, 6007 1A Street SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0G5.
A private family celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
ELLERT, Wendy ELLERT It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Wendy Ellert at St. Michael’s Palliative Care on February 9, 2023, at the age of 65 years, following a battle with cancer.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years Vincent Ellert, Sons; David (Corinna), Jonah and Cameron. She is also survived by her Mother Anne Stoakley, sister Vivienne Brevik and her children, brother Cliff Stoakley (Chris) as well as a large extended family. She was predeceased by her father Jim Stoakley. As per her request no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers Wendy requested donations for a cause which was important to her; the funding of Science Workshops for children. Those wishing to donate should go to http://www.scientistsinschool.ca/donate once there; in the box labeled FUND; choose the Erin Gladwell Memorial Fund which provides funding for less advantaged schools.
To send a condolence,
please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
FABBI, Ronnie “Ron” DR. RONNIE “RON” FABBI 1943 – 2023 Dr. Ron Fabbi of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Dana Fabbi, passed away unexpectedly at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at the age of 79 years.
Ron was born on November 20, 1943 at the Galt Hospital to Antoinette and Stanley Fabbi. He attended school in Medicine Hat, Alberta through grade 10, at which time the family returned to Lethbridge where he completed High School at St. Francis Boys School. He received his Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University in Oregon 1966. He practiced Optometry in Lethbridge for 56 1/2 years until the day of his accident. He loved his work and loved his patients and that kept him going these many years.
Ron was involved with various clubs and organizations throughout his lifetime. He served on many boards and executives through which he made many lifelong friends. He was very active in the Prayer Community of Southern Alberta, hosting workshops for the Charismatic Gifts of the Holy Spirit and working in the areas of Inner Healing. He and the prayer community helped people in their woundedness by showing them the healing power, love and mercy of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Ron has abundant love for Jesus! He was joyful in being one of his faithful servants.
Ron enjoyed the unique nature of Southern Alberta and particularly the coulees, where he spent much time praying and playing golf. He walked the coulees often with the kids and grandkids over the 50 years that we lived on the coulee hill.
Besides his loving wife, Ron is survived by his daughter Jeunine Champagne and her sons Jordan and Rocco; sons Blaize (Mylissa) and their children Mylo and Willow, and Josh Fabbi. He is also survived by one brother Ken Fabbi; brother in law George (Barb) Modrzejewski and their sons Colby and Brett; sister in law Judy Montgomery (John) and cousin Tracey Faulkner, and many other cousins.
Ron was predeceased by his parents Antoinette and Stanley and infant brother Leroy.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM, on Monday, February 20, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12 Ave South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback celebrant. Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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