By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 21, 2023.
MCGREGOR, James
James William McGregor April 19, 1947 – April 5, 2023 It is with great sadness that the family of Jim McGregor announce his passing on April 5, 2023 at the age of 75 years.
A private family celebration of Jim’s life will be held out at Lake Koocanusa sometime this summer. Jim and his family would like to thank all his friends and neighbours for their support during the time of his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for you to make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Cremation Entrusted To Zentner Funeral Homes.
Photos, cherished memories and condolences may be shared at http://www.zentnerfuneralhomes.com 1-844-ZENTNER
GILLIES, Rodney (Rod)
RODNEY (ROD) REID GILLIES May 17, 1967 – April 19, 2023 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our son Rod who is now at peace after his 12 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis – and as Rod would say “it is what it is”.
Rod is survived by his parents, Marilyn and Steve Gillies, sister Tobi (Myles Kasun); aunts, uncles, cousins and special friend Kim Schmold.
Rod pursued his dream to become a golf professional. He had a love for fine clothes and later worked at McGuire’s Mens Wear. Rod was an accomplished curler and drummer. He had many interests including cooking, music, NASCAR races and great campfires. Rod also had a love for animals especially the many cats he rescued.
We are grateful for the care he received from the Calgary MS Clinic, Raymond and Lethbridge Home Care, AISH, Doctor Majiet, Dr. Walters and the palliative care team, and all the staff at St. Therese villa.
Cremation entrusted to Evergreen Cremation Services. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
If you so desire, donations on Rod’s behalf may be made to the MS Society of Canada, Alberta Division, 9405 – 50 St., Suite 150, Edmonton, AB, T6B 1G8 or a charity of your choice.
PARKER, Richard (Rick)
PARKER Richard (Rick) Parker passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023 at Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 76 years. He is survived by his wife Rojeanne, son Christopher and extended family.
Special thanks go to Barry & Wendy Ellis-Toddington and friend Lemina Deenter during a very difficult time.
DUGUAY, Bernice
DUGUAY BERNICE ELIZABETH DUGUAY, beloved wife of Dennis Duguay, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a lengthy illness, at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the age of 69 years.
Besides her loving husband Dennis of 44 years, Bernice is survived by her wonderful, loving children: son, Bruce (Kristin Hartigan) and daughter, Stefanie (Jo Wedlock) and grandchildren, Cooper and Keeley as well as her deeply cherished friends.
At Bernice’s request, no public service will be held. Instead of flowers, she suggests planting a tree or donating to a Canadian tree planting organization.
Bernice was passionate about in-depth journalism, books, libraries and reading. She was lucky to encompass all these joys into a career.
The gift of love is what makes life worth living.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
JASTER, Helen
JASTER December 27, 1932 – April 16, 2023 HELEN ROSE JASTER, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully with family by her side, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at the age of 90 years.
Helen is survived by her adoring husband, Al Jaster; daughter, Ellen (Rick) Lorincz; daughter, Susan (Tim) Lefaivre; grandchildren: Megan Lorincz, Kevin (Egypt Fife) Lorincz, Michael Lefaivre and Elizabeth Lefaivre. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Mel (Eileen) Jaster and many nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and was trained and worked as a nurse at Holy Family Hospital. She was so proud of being a nurse. It was in Prince Albert that she met our father, Al. They were married June 12, 1965, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Prince Albert and moved to Winnipeg shortly after. They moved around a lot due to Dad’s profession, finally settling in Lethbridge in 1978.
Mom loved her dogs and granddogs, golfing, playing cards, trying her luck at the casino, bowling, baking (gumdrop cake, mint chocolate chip cookies, snowballs), knitting, petit point and being the caregiver for all of us. She was beautiful, compassionate, caring, generous, kind, funny, witty, loving, faithful and hardworking. Most of all – she was a loving wife, mom and grandma and will be dearly missed.
At Helen’s request, a private Family Service will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (crhfoundation.ca) or the Lethbridge Humane Society (lethbridgehumanesociety.com) – charities close to Mom’s heart.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
OLSON, Donald “Don”
OLSON DONALD “DON” MILTON OLSON, beloved husband of 68 years to Rosemarie Olson, passed away peacefully with family by his side at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the age of 93 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 2:30 PM with Father Roque Pereira officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Don’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Interfaith Food Bank (interfaith foodbank.ca) or a charity of one’s choice in memory of Don.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LEBLANC, Mabel
LEBLANC MABEL LEBLANC, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Theresa Villa, on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 96 years of age.
Mabel is survived by two daughters, Connie Green and Diane Clark, as well as four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Rene LeBlanc, to whom she was happily married for 75 years before his passing in 2021. Mabel was also predeceased by both of her sons-in-law, Larry Green and Dennis Clark, as well as all eight of her siblings.
After many years of enjoying the farming lifestyle, she and dad were fortunate and blessed to spend over 25 years wintering in Arizona, where they enjoyed soaking up the sun, dancing up a storm, and many happy hours with several very close friends. Mabel was always a gracious hostess and a wonderful cook. She could prepare a full five course home-cooked meal at the drop of a pin and nobody left Mabel’s table unsatisfied.
Mabel was such a compassionate, thoughtful and honourable woman who loved her friends and family. It was no surprise that she developed very close attachments to many of the staff, nurses, and medical professionals during her years living at St. Therese Villa. Our family would like to thank each of these special individuals who provided exceptional care and enriched Mabel’s life in so many ways.
At Mabel’s request, no funeral service will be held. Cremation is entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
KULTGEN, Mary
MARY MADELINE KULTGEN 1930 – 2023 On a calm spring morning of April 18, 2023, with the sun shining and her children by her side, Mary Madeline Kultgen peacefully passed away at the age of 93.
Madeline was born February 18, 1930, in Lethbridge Alberta. She was the only daughter of Marcella and Phillip Skroch, a devoted wife, a loving mother of six, a cherished grandmother and a beloved great gramma.
Madeline was a proud, life-long, community member of Foremost, Alberta and she was involved in many organizations through the years – most notably the CWL of OLPH. Madeline dedicated her life to supporting and building her family’s farming operation; tirelessly working alongside her husband for many years doing everything from marking for Ken when he was aerial spraying, to shovelling barley out of the barn while Ken was gone hunting, to feeding the whole harvest crew for many years with the help of her daughters and eventually her daughters-in-law.
Madeline’s home was as welcoming as her smile. Madeline and Ken loved to host family and friends for dinners that turned into living room concerts. They enjoyed few things more than playing music to entertain guests or alone together each evening. She never missed an opportunity to socialize with her family, to find an encouraging word, or to have a good time. Be it playing cards, dancing the night away at her grandkids’ weddings, or simply riding out to the farm to enjoy touring the crops, for Madeline it was about being present. Her approach to life was inspirational to all who knew her, as she was positive and gracious, using humour to embrace the challenges of life and transcending hardships with the most beautifully humble strength.
Madeline is survived by four children, Colleen Kultgen, Phillip Kultgen and partner Dennis Schott, Ken and Kim (Ward) Kultgen, Marcell (Kultgen) and Randy Warnock; 15 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents Marcella (Sullivan) Skroch and Phillip Skroch;, her brother John Skroch; her sons Clifford Kultgen and Calvin Kultgen; her daughter-in-law Darlene (Schnieder) Kultgen; and her loving husband of 59 years, Ken Kultgen Sr.
As we say goodbye to the matriarch of our family, we will keep her legacy alive in the moments we choose kindness, compassion and grace.
If anyone would like to join the family in Prayers for Madeline, the service will be held at 7:00 pm, on Friday April 21, 2023 at the OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CATHOLIC CHURCH in Foremost Alberta.
A Private Family Funeral Service and burial will take place on Saturday April 22, 2023.
To honor Madeline’s memory, the family requests that donations be made to the Foremost Community Hall in lieu of flowers. There are several ways to make a donation:
E-transfer to VLG4MOST@telusplanet.net and include a comment that the transfer is in memory of Madeline Kultgen for the Community Hall.
Contact the Village office at 403-867-3733 during regular business hours to arrange a donation.
Send a cheque made out to the Village of Foremost, noted as a donation in memory of Madeline Kultgen for the Community Hall to Box 159, Foremost, AB, T0K 0X0.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
LEE, Anthony “Tony”
ANTHONY “TONY” LEE 1941 – 2023 Mr. Anthony “Tony” Lee, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Luella Lee, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the age of 81 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, April 21, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta with Reverend Trevor Potter, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/AnthonyTony-Lee-1 .
Because of allergies the family gratefully declines flowers. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Lethbridge Food Bank https://lethbridgefoodbank.ca/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
RONSPIES, Leona “Granny”
RONSPIES LEONA “GRANNY” RONSPIES, passed away peacefully at Park Meadows Good Samaritans, on Monday, April 17, 2023 at the age of 84 years. Leona had a long, courageous battle with Dementia, but unfortunately, succumbed to the illness.
Leona is survived by her husband of 63 years, Maurice Ronspies; her children: Cary (Karen) Ronspies and Morry (Wendi) Ronspies; her grandkids: Brad (Michelle), Chris (Julie), Kyle (Kristin) and Ayla Ronspies. Leona also had a number of great- grandchildren she adored dearly: Briley-Jo, Kaitlyn, Lydia, Kaesyn, James and Westin.
Leona was born on September 16, 1938 in Humbolt, Saskatchewan and grew up on the family farm near Annaheim Saskatchewan with her nine brothers and sisters. She met her soulmate, Maurice “Papa” Ronspies and together, the two moved to Lethbridge, Alberta. Granny worked a number of years at Golden Acres, then Blue Sky Lodge, where uniquely, she would end up living briefly later on in life.
Leona loved travelling and bus trips to Nevada. She loved to fish and camp, and she especially loved playing crib. Most of all, Granny loved her family and friends; she looked forward to visits and always had snacks and treats ready. They meant the world to her.
We loved and will miss our Granny, but know she is in a better place now, joining the large amount of family waiting for her. Our family would like to thank the great staff, nurses and doctors who took such great care of her while she was living in Park Meadows Good Samaritans. Your gracious care and support did not go unnoticed.
A private Family Service will be held, but we ask for your thoughts and prayers during this time.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
KRISTJANSON, Brianna
KRISTJANSON With absolute heavy hearts we sadly announce the sudden passing of our baby sister, Brianna Shelby Kristjanson, on Monday April 17, 2023 in Calgary, Alberta.
Brianna is dearly remembered by her beautiful son Ryker, siblings, Jeff, Mallory & Kellon, her father Brian (Judy), her Uncle Brian (Beatrice), Uncle Neil, cousins, grandfather, John Bodnaruk. She will be deeply missed by her loving friends Haley Parkinson and Sierra McCormick, who supported and stood with her throughout the years.
Brianna was a bright star, full of charisma, charm, and wit. Brianna loved big and brightened every room she walked into. She never hesitated to give a compliment or a helping hand to anyone. Brianna was and continues to be loved by her family and friends.
Brianna was the mother to a beautiful little boy, Ryker, blessed with her stunning smile, sassy attitude, and energetic personality. Ryker is and continues to be a beautiful reminder of the person Brianna was. Brianna took immense pride growing up playing baseball and striking out many boys on the field over the years and loved all school sports. She was vibrant, beautiful and did the best she could with what she had. Brianna’s strength and journey with Type one Diabetes’s and the challenges this put onto her life will never be forgotten and always admired by those who loved her.
Brianna has been reunited with her mother, Sharon Kristjanson and her grandmother, Marjorie and is at peace. There is no more hardship or pain confining her beautiful spirit. She is free and able to smile her beautiful smile and laugh contagiously with her mother in heaven.
A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Diabetes’s Canada.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
MACPHEAT, Annie “Anne”
MACPHEAT Nov. 28, 1931 – Apr. 18, 2023 ANNIE “ANNE” MACPHEAT, beloved wife of the late Louis MacPheat, passed away peacefully at the West Highlands Good Samaritans, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the age of 91 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 2:00 P.M, with Reverend Lois Punton officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Anne’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
PENNY, William James “Jim”
WILLIAM JAMES “JIM” PENNY 1927 – 2023 William James “Jim” Penny, formerly of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family, into the arms of our Lord on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Rockyview Hospital in Calgary.
Jim was predeceased by his loving wife of over 66 years, Hazel Brovold Penny; son Dr. Foster James Penny (Joan, also deceased); infant granddaughter Shannen Lee Pattenden; parents Jim Penny and Mabel Foster Penny; in laws Peter Brovold and Anna Dravland Brovold; three sisters Pat Robb (Ian), Elaine Taylor (Mac) and Ana Johnson (Warren), as well as Hazel’s ten brothers and sisters.
Jim is survived by his daughter Aarol Lee Penny Pattenden (Ken); granddaughter Andrea Penny; grandson Brodie James Pattenden; granddaughter Chelsea Bailey Pattenden Korstrom (Jamie); great grandson Henrik Foster Korstrom and his great granddaughter Harlow Penny Korstrom.
Jim’s was a life well lived as a Christian, a loving husband, an amazing father and grandfather and an excellent son, brother and friend. He has left an indelible mark on all of our hearts and his family was blessed by his love and presence.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30am on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta with Reverend Daniel Surya, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made to the Alzheimer Society, Diabetes Association or to the ALS Society.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
BACEDA, Sandra
SANDRA BACEDA 1941 – 2023 Mrs. Sandra Baceda of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Remo Baceda, passed away peacefully at home, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the age of 82 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.