Saturday, November 4, 2023

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 4, 2023.

HARPER, Bernadine “Bernie” BERNADINE “BERNIE” HARPER 1936 – 2023 It is with great sorrow and love that we mourn the passing of Bernadine “Bernie” Beverlea-Ann Harper, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Bernie passed away in Lethbridge on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at the age of 87 with her loving son, Skip, by her side.
Bernie is survived by her four children: Darcy of Red Deer, Duane (Shelley) of Edmonton, Bev (Sean) Williams of Calgary and Skip (Tammy) of Lethbridge, brother, Gilbert (Audrey) Griffith of Saskatchewan and sister, Grace Jerome of Au Sable, Michigan, as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Bernie was predeceased by her husband, Norman “Ed” Edwin Harper, sister Ruth Williams, brothers Evans and Keith Griffith.
Bernie was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan to Charles and Antonia Griffith on January 21,1936. She was one of six siblings born during the great depression which would have a lasting impression for the rest of her life. Bernie graduated from high school younger than her peers and quickly found employment with a Bank in North Battleford. It was there that she met Ed and then married soon after. After a short time in Estevan, Saskatchewan, they made the trek west to Pincher Creek, Alberta to take advantage of the oil boom and the ample hunting and fishing opportunities. Darcy came along and shortly after Duane followed. The nomadic Ed was eager to go east back to Saskatchewan but never made it past Taber where they planted roots and ushered in two more children, Bev and Skip. Life in Taber was difficult living in a trailer, raising children and meeting basic needs, but Bernie managed with the little income they had. Bernie gained employment at the Bank of Montreal and later with the Royal Bank from which she retired 40 years later. Ed passed away in 1990 and Bernie moved from her hard-earned home into an apartment building where she lived until she was in need of more care.
Bernie’s health was in decline, and she was unable to do the activities she enjoyed like baking her famous cinnamon buns, butter tarts and world class apple pies.
Her faith never wavered through all the ups and downs, and she will always be remembered for her love of sports, her time spent with grandchildren, her honesty, integrity and her value of a dollar.
We would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan’s West Highlands in Lethbridge for the wonderful care, especially in her final moments, and staff at the Taber Hospital who tended to her needs.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 13, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Friends and family are invited to join us in remembering Bernie. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Bernadine-Harper and scroll to the bottom of Bernadine’s obituary page.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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JOHNSON, Neal DR. NEAL JOHNSON 1936 – 2023 Dr. Neal Johnson of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Francine Desjardins, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on October 26, 2023, at the age of 87 years surrounded by loved ones.
A Celebration of Neal’s Life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, November 17, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Dr. Bruce Martin officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/DrNeal-Johnson and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Art’s Alive and Well in the Schools Program, which Neal founded and is hosted by the SAAG, located at 601 3 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0H4 yearly in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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GLOER, Marilyn MARILYN GLOER 1942 – 2023 Mrs. Marilyn Gloer of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Dale Gloer, passed away at St. Therese Villa, on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the age of 81 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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SLOBODA, Pheona PHEONA SLOBODA 1945 – 2023 Well mom, today (Oct 27, 2023) you finally did it. You escaped from here as quietly unassuming as you lived. Who would have guessed that you Pheona Sloboda (nee Kuehn) would have snuck out of the Milk River Health Care Center as simply as you did? “See you tomorrow” you said; little did we know you were referring to Grama Dorothy (nee Woitte), Grampa Wes (Kuehn) and Uncle Harold (Kuehn)!
While you are busy catching up, don’t forget to tell them Ed, Wendy (Keith Routley), Jackie (Toby Poncelet) Tyson, Chase, and Peyton Poncelet; Kaleb and Kolton Routley all say HIIIII! I will also presume, Auntie Lorraine, Uncle Randy (Karen) and Uncle Farley all want you to give a “howdy do” from them as well. While you are at it, I bet all the nieces and nephew (shut up spell check, you don’t know everything, there IS only one) would be happy if you included a greeting from them too!
When we next see you, I will be so excited to see your new orchid collection, hear all about what Dr Pohl is doing and enjoy a good giggle with you talking about Screwball’s antics. Be prepared to bake some cookies and share some gossip about the going’s on around there, we will be stocking up… until we see you again, love you mom.
Family and friends are invited to join us in remembering Pheona at 11:00 am, Tuesday November 7, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please visit https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Pheona-Sloboda and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page to find the link.
In Lieu of flowers, we ask that you hug your family extra tight and remind them you love them every day, because you never know when it will be the last time!
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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GORZITZA, Lois LOIS GORZITZA 1941 – 2023 Mrs. Lois Gorzitza of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Ed Gorzitza, passed away at Foothills Medical Centre on Monday, October 30, 2023, at the age of 82 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Trevor Potter, officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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LOEWEN, Arthur LOEWEN 1927 Р2023 ARTHUR LOEWEN, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Rena Ruth Loewen (n̩e Slinn) of 67 years, passed away peacefully with family by his side, on Wednesday October 18, 2023 at the age of 96 years.
Arthur grew up in a large family in Gem, Alberta and was a graduate of the U of A. He held positions as teacher, vice principal, principal, and school superintendent in several towns in Southern Alberta before being recruited to the newly founded University of Lethbridge in 1967. He served as associate professor, Assistant to the Dean, and Associate Dean until his retirement in 1987.
Arthur married Rena Ruth Slinn, the “love of his life” on July 14th, 1956. Together they raised four children: Brenda (Ron) Firth, Pam Loewen, Craig (Sharon) Loewen, and Teresa Loewen. Besides his loving wife, Arthur will be dearly missed by his children, his six grandchildren: Kiel, Katie, Josh (Jessica), Sam, Kara, and Tim; and his five great-grandchildren (Connor, Mason, Gracyn, Brinley, and Brittyn), all of whom brought him great joy.
A Memorial Service will be held at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. with Dr. Bruce Martin officiating.
In memory of Arthur, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

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

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ATTRIDGE, Mary ATTRIDGE MARY ATTRIDGE, of Cardston, passed away peacefully at Cardston Health Centre, on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the age of 67 years.
At Mary’s request, no funeral service will be held. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.

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

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DEYS, Johanna DEYS JOHANNA ANTHOINETTA DEYS, of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved wife of John Deys, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at St. Therese Villa, on Monday, October 30, 2023 at the age of 85 years.
Besides her devoted and loving husband of 65 years, John, she is survived by her children: Peter John (Carla) Deys, Wenda (Gene) Weatherall, Carol (Jim) Hougen, and Tony (Stacy) Deys; her 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; sister Heidi Van Roon and brother Age (Lynn) Van Leeuwen.
She was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Willy Van Leeuwen, sister Tina Tuinhof, and brother Clarence Van Leeuwen.
Joanne was born in Minnertsga, Friesland in the Netherlands on November 26, 1937. Joanne, or Joop, immigrated to Canada with her parents in 1954 and settled in Lethbridge. In 1956, she met John who thought she looked familiar. Turns out Joanne and John had lived just 16 kilometres apart in Friesland and she had captured John’s eye at a Gymnastics Club Regional meet in Harlingen in 1953, but they didn’t actually meet until both were in Lethbridge. They were married in 1958. Joanne was a devoted mother and thrived in her role as Beppe. Her gift of service to others blossomed when she became a chaplain with Alberta Health Services. She also assisted with the start-up of Family Ties Association and served as a deacon at Maranatha CRC until she was diagnosed with dementia in 2006. Her and John were able to make numerous trips back to Holland and enjoy numerous cruises from all the Air Miles rewards he accumulated through Lethbridge Driving Academy.
The family would like to thank the staff at St Therese Villa for their care of Joanne over the past few years.
A Celebration of Joanne’s Life will be held at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 McGill Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society (Alzheimer.ca)
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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DE GROOT, Emily “Emm” DE GROOT EMILY “EMM” ELIZABETH DE GROOT of Magrath, AB, beloved wife of John “Jack” De Groot, passed away peacefully at the Coaldale Health Centre, on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the age of 76 years.
Emily will be laid to rest with her mother Verna Race, her father Charles Race, and her brother Charlie Race in Manitoba at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca)

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

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HENNING, Mara MARA GANINE (BERTI) HENNING October 31, 1962 – November 1, 2023 It is with extremely heavy hearts we are announcing the passing of Mara Ganine (Berti) Henning, who died surrounded by family, just one day after her 61st birthday.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the COALDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE (1217 20th Avenue) on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.

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

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HARMER, John JOHN B. HARMER May 17, 1953 – Oct. 29, 2023 John B. Harmer died at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta October 29, 2023 with family members by his side. He was born in Dawson Creek, B.C. to Reginald and Irene Harmer on May 17, 1953. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife Barbara Harmer (nee Kaipio), his two daughters Jennifer and Janice, his siblings Susan Groat, Nancy Large, Mike (Denise) Harmer, and many nieces and nephews.
After graduating high school and leaving home at age 17, he worked to support himself and attended the University of Victoria and various regional colleges. He held many positions with B.C. Rail including operations, administrative and accounting positions. John married Barbara in Vancouver, B.C. in 1977. John and Barb later became parents. John worked as a controller for H. Brum Enterprises Ltd. in Richmond, B.C. and completed the CMA program of studies. After John obtained his CMA designation, the family moved to Dawson Creek, B.C. where John began working for the Kenn Borek Group. Shortly after the arrival of their second daughter, John and Barb decided to move to Lethbridge, Alberta; a city they felt would be a good place to settle down and raise their two daughters. John accepted a position with The Premiere Group as the CFO, where he re-structured the corporation, working himself out of a job. He became the CFO at H&R Transport Limited, before going out on his own as a consultant for Bentley Banks Financial Corporation. Later John returned to working for the Borek Group and became the president of Kenn Borek Air. He accepted the National Air & Space Museum Trophy (2017), on behalf of the Kenn Borek South Pole Rescue Team at the Smithsonian Museum.
Over the years John was involved in the Kiwanis Club of Lethbridge (past president); the Kiwanis and Speech Arts Festival; the Lethbridge Chapter of the Society of Management Accountants; the Advisory Council to the Faculty of Management, University of Lethbridge; the Lethbridge and Dawson Creek Chamber of Commerce’s; the Lethbridge Rotary Club; and MENSA.
John loved music and was an avid musician; in his youth he played drums in a rock band; later he taught himself to play the violin and played violin with his daughter. At the age of 50 John started to learn to play the saxophone. For the last 20 years, he played the alto, tenor and baritone saxophone. He played with various music groups in both concert, and jazz bands (Lethbridge Community Band Society, Westwinds Music Society, Timeless Jazz Band, and several others). John went on a tour to Spain with the Westwinds band in 2010. John also supported the Kiwanis Music Festival and the Lethbridge Jazz Society.
Other activities John enjoyed include golfing, skiing, camping and travelling. John enjoyed golfing, and was a member of the Hamptons, in Calgary; the Springs, in Palm Springs; and the Country Club, in Lethbridge, where he played with the Not-So-Fast League. John has travelled around the world to many continents including the Artic and Antarctica. He took his two daughters on many skiing adventures. John and Barb took their girls on many family camping trips and other vacations. John was a loving and devoted father; he made many sacrifices to give his daughters the best possible life. John spent many weekends camping behind horse barns while his daughters attended horse shows. He always made time to attend the girl’s concerts, dance recitals, and theater productions. Whenever someone needed good advice – business, financial or otherwise – John was the person to ask. Unfortunately, he wasn’t available to give advice on how to write his obituary. John has touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed.
He will be remembered as a wise, loving and devoted father; who cares about his family, friends and community.
A gathering for family and friends will be held on Friday November 10, 2023, at 3:00 pm, at 210 Sandstone Place South.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MASSON, William “Bill” MASSON WILLIAM “BILL” MASSON, of Lethbridge, passed away on Wednesday November 1, 2023 at the Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 62 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed

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

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