By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 2, 2023.
CHAMBERS, Suzie
SUZIE CHAMBERS 1960 – 2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Suzie Chambers, on Friday, July 28, 2023, at the age of 62 years.
Suzie was born in Sept-Iles, Quebec, on October 19, 1960, the daughter of Marie-Marthe Toutant and Martin Chambers. Suzie was married to Alain Dumont and was the mother of her three adored sons Maxime, Samuel, and Paul.
Suzie moved to Alberta in 1987 where she started a 35-year career teaching in Francophone and French Immersion schools. She was beloved by her students, many of whom would make time to wish Mme. Chambers well when they saw her around town. She was deeply loved by her colleagues, as she brought a passion for education, for music, for games and for creativity in all her classes.
Suzie was a bright light in many people’s lives. She was deeply involved within the Francophone community of Lethbridge. Her kind heart, inquisitive mind and unwavering bravery to advocate for those less fortunate animated her until the very end. She would perform with musical acts, singing improvised lyrics on the spot and demonstrating surprising talent with spoons for someone who had never learned to actually play them.
Suzie’s community extended far beyond Lethbridge, however. She worked with the province to improve French language education, got involved with international charities to support refugees and traveled to Togo with other educators to assist teachers in the country with the establishment of their curriculum.
Finally, to her friends and her family she was a constant source of support, cheer and inspiration. She would drop anything to help those she loved, and her heart seemingly knew no bounds. Be it with jokes, a cheesy action film or the simple joys of well-buttered toast, Suzie was always there.
On vous aimera pour toujours notre chére Suzie et nous savons que votre esprit demeurera toujours en nous.
Besides her beloved husband, Alain, Suzie is survived by her sons Maxime, Samuel, and Paul; brothers Jean-Rock (Diane), Benoit (Suzanne), Luc (Marie-Josée); sister Cathy (Marc); father-in-law Philippe; sister-in-law Louise and her brother-in-law Christian. She also leaves behind nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and colleagues who will all miss her dearly.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, August 4, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Suzie-Chambers and scroll to the bottom of Suzie’s obituary page.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who are able to donate to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge which offered great support to Suzie after her diagnosis. Donations can be made via the Alberta Cancer Foundation where it can be designated to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre: https://www.albertacancer.ca/donate/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
RED CROW, Godfrey
RED CROW GODFREY RED CROW, Iitsi’psstoahki’to’pii, passed away on July 28, 2023 on the Blood Reserve, AB at the age of 68 years. A Wake Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Wednesday, August 2 from 7:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Thursday, August 3 at 11:00 am. Interment to take place at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Stand Off.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
VANDERLEEST, Bill
Bill Vanderleest
1950 – 2023
Willem Vanderleest, passed away in Lethbridge on Monday, July 31, 2023 at the age of 73 years.
Bill’s friends are invited to a reception at his sister Vena’s residence in Taber on Friday, August 4, 2023 between 2:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. For directions and to RSVP, please call (403) 223-8427 or (403) 330-9475. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Bill leaves to mourn his siblings Vena (Gerrit de Jong) Vandersteen of Taber, Rika Vanderleest of Lethbridge, Cory (Diane) Vanderleest of Sooke, British Columbia and their families.
He was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Tina Vanderleest, his sister Tina Vanderleest, brother-in-law Jerry Vandersteen, niece Audrey Procee and nephew Rylan Procee.
Bill was an avid Lethbridge Hurricanes fan and never missed any games. He walked in minus 30 degree weather and sports was his life. He will be missed by his family and friends.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bill’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 2P5 (www.cancer.ca).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
GOURLEY, Edward “Ted”
GOURLEY In loving memory, we mourn the passing of EDWARD “TED” ROBERT GOURLEY. Ted passed away peacefully with family by his side, on Friday, June 23, 2023, at Legacy Lodge in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada at the age of 92 years.
Ted was a remarkable man who centered his life on love, faith, and a passion for the outdoors, particularly fishing. Throughout his life, he was a devoted family man who cherished the bond he shared with so many of his loved ones. Ted’s faith was unwavering and served as a guiding light; he was a man of compassion, kindness and integrity. He lived his life by this set of principles and inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was also a man of service, always willing to lend a helping hand to friends, neighbours and those in need and will leave a lasting impact on the people and communities that he was a part of.
Ted was born in Raymond Alberta, to Edward and Amy Gourley on January 3, 1931. He received his education in Calgary at SAIT for his Electrician Certificate. After completing his schooling, Ted returned home to Picture Butte where he married the love of his life, Naida (Oler), in June 1951, who together raised their five children in Alberta and California. They were happily married for 61 years, before Naida’s passing in 2012. After being widowed, Ted found love and companionship again and married Helen Ames from Pincher Creek, who he was married to for nine years before Helen’s passing.
He will be forever loved and missed by his children: Debbie (Ty), Robin, Bob (Sharon), Kelly (Sten), and son-in-law Rand, as well as his stepchildren Deb (John), Lynne (Les), Lorna (Al), and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There to greet him on the other side of the veil were his eternal companion Naida, his daughter Valerie and his second wife Helen.
A Viewing will be held at THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, 2213 – 6A Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 10:15 A.M. to 10:45 A.M., with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 A.M.
Following the Funeral Service, Ted will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery, 1210 – Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SWEN, Jonah
SWEN JONAH MARK SWEN, passed away tragically while hiking with his dear friend Greg Gaudette, on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the age of 35 years. We share our grief with Greg’s family.
Jonah is predeceased by his parents, Pjam and Franz Swen.
Jonah is survived by his spouse Grace Garratt, siblings Christine (Marco), Marjolein (Dimitri), Francesca (Michel), Miryam (James), Nicole (Steven), Ben (Nicole), nieces and nephews: Kim, Mark, Eline, Marsha, Kian, Mila, Will, Lily, Levi, Madison, Seth, Arlo, Lukas, Ruby, and a multitude of friends too numerous to count.
He loved helping others and could always be counted on to help in any difficult situation. Jonah found his passion for EMS early in life, and exemplified duty and commitment to care for every patient lucky enough to be cared for by him.
Family would especially like to thank Lethbridge Search and Rescue (LASARA), Fernie Search and Rescue, Sparwood Search and Rescue, Wildlife Conservation, and Crowsnest Pass RCMP Chris McKerracher and Natalie Stevenson for their exhaustive efforts in locating Jonah and Greg.
A Celebration of Jonah’s life will be held at the LETHBRIDGE EXHIBITION GROUNDS – South Pavilion, 3401 Parkside Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and available for viewing on Jonah’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to LASARA, Sparwood Search and Rescue, Fernie Search and Rescue or the Jonah Swen and Greg Gaudette Memorial Fund.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
HORVATH, Robert “Bob”
HORVATH It is with deeply saddened hearts that we announce the passing of ROBERT “BOB” KENNETH JOHN HORVATH at home, on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at the age of 65 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Sharon Hagel officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 1:30 P.M., with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Bob will be laid to rest in Royal View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
GAUDETTE, Gregory
GREGORY SCOTT GAUDETTE July 27, 1989 – July 26, 2023 Greg Scott Gaudette was a devoted and loving husband, father, son and friend.
Greg was survived by his wife Colby Gaudette, his son Kace Gaudette, his parents Dave and Nicole Purzyski, his Nana Darlene Gaudette, his grandparents Tony and Margaret Purzyski, his in-laws Sergio and Renee Cattoni, brother-in-law Matteo Cattoni (Michaela Hampton) as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He served his Lethbridge Community for the last nine years as a firefighter paramedic. He had previously worked as a paramedic elsewhere throughout the province.
He found joy in life through activities with others. His willingness to adventure and try new things allowed him to see much of the world in such a short time. His outgoing personality and zest for life made him many friends.
Through his career, he met his soulmate Colby and their passion for life grew. They were married in July 2019. Later, in June of 2022, they were blessed with their son Kace. That little boy became the greatest joy in his life.
It brings Greg’s family great peace knowing that Greg was not alone and passed doing something he loved, with one of his best friends Jonah Swen. They will be truly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at READYMADE COMMUNITY CENTRE, Township Road 90, Cranford, AB, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been created. Please use the link below to donate.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/jonah-swen-and-greg-gaudette?utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
ROWLEY, Gwen
ROWLEY Gwen Carol Rowley, beloved wife of Vern Rowley and mother of Ben and Chris Rowley, passed away on July 30, 2023 surrounded by her family.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday August 5 at 2:00PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints NORTH STAKE CENTRE (560 Highlands Blvd W, Lethbridge, AB).
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
ROY, Diane
DIANE ROY 1954 – 2023 Mrs. Diane Roy of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Richard Roy, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the age of 69 years.
As per Diane’s request, no service will be held.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.