By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on May 12, 2023.
ROBERTS, Elizabeth
ROBERTS ELIZABETH EVA ROBERTS, beloved wife of the late Richard John Roberts passed away peacefully at the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale on Friday April 28, 2023 at the age of 97 years.
Born in Durban, South Africa to English parents, Betty moved to England in her early years. During WW2, she trained as and became a Nurse’s Aide. She met Jack during those years and they married in 1947. 1949 saw their first daughter (Angela) born. In 1952, they emigrated to Canada and settled for a short time in Drayton Valley before moving on to Edmonton. Betty worked at the Aberhart Sanitorium in Edmonton as a nurse’s aide until the birth of their second daughter, Kathleen, in 1957. She and Jack purchased homestead land north of Drayton Valley and settled there in the late 60’s. Always a care giver, Betty started work again, as a nurse’s aide, at the Drayton Valley Hospital. She remained there for many years.
After the death of Jack in 1992, she moved into Drayton Valley. Betty remained in Drayton Valley until the mid-2000’s, when she moved to Coaldale, Alberta. Betty met many new friends in the senior’s community in Coaldale but never lost contact with friends and neighbors from earlier times. An avid collector of many things, Betty was always thrilled to show off her room at the Lodge to prospective new residents. Betty loved knitting, gardening and reading but was always willing to stop and visit over a cup of tea.
Betty is survived by daughters: Angela (Fred Bickerstaff) and Kathleen (Tim Kjorlien); grandchildren Jim and Brian Bickerstaff; Marie Salton, Landis Kjorlien and Trevor Kjorlien; nine great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to Dr. Justin Steed and all the staff at Sunny South Lodge for their compassionate care.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
DUNN, Harold
1928 – 2023
Harold Coleman Dunn passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at St. Michaels Palliative Care Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta, at the age of 94 years.
Harold was born to Bert and Annie on October 31, 1928. He leaves behind his son, Duane and daughter, Mona. As well as his sister, Mel (Dennis) Cleland, brother, Howard (Louise – dec.) Dunn, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Fay, infant daughter, Deborah Jean, brother, Herbert (Ethel), sister, Maxine (Joseph) Mehalko, and three stepsisters, Mryt (Dave) Bodie, Mryle (Jack) Furman, and Merlene (Tony) Wolters.
Having been born and raised on the farm, Harold’s passion for farming continued for many years. When time allowed, he enjoyed playing as a pitcher and first baseman for baseball teams in Turin, Vauxhall, and Sundial. When not playing baseball, he enjoyed curling and was skip of his own team.
Harold and Fay loved taking trips in their motorhome to Victoria, where he would go deep sea fishing. Their trips also included California, Arizona, and later an Alaskan cruise. Many trips were also made to Fairmont and Vernon, camping along the way. He shared his love for fishing and hunting as his father did.
He will be deeply missed by all that knew him and forever in the hearts of all that loved him.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 13 St N.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prairie Tractor Club in Picture Butte, Alberta, where Harold and Fay were made lifetime honorary members for their support and generous donations over the years.
For more information or to share your condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
BYDEVAATE, Casey
Casey Bydevaate
1944 – 2023
Casey Bydevaate, beloved husband of Jane Bydevaate, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the age 78 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Friday, May 12, 2023 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com. Besides his loving wife Jane, Casey is survived by their children Jody (Kris) DeWeerd, Lindsey (Lucas) Bennen, Jesse (Sarah) Bydevaate, Brent (Annalisa) Bydevaate and Loralyn (Evan) Moradel. He is also survived by his grandchildren Emmalee, Johanna, Harper and Joss Deweerd; Katelyn, Jenna, Abigail, and Skylar Bennen; Janessa Bydevaate; Leo, Max and Nate Bydevaate; Oscar and Hugo Moradel. He is also survived by his sister Laura bij de Vaate, brother Joe (Patti) Bydevaate and in-laws Ann (Peter) VanBeers, Toni (Peter) Rozendaal, Margie (Doug) Krebs, Peter (Connie) Bos, Alice (Henry) Nyman, Helene (John) Moore, Arjan (Lora) Bos, Caroline (Rod) Berg as well as a large extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his son Joel Bydevaate, parents Jacob and Cornelia bij de Vaate, parents-in-law Pieter and Cornelia Bos, brother-in-law Cor Bos, sister-in-law Janeen Bydevaate, and nephews Samuel Bos and Kurtis Berg. During the war, the bij de Vaate family was evacuated from Zierikzee, the Netherlands, to Dordrecht where Casey was born on July 28, 1944. His family farmed in Zierikzee until the flood of 1953 after which they moved to the Noordoostpolder. Casey first came to Canada on a young farmers program in 1967 which had him working in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. In 1974 he settled to the Grassy Lake area where he purchased his first farm. Soon after, Casey won Jane Bos’ heart and they were married on August 14, 1981. After their first daughter was born, they moved to a farm near Taber and there they were blessed with five more children. Casey was passionate about farming, especially growing potatoes, but his priority was his wife and children. Life was not always easy for Casey, especially with the loss of his son Joel, but his faith in God remained strong. Some of Casey’s interests were traveling, camping, skiing, playing games, puzzling, listening to music, watching hockey and drinking coffee with his friends. He loved spending time with his family; especially his fourteen grandchildren. Casey enjoyed his life here on earth, but always looked forward to the day he would be in heavenly glory. He will be greatly missed. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Casey’s name may be made directly to the Taber Food Bank, 5512 – 48 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1S4. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
HELGESON, Terry
TERRY HELGESON 1939 – 2023 Terry Cecil Helgeson of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Sydonie Fitzgerald Helgeson, passed away peacefully at the Calgary Foothills Hospital on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the age of 84 years.
Terry was born on March 12, 1939, in Cardston, Alberta to Cecil T. Helgeson and Enola A. (Cozad) Helgeson. Terry attended the Del Bonita school from Grade 1 through 12, graduating in 1957. He met the love of his life in the summer of 1954, they corresponded until Terry asked Syd to marry him in the summer of 1958. They married later that year on October 9, 1958 at the Del Bonita United Church. Their honeymoon was spent in Bassano, Alberta where Syd met her new mother-in-law for the first time. They started their life together on the family farm in Del Bonita. Terry took several jobs off the farm. They started their family in 1959 when Kelly was born on December 2, 1959. Bradley followed on May 28, 1961. Street came along 11 short years later on July 25, 1972.
Terry was very active in the community, including the Del Bonita Athletic Association, Del Bonita Country Association, Twin River Grazing Association and spent 24 years as the County Councilor for Del Bonita. Terry was very proud of his county accomplishments and all his awards he received. After retiring from farming in 2005, Terry and Syd moved to Lethbridge where he resided until his passing.
Besides his loving wife Sydione “Syd” Helgeson, Terry is survived by his daughter Kelly (Eric) Patterson; sons Brad (Vynet) Helgeson, Street (Kim) Helgeson; grandchildren Chad (Cheryl) Patterson, Wayne (Leanne) Patterson, Kelsey (Jessi) Helgeson, Mckensi Helgeson, Casidy (Brandon) Helgeson, Chase (Megan) Helgeson, Kayley (Casey) Helgeson; great-grandchildren Alexia, Aries, Matisyn, Mason, Merek, Daxx, Lilee, Beckham, Banks, Aspen, Wells, Bodie; sisters Lauretta Helgeson Loof, Elizabeth Helgeson Nelson, Cecilia Helgeson Patterson, Debra DeFreese Hein; brothers Lanny DeFreese, Thomas Helgeson, Delbert Helgeson and Monte Helgeson.
Terry was pre-deceased by his parents Cecil and Enola Helgeson and his brother Brian DeFreese.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Dr. Bruce Martin, officiating. To watch Terry’s service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Terry-Helgeson and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.
Interment will follow at Magrath Cemetery, Magrath, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
CASSIS, Wedad
WEDAD CASSIS 1933 – 2023 Mrs. Wedad Cassis of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Dr. Gamil Cassis, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the age of 89 years.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, May 12, 2023, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405, 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.tikilive.com/channel/allsaintsparish
Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Society of St Vincent de Paul, 604, 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1H 2S8.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
VAN DEURZEN, Myrna
MYRNA VAN DEURZEN 1935 – 2023 We are sad to announce the passing of our dearly loved Mother, Myrna, on May 6, 2023, at the age of 87, nearly 88 years.
Mom is survived by her son Barry Ericksen (Cindy); her grandsons Nathan and Kyle (Ashley); her great grandkids Amelia, Logan, and Hayden; by the three of us – Joyce, Shirley, and John, and by her sister Guila Hausauer, and many other friends and family.
Mom was born in Lethbridge on June 22, 1935. She was raised in Stirling with her family, surrounded by many cousins, aunts and uncles, until she began attending Garbutt’s Business College in Lethbridge, honing her secretarial and bookkeeping skills. Mom was very proud of the award she won for typing 105 words a minute on a manual typewriter. Mom was a whiz with those skills her whole life. No one ran a calculator faster or more accurately than she did.
Mom worked in the transportation industry most of her work life until 1983 when she and Dad began running the Warner Shell. She also worked for the Kidney Foundation for many years, organizing the annual door to door campaign and the monthly bingos.
Mom loved music and she was self-taught in playing the accordion, organ, piano and harmonica. She even dabbled with the clarinet. She never learned to read music and only ever played by ear. She loved playing in a band and attending any music jams she could get to. She also competed in the world accordion championships twice while in her 60’s.
Mom was one of the hardest workers we knew. She worked full time, was a great cook, gardener, and loved sewing, crocheting, making chocolates, and doing her many crafts. Mom was also a real character, and she loved a good party, a good laugh and a good time.
Mom loved her family and did so much for us and with us throughout our lives. We love her very much and we will miss her dearly.
Our sister, Shirley was with Mom when she passed, and she tended to her with great love and care over these last few years as she did for Dad. We had them both as long as we did because of Shirley’s care.
We will hold a private Celebration of Mom’s amazing life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MusiCounts, a music education charity introducing kids across Canada to the joys of music. musicounts.ca
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
STETTNER, Edward “Larry”
EDWARD “LARRY” STETTNER 1946 – 2023 Mr. Edward Larry Stettner of Lethbridge and High River passed away peacefully at his home in Lethbridge on May 7, 2023, at the age of 76 years.
Larry’s life was defined by generosity, kindness and hard work. Through his work, Larry developed strong friendships with a wide variety of people. Work included time at the Vulcan airport building trailers when he was 16, many years in the north working for Panarctic Oil, time at a foundry, a bulk fuel station, Holidaire, owning a video store and farming. Recently Larry was recognized for 25 years with Flaman sales. His life was full and rewarding. Larry enjoyed life. Especially when life included a glass of good Scotch, a fine cigar, lively conversation, and a spirited game of cards.
Larry is survived by his son Kevin (Sharon); grandchildren Jonathan, Emma, Jessica, Jordan; and his sweetheart Leslie Cooke.
He was predeceased by his wife Marlaine; his parents Connie and Ed Stettner; and his very special aunt and uncle Joy and Amos Laczo. He is loved and deeply missed by many.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at 10:00 am, on Monday, May 15, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, May 15, 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/EdwardLarry-Stettner and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page to find the link.
A private family Interment will follow at the Bowville Cemetery, Bowville, Alberta.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to Halo Air Ambulance, https://www.haloairambulance.com/ or the Canadian Cancer Society, 317, 10 St. S, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 2M7.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
McDONNELL, Gladys
McDONNELL Gladys Doreen McDonnell passed away in Lethbridge on Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at the age of 96 years.
Her memory will be cherished by her daughter Doady Gorda; grandchildren Billy (Jodie) McDonnell (children Dakota and Dylon), Trevor (Tammy) Gorda (children Colten, Porter and Chance) and Tanis (Robert) Parton (daughter Kaci). Gladys was predeceased by her husband Bernard and her son Lloyd.
A private gathering will be held at Salmon & Sons Funeral Home on Friday, May 12, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MS Society of Canada https://mssociety.donorportal.ca/
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
LETKEMANN, Peter
PETER LETKEMANN Peter Letkemann passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
Peter was much loved by his late wife Katy, son Paul, daughters Lillian (Martin) and Lorraine (Barry); granddaughters Kristin (Jayson), Julia (Ricky), Alyssa and Laura; as well as four great-grandchildren Nolan, Clayton, Anya and Jana. He will also be missed by many dear friends and relatives.
Peter will be fondly remembered for his calm and steady manner, his intelligent wit and great sense of humour. Over his decades long tenure as Professor of Sociology/Criminology at the University of Lethbridge, his passion for teaching and social justice left a lasting impression on many students. He was a devoted father and grandfather and loved time spent with family. He had a tremendous appreciation of nature and enjoyed his time living in the woods near Beaver Mines with Katy. He also spent many hours hiking the coulees around Lethbridge, continuing his hobbies of lapidary (rocks/gems), woodworking and renovating.
For the last several years, his daily life was much enriched by visits from Tigist B. We are so very grateful for the compassionate care and friendship she showed to Peter. We also want to thank Muniza and her staff at Fairmount Extendicare for their daily love and support to our dad and family over the last seven years.
We invite friends and family to an informal gathering in celebration of Peter’s life, at the Galt Museum in Lethbridge on Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 2-4pm. A short program will begin around 2:30.
If desired, donations can be made in Peter’s name to the Mennonite Central Committee or the Castle Crown Wilderness Association.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
CYR, Margaret
MARGARET CYR 1952 – 2023 Mrs. Margaret Cyr of Lethbridge, beloved mother of Darren and Brad, has passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the age of 71 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
GROTEN, Carmen
GROTEN CARMEN MARY GROTEN, of Lethbridge, beloved daughter of Wilhelmina Groten and the late Antonius Groten, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the age of 57 years.
Carmen Mary Groten was born June 21, 1965, to Antonius (Tony) and Wilhelmina (Minnie) Groten. She grew up on the farm between Barons and Nobleford with seven brothers and one sister.
Family was Carmen’s safe place. Here she found love, hope, and a sense of purpose. She had an amazing memory for birthdays, anniversaries, and family phone numbers. Carmen was a part of every family celebration and gathering and she rejoiced at the birth of every niece and nephew. She thrived and came to life in her role as Auntie Carmen. Her dry wit, sense of humour and generous heart will always be cherished. Carmen had a gift for bringing out the best in everyone she met, and we are richer for it. We are all a bit more compassionate, patient, understanding, tolerant and loving because we know Carmen.
Carmen will always be remembered by her mother Minnie, her brothers John (Diana), Harry (Phyllis), Will (Allison), Eugene (Cindy), Greg (Jo-Ann), Rob (Maria), Vincent and her sister Benita (Rob) as well as many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins in Alberta and around the world.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 12:00 P.M. with Father Tim Boyle celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed on Carmen’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Carmen will be laid to rest in a private Family Interment in Mountain View Cemetery.
In memory of Carmen, donations may be made to Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta South Region, 426 6 Street S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2C9 or to the Kidney Foundation, Southern Alberta Branch, 6007 1A Street SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0G5.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SMALL FACE, Curtis Jr.
SMALL FACE CURTIS CHARLES SMALL FACE Jr., of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by family, on Monday, May 8, 2023 at the age of 32 years.
A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, May 14, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 90 – 1 Avenue West, Cardston, AB, on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Archdeacon Jacqui Durand officiating.
Following the Funeral Service, Curtis Jr. will be laid to rest in the Blood Band Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MURRAY, Mary ‘Ann’
MURRAY Mary ‘Ann’ Murray, beloved wife of the late Richard ‘Blair’ Murray, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023 in Magrath at the age of 96 years.
Friends may meet with the family on Friday, May 19, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Garden Place Chapel, 170 N Centre Street, Magrath, Alberta from 1:00 to 1:50 p.m. prior to the service. The Funeral service will be held in the same church beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Bishop Scott Wolsey officiating. Interment will follow in the Magrath Pioneer Cemetery.
For more information or to share your condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
HIRASHIMA, Marie
Marie Yoshiko Hirashima 1932 – 2023 Marie Yoshiko Hirashima, beloved wife of the late Tomio Hirashima, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023 in the Legacy Lodge at the age of 91 years.
She is survived by her daughter Donna (Richard) LaPlace of Canmore, AB, and son-in-law Brian Jackson of Lethbridge, AB.
Friends may meet with the family on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge.
The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta, 470 – 40 Street South, Lethbridge with Rev. Y. Izumi officiating. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge.
Special thanks for the loving care to all the staff at Legacy Lodge.
Koden and flowers are gratefully declined.
For more information and to send condolences, please go to http://www.generationsfh.ca
VOLD, Carole
VOLD Carole Elizabeth Vold, beloved wife of the late Kenneth Vold, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023 in the Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 81 years.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca