Friday, April 28, 2023

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 28, 2023.

NORBY, Floyd

FLOYD GERALD NORBY July 28, 1934 – April 22, 2023 It is with deep sadness and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Floyd Gerald Norby of Lethbridge on April 22, 2023. Dad passed peacefully at the age of 88.
He will be lovingly remembered by his beautiful wife Dorothy; children Laurie Mills (Don), Andrea Andreachuk (Richard), Jill Howell-Fellows (Dean); grandchildren Marc Mills (Leah Standing), Brett Mills, Drew Andreachuk (Melony Pegg), Courtney Sticksl (Colin and baby Leo), Alyssa Andreachuk, Stuart Howell-Fellows (Stephanie Lindal), Alex Howell-Fellows (Jillian) and Chelsea Howell-Fellows; brother Roy Norby (Pat), sister-in-law Phyllis Norby, sister Deanna Scott (Art), brother-in-law Stan Lewis, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Sam and Ann Norby, his mother and father-in-law John and Edna Lewis, his sister Marion and her husband Jim MacDonald, his brother Don and his wife Fern Norby, his brother Arnold Norby, his sister-in-law Mildred Norby, his sisters and brothers-in-law Jack and Jean Lewis, Bob and Elizabeth Lewis, Joan Lewis, Jean and Paul Kimmel, Leona Lewis, nephews Randal and Ken Norby and niece Vivian Lewis.
Floyd was born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan on July 28, 1934. He had a fun upbringing with his many siblings. His dad was a grain buyer and this is what brought them to Stavely, Alberta in 1947. Floyd met the love of his life Dorothy Lewis in Claresholm. They were married on June 8th, 1956. They were blessed with three daughters Laurie, Andrea and Jill.
Floyd was an accomplished building contractor, who started out building with his brothers. They could be heard whistling throughout Claresholm as they worked.
He established Floyd Norby Construction Ltd. in 1956 and built custom homes and commercial buildings throughout southern Alberta. This is his legacy.
Our Dad loved his family above all and blessed them with many beautiful homes, building projects, paintings and sculptures that will be treasured. He was thrilled to become a great-grandfather on June 28th, with the birth of little Leo Floyd, his namesake. Another pretty boy Floyd!
Dad took care of mom so beautifully and they lived together in their home supported by family until recently, when Floyd’s fall changed their lives. Alyssa looked forward to the grocery delivery every week to Grandma and Grandpa.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 pm for all those who wish to pay their respects. A Funeral Service will be held, on Tuesday, May 2nd at Zentner Funeral Home in Claresholm, at 1:00 pm. All are welcome.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Good Samaritans Society Park Meadows Village for their care and compassion.

“May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.” Photos, cherished memories and condolences may be shared at http://www.zentnerfuneralhomes.com 1-844-ZENTNER

MARTIN, Elaine

MARTIN ELAINE RUTH MARTIN, beloved wife of the late Ken Martin, of Picture Butte, passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly on Friday, April 21, 2023 at the age of 79 years old.
Elaine is survived by her brothers – Gordon (Sheila), Norman (Mary Ann), Leslie (Kathy), Larry (Penny), her brother-in-law David (Ellie), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Elaine Ruth Martin, (n̩e Elford), was born on a glorious day in Lethbridge РSeptember 26,1943, the same day her great-grandfather died in Cremona, AB. Elaine was raised by her parents, David and Joyce Elford, on the family farm Рhomesteaded in 1910 Рin the County of 40 Mile, near Foremost. She took her early schooling there, finishing high school at Camrose Lutheran College and then, on to LCC. She was receptionist for Ellison Milling in Lethbridge before moving to Edmonton to work at the University of Alberta Faculty of Engineering.
Elaine married Kenneth Martin in 1969 and they moved to Picture Butte in 1985. Elaine was a very active volunteer in the community and through her church – Trinity United. She loved gardening and spending time with her siblings, friends and family. She loved adventure and travel, spending many winters in Hawaii & Arizona.
Some of Elaine’s points of pride were reporting the data from the weather station in her backyard every morning (when not traveling), since 1998, being chosen Picture Butte Citizen of the Year in 2003, volunteering for many local projects, committees and her overall pride in the town of Picture Butte. Of course, her 52-year marriage to Ken was the highlight.
A Funeral Service will be held at TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, 528 Maple Crescent, Picture Butte, AB, on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Glenda Wert officiating. A Reception will follow at the Picture Butte Community Seniors Centre, 607 Hwy Ave N.
In lieu of flowers donations could be made to Trinity United Church or Coyote Flats Pioneer Village (etransfers may be made to prairietractor@gmail.com or Box 768, Picture Butte, AB, T0K 1V0)

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

CHISTE, Maria

CHISTE Jan. 17, 1931 – Apr. 20, 2023 MARIA “MARIE” CHISTE, beloved wife of the late Bruno Chiste, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the age of 92 years.
Marie is survived by her three children: Adele (Clarke) Hunter, Karen (Dave) O’Dwyer and Gary (Diane) Chiste. She was blessed to have nine granddaughters: Andrea (Mike), Diana (Komie), Renae (Casey), Paula (Adam), Erin (Mike), Lauren, Leah (Mike), Sarah (Chris), and Michaela, all of whom she loved dearly. She took great joy as well in being “Great Nonna” to sixteen great-grandchildren, Emmett, Haddie, Sydney, Graham, Dylan, Elaina, Ellie, Norah, Maela, Aida, Luca, Russell, Rhys, David, William and Milo. Marie is also survived by her sister Adelina, her sister-in-law Gina, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her loving husband Bruno, she was predeceased by her parents Adriano and Adele, her brothers Mario, Livio, and Gino, and her sisters Emilia, Anna and Alma.
Marie was born on January 17, 1931, in Dro, Trento, Italy. On June 17, 1951, Marie left Dro for her first great adventure. As a young woman, she travelled alone by ship across the Atlantic and by train across Canada to Lethbridge, where she later met Bruno whom she married on November 15, 1952. While maintaining a love for her Italian heritage, Marie was a very proud Canadian citizen, and was active in her community and church. She was very resourceful, loving and nurturing. She was an amazing cook, baker, seamstress and gardener, and shared these and many other skills with her family. She highly valued education, and while lacking opportunity to pursue higher education herself, she was steadfast in supporting her children to attain a solid post-secondary education.
Her devotion and love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was immeasurable, and she leaves with them a treasure of wonderful memories. She made great efforts to keep up and communicate with her granddaughters and great-grandchildren on a regular basis, no matter where they were in the world. Having mastered computer skills later in life, Mom made good use of Facetime and Facebook for that purpose. She was very grateful for her family, friends and good health.
Our family extends our thanks to Dr Zielke, Tara and other staff at the Heart Function Clinic, who prolonged her good health, as well as the dedicated nurses and doctors at Chinook Regional Hospital and St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, who cared for Mom when her health began to fail recently.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. with Father Derek Remus celebrating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, Heart Function Clinic Fund, 960 19th Street South Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 1W5.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

PISKO, Stanley

PISKO We wanted him to stay, but STANLEY ROY PISKO has celebrated his last days on this Earth. He passed as peacefully as he stayed. Stanley will be held close in our hearts as the committed husband, caring father and love-giving githo that he was. On Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the age of 87, Stan passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit.
Stan was welcomed into this world in Lethbridge on May 16, 1935. He was the youngest of six children born to Joseph and Mary (Seaman) Pisko and was predeceased by his siblings Clarence, Hazel, Andrew, Leonard and Peter.
After graduating from high school, Stan worked full-time at the Lethbridge Research Centre as a field worker. Throughout his 37-year career at the centre, he was promoted and retired as crop foreman in the Plant Science Division in 1990. Stan’s wealth of knowledge about crops and greenery were the roots of his passionate gardening and planting skills. He meticulously cared for his yard, year after year, making sure his family always got fresh vegetables from his harvest, and apples come fall time.
On April 27, 1957, Stan wed his beloved wife, Joan, whom he cherished throughout their 66 years of marriage. After retiring, Stan and Joan started swinging the golf clubs together, with Stan trying to keep up with Joan. They enjoyed vacations playing rounds of golf at different courses and for many winters, spent time in Palm Springs with close friends. But swinging sticks was nothing new for Stan, as he was passionate about hockey earlier in his life. He played in elementary school, then played on a few other recreation teams as a young man. He also spent years playing racquetball. Another retirement pastime of Stan’s was fishing with friends and family, something he took pleasure doing in both summer and winter. When his body needed to slow down, Stan refused to let his mind do the same, so he enjoyed a healthy dose of crib games with his buddies.
Stan will be missed, yet always celebrated by his wife Joan, his daughters, Charlene Pisko of Lethbridge and Karen (Neville) Galan of Calgary, and their children, Allison (Evan and his son, Caiden), Natalie, and Nathan. His nieces, nephews and cousins were also close to Stan’s heart and he will surely rest in theirs. Family was of great importance to Stan, as demonstrated by years of frequent visits with his children, grandchildren and their fur-babies. He always made time to socialize and develop a strong circle of friends. Whether he was laughing, chatting or entertaining, Stan warmed the room with his calm and caring presence towards all.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Renal Dialysis Unit for the care given to Stan during his treatments for the last three years and is grateful to the entire palliative care staff at St. Michael’s for their attention given to him during his final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the 3rd floor Lounge in RIVER RIDGE CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX, 100 – 2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, Stan’s family will welcome and collect donations from those who wish to give at the celebration, which will be used to purchase some necessary household items for the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit. Alternatively, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

BENE, Marnee

BENE MARNEE ELIZABETH BENE, beloved wife of Todd Bene, passed away in Coaldale on Thursday, April 20th, 2023, at the age of 60 years old.
Marnee’s Celebration of Life, will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Chaplin Al Litchfield officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Marnee’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

KONYNENBELT, Rosemary

ROSEMARY KONYNENBELT 1939 – 2023 It is with great sadness that we share Rosemary Konynenbelt, age 83, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2023, with her son, Kevin Konynenbelt, and daughter, Pamela Bender, by her side. She was uplifted and showered in love by our extended family throughout the day until Kevin and Pam could arrive.
Rosemary was born on September 5, 1939, in Lethbridge, Alberta to Clifford and Beth Benson, the oldest of 4 children and the only daughter. She grew up in the Shaughnessy/Picture Butte area before attending the University of Alberta in Edmonton where she received her teaching certificate. It was at her first teaching assignment at Noble Central School in Nobleford, she fell in love with John Konynenbelt, marrying on June 30, 1961, eventually settling in Lethbridge. They welcomed Kevin in 1962 and Pamela in 1966.
Life was not without trials and tribulations. She survived devastating brain cancer, brain aneurysm, broken hip, two operations for a broken femur, and the onset of dementia. To the end she was an incredibly strong and resilient woman. It is an honour to have had her in our lives.
She will forever be remembered as a sweet, kind woman who’s high heels matched her outfits, made sure there was dessert after every meal, loved to bake – making the best Nanaimo squares, and was always up for a glass of white wine.
Rosemary is survived by her two children; Kevin (Chris Bell) Konynenbelt, his sons Declan Konynenbelt, Kieran (Sarah Walker) Konynenbelt; Pam (Mike) Bender, their son, Ian Pollard, and daughter Ashlyn (Kyle) Wendland; brother Ken (Kathy) Benson; sisters-in-law Rosemarie Benson, Trudie (Bert) Slomp; brothers-in-law Bill Plomp, Galen Konynenbelt; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, many who lovingly referred to her as Auntie Morrie.
She was predeceased by her husband John Konynenbelt; brothers Harold and Anson Benson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Hermina (Mint) and Bill Loslo; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Arie and Leida Konynenbelt; and sister-in-law Marie (Toots) Plomp.
We would like to thank the caring staff at Extendicare Fairmont, Darlene Duncan of Paradigm Health, Karen Ostrup for keeping Mom’s laundry and hearing aids in top shape, and her weekly hairdressers.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, on Friday, May 5, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta
We invite you to share in a Celebration of Life which will be held at 3:00 pm, on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 McGill Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Jim Zondervan, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCua0ndvGcQvkahtBWQCTjAw
As a celebration of Rosemary, who loved flowers and springtime, we encourage wearing colours of the season.
A private family Interment will be held prior at the Nobleford/Monarch Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Cancer Research Agency.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

ROSSI, Maria

MARIA ROSSI 1930 – 2023 Mrs. Maria Rossi of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Vincenzo Rossi † , passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the age of 93 years.
Maria was born in Grimaldi Cosenza in Calabria to Ottavio and Giuseppina (Saccomanno) Peluso.
She was the eldest of 5 daughters Maria (Vincenzo †), Rosina (Mario † ) Tarsitano, Silvia (Florindo) Filice, Lina (Raffaele) Vercillo, Franca (Alfredo † ) DeBartolo. Her siblings all resided in Toronto.
Maria and her sisters were raised in the neighborhood they called the “Bannicedda”. She was introduced to hard labors of love raising her four sisters who called her mom. Their Father was at war for several years, and a prisoner of war for 5 of those years. Their mother tended to other means to provide for her family and clean.
Maria spent much of her time at the convent at the Church of San Antonio at the top of her street where she often rang the church bell. The Nuns took Maria in at a very small age, teaching her embroidery, crochet and sewing for matrimonial dowries and for the church or whoever requested her skills.
She came to Canada via Halifax in 1952 to Toronto Ontario where she resided with her father and sister Rosina until the rest could join them in Canada. That is where she married Vincenzo. They later moved to British Columbia where they had their three daughters then moved to Lethbridge.
Maria spent a lifetime at her skill of sewing, sewing out of her home for many, sewing for theater productions, and her designer barbie clothes she made from scraps. She never even needed a pattern; she was a true master and designer. She worked for Shirley Wilson at Imperial fashion for 25 years where she also made some great friendships. She truly enjoyed them!
She travelled across Europe with friends and family, took numerous trips to the USA and Toronto, and loved to go on Italian picnics. Maria had pride in her home and enjoyed a big garden and surrounded herself with her family. She loved her neighborhood and dearest of friends, some of whom she considered her sisters, and some considered her a mother.
She was a true homemaker, a fantastic baker, and an amazing cook, true Calabrese style! She would begin early in the day, after she got home from work, and late into the evening, and during retirement she was always cooking or baking. She would be on her phone with family or friends always talking about food and recipes. You could often walk in into the kitchen and find her teaching or making traditional Italian goodies with her friends Her home “the gathering place”, is where everyone gathered for coffee, food, stories, consoling or laughter, especially in her back yard in the summer surrounded by her many beautiful flowers and sharing her vegetable garden in which she was most proud. Everyone was always welcome, and food was always ready. She always kept busy but would stop at times to watch Italian television or a cooking show.
She loved her grandchildren Jordan and Rikki so very much and always wished for them the sun and the moon. She will aways be near them “essere buono” . She was also an aunt to many nieces and nephews whom she loved greatly.
She is survived by her 3 daughters Ellie (Richard) Peters, Rose Rossi, Cenz Rossi (Curtis); grandson Jordan Peters (Darryl Sinclair) and granddaughter Rikki Peters with an abundance of much love and devotion she gave to them.
Held so very close to her heart are the Fiorino, Sirocchi and the Rossi families who are in Canada and the US by marriage. She was an honored God Mother to Lana (Atchison †) Lukenda, Piera (Montello) Saler, Nikolina (Metallo) Potestio who resides in Grimaldi.
Maria was a member and contributor to the Canadian Italian Club and her Italian heritage and true to her faith. She was very close to her Italian community and the Italian families in Lethbridge including the Vercillo, Montello, Rose and Mauro families. She thought about everyone she knew with love and thoughtfulness.
She holds our hearts forever. We hold hers. When one loves with their soul they are never lost.
ti ameremo sempre, ti terremo nei nostril cuori per sempre Riposa in pace Mom e Grazie di tutto A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 AVE SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta with Father Derek Remus, celebrant. To watch the service via livestream, please go to http://www.tikilive.com/channel/allsaintsparish
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Arthritis society / Dementia Society or Charity of your choice.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Ellie Peters for the care and attention she gave our mother through the years due to her illness, it was greatly appreciated.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

SMULDERS, Edward

SMULDERS EDWARD GERRIT GERARDUS SMULDERS, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Edith Smulders, passed away peacefully with her family by his side, at Cedar Creek Adaptacare on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the age of 96 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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