Saturday, December 9, 2023

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 9, 2023.

OIKAWA, Kiyoji KIYOJI OIKAWA May 1, 1945 – Nov. 20, 2023 It is with great sadness that the family share the loss of Kiyoji Oikawa, 78, of St. Albert, AB (formerly of Redcliff). He passed away peacefully in St. Albert. He was born to Masami and Kanako in Lethbridge. He graduated from the University of Alberta (BSc Pharmacy 1966) and formerly owned and operated Broadway IDA Pharmacy in Redcliff. He will be remembered dearly by everyone who knew him. Kiyoji is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Oikawa; sons, James and Gary (Christine Loiselle) Oikawa; his remaining sister and brothers; 5 grandchildren; nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held in 2024.

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HUMMEL, Willem “Bill” WILLEM ‘BILL’ HUMMEL 1930 – 2023 Mr. Willem ‘Bill’ Hummel, beloved father, grandpa and great grandpa, went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the age of 93 years.
Bill was born June 4, 1930, at home in Hollandscheveld, Drenthe the Netherlands. As a young boy and teenager, he worked on the family farm milking cows and helping with chores during the Second World War. In 1949, Dad along with his parents and four siblings, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a better life. Upon their arrival in Canada, they began working for the Kooy Brothers of Nobleford in the sugar beets and on their dairy farm. In 1951, he married his childhood sweetheart, Diny Moes and moved to Barons, where he worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Then in the fall of 1958, they purchased a quarter of land near Nobleford and began milking cows and selling cream to Crystal Dairy in Lethbridge. In 1974, after a devastating fire nearly destroyed the farm, Bill and his sons expanded the herd and started milking cows on a larger scale. Bill was passionate about the Holstein breed and worked in many capacities within the dairy industry. Over the years, he served on many boards and committees; whether it was for school, church or farm he did so diligently and with great pride and joy.
Bill is survived by his children Lucas (Lamkje) and their children Jeremy (Kristi), Daniel (Moira), Joel (Rachel), Karla (Ken) Van Driesten, Elizabeth (Justin) den Toom and Emily (Kelsey) Bolink; Albert (Ellen) and their children Christopher (Lindsay), Edward (Mandy), Jodi (James Ebrey) and Andrew (Jessica); son-in-law Martin Meindertsma and his children David (Vala) Meindertsma and Jolene (Robert) Lawrence; William; Bryan (Wendy) and their children Rachel and Mikaela; Jim (Carol) and their children Ainsley and Kaitlyn; and Tim (Benita) and their children Dayna (Nick) Hawkeye, Jaime (Taylen) Oancia, Michael (Sianna) and Matthew; as well as 38 great grandchildren in whom he found great joy and pleasure. He is also survived by brother Lucas (Susan) of Nobleford; sister-in-law Tita of Diamond City, Roeli Moes of Edmonton, dear cousin Hans Steenbergen of Lethbridge and many nieces and nephews in Canada, the United States and the Netherlands.
He was predeceased by wife Diny; his parents, numerous brothers and sisters and in-laws, son Quincy, great-granddaughter Mackenna and daughter Wilma Meindertsma.
A Viewing will be held from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, on Friday, December 8, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 am, on Saturday, December 9, 2023, in the Monarch-Nobleford Cemetery.
A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am at the NOBLEFORD CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 522 Highway Avenue – Nobleford, AB with Rev. Bryan Hummel and Rev. Gary van Leeuwen officiating. Livestream link available at http://www.noblefordcrc.com
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Immanuel Christian Schools – Society for Christian Education in Southern Alberta, 802 – 6 Avenue, North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 0S1, http://www.societyforchristianeducation.org
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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BOOGAART, Melissa MELISSA REED BOOGAART 1987 – 2023 Mrs. Melissa Reed Boogaart of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Chase Boogaart, passed away suddenly in her sleep on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the age of 36 years.
Melissa was born on August 2, 1987, in Pincher Creek to Bob & Lynette Reed. She grew up in Pincher Creek with 2 siblings and was overjoyed to accept a 3rd in her late teen years. She Graduated from Mathew Halton High School and was a proud graduate of Multimedia Production at LCC. After a brief time working in Surrey BC. She returned to Lethbridge, making it her home.
She eventually settled into a position at Sunlife, and it was here that she met the love of her life Chase Boogaart. On June 29, 2019, Melissa and Chase entered into wedded bliss.
In 2017 Melissa began working at Lethbridge College. Eventually becoming an operations assistant In CTLI (Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation). It was here she found her true passion of helping others. The Dean of CTLI described helping others as Melissa’s superpower.
Professionally she was often the go to person for her depth of knowledge and her way of working with others.
Melissa had a zest for life and never missed a chance to hold or play with their pets Keiko and Zim. She loved to spend hours with Amy’s puppies and always found the best gifts and loved playing with her niece and nephew’s.
Our beloved wife, daughter, sister and friend will be lovingly remembered by her best friend and husband Chase Tyson Boogaart; Father Bob (Debbie) Reed; sister Amy-Lynn Reed; brothers Travis (Sam) Reed and Merven (Katie) Meier; sister in-law Kerry Boogaart; brother in-law Cole Boogaaart; father in-law Marty (Gwyn) (Jackie) Boogaart; grandparents Roy (Diana) Reed, Julien Morin; uncle’s Rocky Reed, Dennis (Jackie) Morin; aunts Liane (Nick) Leavitt, Linda (Ian) Callander, Ronda Guss as well as her niece and nephew’s.
She was predeceased by her amazing mother Lynette Reed; uncle’s Dale Morin, Terry Guss and Wayne Guss; grandparents June Morin and Oriville (Gail) Guss.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Tuesday, December 12, 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/Melissa-ReedBoogaart and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.
In Lieu of flowers you can honor her memory by performing a good deed for a neighbor or donating food to your local food bank.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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ELLIS, Bessie BESSIE VROOM (ANNAND) ELLIS January 8, 1927 – November 20, 2023 With heavy hearts, the family of Bessie May Ellis (nee Vroom) announces her passing on November 20, 2023, in Calgary, AB. A beautiful and multi-talented woman, Bessie died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
Bessie spent her early years playing with her beloved goats and horses on her family’s ranch south of Beaver Mines, AB. For her elementary grades, she attended one-room country schools, Gladstone Valley and Coalfields, riding horseback for a daily round-trip of nearly nine miles. At 17 years old, Bessie led the Pincher Creek Fair and Rodeo parade on her handsome sorrel horse. She graduated from Pincher Creek High School and then Calgary Normal School, with a Wartime Emergency Certificate in Elementary Education. In 1945, she started a teaching career of 30 years at East View and Livingstone, one-room country schools near Drumheller, AB, and then at Waterton Park School. In 1948, she married Waterton resident George Annand.
During her more than 20 years in Waterton, Bessie wrote feature articles and the column “Wonderful Waterton” for The Lethbridge Herald. She also contributed news items to CJOC Radio and CJLH-TV in Lethbridge, The Calgary Herald and Calgary Albertan, and the Hungry Horse News in Columbia Falls, MT. In addition to gardening, sewing and baking for a growing family, in the 1950s, Bessie voluntarily created and taught an English as a Second Language course for immigrant families who came to Waterton after WW2. She was a founder and leader of the Waterton Girl Guide troop. Bessie completed Grade 6 Piano, Western Board of Music (University of Alberta). In 1956, she won the Silver Medal in grade 3 Theory for the Prairie provinces. She played the old pump organ for services, and was an active volunteer, in All Saints Anglican Church and the Anglican Women’s Auxiliary, Waterton. Later in Regina, she greatly enjoyed playing piano and leading seniors in sing-alongs of old-time songs.
In 1965, Bessie returned to teaching at the East Cardston Hutterite Colony. She updated her teaching qualifications, earning a BEd degree (University of Lethbridge), MEd degree (University of Alberta), and a post-graduate Diploma in Educational Administration (University of Regina). In 1969, the family moved to Lethbridge where she taught at Lakeview Elementary and was vice-principal of George McKillop School. In 1975, she moved to Regina and married Claude Ellis, a former MP in the House of Commons. As a reading specialist teaching at Kitchener Elementary School, she wrote a computer program on her Atari, creating a learning game which made reading fun. Bessie was President of the South Saskatchewan Reading Council.
During her years in Lethbridge and Regina, Bessie was active in politics, running as a candidate in municipal, provincial and federal elections. She then worked to promote the election of women at provincial and federal levels. In the early 1980s, the Saskatchewan New Democratic Women (SNDW) established the Bessie Ellis Fund to assist women running for political nomination. In 1992 Bessie was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation Canada, 1867 – 1992, “in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada.” Upon retirement, Bessie moved to Victoria, BC, and returned to her writing. She wrote and published five volumes in her series “The Vrooms of the Foothills”. Her books include over 1,200 photos, whose captions recount stories of the settling of southwest Alberta.
Bessie was predeceased by her homesteader grandparents Oscar and Alena Vroom, Beaver Mines, and George and Mary Tyson, Utopia district; parents Ralph and Mollie Vroom; brothers Donald (Jacqueline) Vroom and Bill (Maureen) Vroom, sister Marion (Mike) Grechman; husbands George Annand, Claude Ellis, and Joseph Meade; and son-in-law Michael Lailey, Calgary. Left to mourn her passing but to celebrate her many accomplishments are her children, Edith (Wayne) Smithies, Evelyn Lailey, David (Geraldine) Annand, and James Annand (Shelley McConnell), nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Her family thanks the staff of Scenic Grande Retirement Home and Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, AB, for the compassionate care Bessie received, and the concern shown to her family in a difficult time. Her funeral service will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Pincher Creek (817 Kettles St, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0), on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 1p.m. Family and friends are invited for tea after the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating, in Bessie’s memory, to your favourite charity or Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (Box 1226, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0), https://www.kootenaibrown.ca/donation
LIFE’S WORK WELL DONE

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SCHMIDT, Ruth RUTH HILDE SCHMIDT 1931 – 2023 Mrs. Ruth Hilde Schmidt of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Johann Schmidt, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Monday, December 5, 2023, at the age of 92 years.
Besides her loving husband Johann, Ruth is survived by 2 daughters Gloria (Ron) Arnold and Wendy (Wade) York; 1 son Rolf Schmidt (Stacey); grandchildren Paula Schooley, Daniel Arnold, Darrall Arnold, Timothy Schmidt, Barry York, Chad York, Amanda Fernandez; sister Sylvia Schock; and brother Hans Georg Buehler.
She was predeceased by her parents Wilhelm Buehler and Hilde Kraiser; brothers Eugen Kraiser and Klaus Buehler; and grandchild Michael Godlondon.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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CLEMENTS, Shirley Shirley Clements
1926 – 2023
Shirley Clements (née Edwards), beloved wife of the late Harold Clements, went ‘home for Christmas’ on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 in Taber at the age of 97 years. It is with broken but joyful hearts, we announce that she was able to finally be reunited with her beloved husband (after fifty long years of waiting for him), her two daughters and many others.
Shirley is survived by her children Christine (Keith) Moline, Bruce (Shellee) Clements, Barry (Brenda) Clements and Bryan Clements; son-in-law Ric (Kathy) Bateman; a beloved posterity of 147 who called her grandma Shirley; sister Betty LeBaron; sisters-in-law Yvonne Edwards and Edie Lawrence as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her beloved eternal companion Harold; daughters Faye Clements and Wendy Bateman; parents Percy and Irene Edwards; siblings Elsie, George, Bob, Irene, Marcie, Ray, Carolyn, Clarence, Sam and Lucye.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the church prior to the funeral service on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:40 A.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barnwell Chapel on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Barnwell Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Shirley’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. The livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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IACHETTA, Grazia GRAZIA IACHETTA 1921 – 2023 Mrs. Grazia Iachetta of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Alberto Iachetta, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at the age of 102 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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PACKHAM, Elba ELBA MAY PACKHAM 1938 – 2023 Elba May Packham, of Fort Macleod, Alberta, beloved wife of Irwin Packham, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the age of 85 years.
She is survived by her son Scot (daughter-in-law Coreen), daughter Joanne (Gordon Huff), son Gary, and daughter Jody (Grant) Dugan. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Jonathan, Nathaniel, Cassandra (Tim) Gifford, Chelsea (Mike) Lyle, Jordan, Kimberly (Trevor) Galla, and Travis; great-grandchildren Macie Lyle, Cameron Lyle, Josh Galla, Emma-May Galla, and Olivia Galla; her brother George (Joan) Huddlestun; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
Mom was predeceased by our brother Darren Packham; our grandparents Fred and May Huddlestun, and Frank and Kathleen Packham; her sister Pamela Huddlestun; her brother William “Bill” Huddlestun; and sisters-in-law Joyce Huddlestun and Doreen Huddlestun.
Our mom was born in Pincher Creek and raised on a farm in the Twin Butte area. She married our father in 1958, and together they raised a family of five children. Our parents lived many years in the north working side-by-side in business spending 20 years as owners of the True Value Hardware store in High Level, Alberta.
In 2001, our parents retired to Fort Macleod which is exactly where our mom wanted to be – closer to friends and family. Our mom loved gardening, dancing, socializing, and was always up for a good party. Over the years our parents hosted many staff parties, special holiday events, and family gatherings.
She touched the lives of many people and will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
We would like to extend a very special thank you to the surgeons, doctors, nurses, and support staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital, as well as the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College nursing and LPN students and instructors who provided excellent, efficient, and compassionate care to Mom “the headmaster” during her time there.
A Celebration of Mom’s Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honour Elba’s memory are invited to donate to the Salvation Army,
2 Overlea Blvd. Toronto, Ontario, M4H 1P4
https://donate.salvationarmy.ca
To send a condolence, visit http://www.edensfuneralhome.com

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EBERT, Robert ROBERT JOSEPH EBERT December 16, 1951 – December 4, 2023 Robert (Bob) passed away peacefully at home on Monday evening, December 4, 2023 after a brave battle with kidney cancer. Beloved husband of Alexandra (Sandra) he leaves sister JoAnna (John), brother Harry (Bernice), sister-in-law Janice, nine nephews and nieces and many friends.
Bob was predeceased by his parents Henry Eberts (1983) and Anne Eberts (1991) and his sister Marlene Tondini (2006) and brother-in-law Arthur Tondini (2011).
Bob was born in Fernie, British Columbia, raised in Sparwood, British Columbia and married Sandra in 1986. He enjoyed building two successful businesses in Sparwood, a heavy-duty mechanical shop then later a third-party logistics warehouse. Retiring in 2007 to Lethbridge, Alberta, he and Sandra did some travelling and made some great memories along the way.
Per Robert’s request no formal services or gatherings will be held.
Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home Ltd. with inurnment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery columbarium, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Condolences may be sent via http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Chinook Regional Foundation, http://www.crhfoundation.ca.
Sunshine passes, shadows fall. Love’s remembrance outlasts all.

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LANDERYOU, Betty LANDERYOU The family of BETTY LANDERYOU sadly announce her passing on December 5, 2023.
Left to mourn are her children, Jack, Gordon and Karen Landeryou, Pat Lichter and Susan Supina, her dearly beloved grandchildren, Anna, Sarah, Jesse, Morgan, Liam, Jessica and Ava, as well as nine great-grandchildren and three great-great- grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Harry Benson of Fort Macleod, her brother Gordon, husband John and her granddaughter, Ruth.
Betty was born Dorothy Elizabeth Benson on September 20, 1925. She married John Landeryou in 1947 and dedicated her life to the well being of their family.
Cremation will be followed later by a private family memorial.

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

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THIESSEN, John THIESSEN JOHN THIESSEN, beloved husband of Lydia Thiessen, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, on Wednesday December 6, 2023 at the age of 91 years.
Besides his loving wife, Lydia Thiessen, John is survived by his children: Claire (James) Penner, Del (Lynda) Thiessen, and Derryl (Sandy) Thiessen; seven grandchildren: Elya (Matt) Bergen, Erick (Jelisa) Penner, Tajaira (Dustin) Thiessen, Tiare Thiessen, Morgan (Justin) Thiessen, Ben Thiessen, and Casey Thiessen; and two great grandchildren: Ezra Penner and Levi Penner. He is also survived by siblings Elizabeth (John) Traber, Tina Erion, and Ernie (Elsie) Thiessen.
John was born to Jacob and Mary Thiessen in a Coaldale farmhouse on July 24, 1932.
His lifelong sweetheart was Lydia (née Regier) whom he loved with all his heart. Together, they had three children, Claire, Del and Derryl. John loved his family dearly, and created many ways for them to enjoy life.
John worked hard at the feedlot he pioneered, just north of Coaldale, and after his feedlot days, was involved in the development of the Couleecreek area of Lethbridge.
John loved to travel with his family, and also sometimes alone to see what God was doing across the world. John visited places such as Nicaragua, Paraguay, Finland, Italy, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and the Ukraine, and connected with the locals and with political leaders in those places. John’s passion was to let people know about the generous offer of Jesus, whether that was through conversations with people across the street or across the world.
We will all miss John very much. He had a sense of presence that made those around him feel like everything would be alright. He is now in the presence of Jesus, and has all that he was hoping for.
A Memorial Service will be held at the EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 4717 – 24 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, December 13th at 11:00 A.M. The Interment will be held at the Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery at 9:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Great Commission Media Ministries at https://gcmministries.ca/ or to Candle in the Darkness at https://calvarycommunity.ca/
A more expanded version of the eulogy can be found on the Cornerstone Funeral Home website.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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BUTLER, Robert “Bob” REV. DR. ROBERT “BOB” CHARLES BUTLER 1958 – 2023 Rev. Dr. Robert Charles Butler of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Patty Butler, passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the age of 65 1/2 years.
Bob was born in Scarborough, Ontario 10 months after his sister Liz. Their relationship went deeper than sibling love, as they were the best of friends for 65 1/2 years. Young Bobby was creative, artistic, musical, talented and athletically gifted. During high school he and his best friend Jim played sports and found God. They served overseas in Hong Kong with YMAM where Bob was called to full time ministry, and spent the rest of his life fulfilling that call. When Bob was 25, he met Patty, became a Westerner when he went to Bible School in Saskatoon, became a dad when Joel arrived in 1986, graduated, produced a worship album, bought and renovated their first house and entered into fulltime ministry… life was full… then Kayleigh arrived in 1994. His passion to serve God took him to many countries as well as fully immersing himself in local church ministry. His love for all nations and people groups was infectious and led to missions work in India where he supported hundreds of Pastors. Although he faced numerous health challenges, ne never allowed illness to keep him down for long. He fought fiercely and was courageous right to the end.
Besides his loving wife, Patty, Bob is survived by his daughter Kayleigh Paddock (Spencer Paddock); son Joel Butler (Bridget Mulligan); grandchild Elsie Del-Rose Paddock; sister Elizabeth Leake (Allan Leake); 2 brothers Liam (Lauren) Butler, Bryan (Katherine) Butler; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Nuala Clark and Arnold Butler.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, December 15, 2023, at COLLEGE DRIVE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2710, COLLEGE DRIVE SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Bill Zwartbol, officiating.
A private family Interment will be held prior.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to King of Kings Fellowship – India. Cash or cheques can be made to King of Kings fellowship Lethbridge, or etransfers can be sent to books.kingofkings@gmail.com
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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PINTO, Celia PINTO CELIA PINTO, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late John Pinto, passed away peacefully at Fairmont Extendicare, on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at the impressive age of 99 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Both the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Celia’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

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

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