Saturday, March 2, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 2, 2024.

CANN, Joyce

JOYCE CANN 1930 – 2024 Joyce Evangeline Cann (Anderson) of Lethbridge passed away on Tuesday February 20, 2024, at the age of 93. She is survived by her sons Brent (Henriette) and Mike (Mona) and son-in-law Gary Huculak (Xochitl Hernandez), her grandchildren Manou Glijn (Trevor Majeski), Dylan Cann, Sascha Lenstra (Dustan), Tyson Cann, Liam Huculak (Angelica), and Amelia Cann, her great-grandchildren Jackson, Cidney, Huntington, Rocky and Cali; her brother Don Anderson (Edith), sister Beth McKay and brother-in-law Ken Forbes, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Ade and Blanche Anderson, her husband Paul, daughter Cindy Huculak, granddaughter Tara McDonald (Steve McDonald), and brothers Bud, Dick, and Lincoln. Joyce was born October 29, 1930, in Scandia, Alberta. She married Paul Cann in Brooks, Alberta, where Brent was born. The family then moved to Chilliwack, BC, where their daughter, Cindy was born. They returned to Alberta, moving to Lethbridge where Mike was born. Joyce enjoyed her career as bookkeeper for many years. As per Joyce’s wishes, no public service will be held.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

DEDA, Beryl

DEDA, Beryl (nee Payton) November 6, 1933 – February 24, 2024 Beryl Deda (affectionately known as Kellie to her Australian family and friends), beloved wife of the late Peter Deda, and treasured mother to Charlotte, Kate, and Stephen, passed away in Calgary, on Saturday, February 24.
A Celebration of Beryl’s Life will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church (816 Main Street, Pincher Creek, AB) on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow. Please feel free to wear bright colours!
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Servants Anonymous Foundation, http://www.safoundation.com. Beryl cared deeply for this ministry and their commitment to assisting exploited women and their children around the world.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Beryl’s family at http://www.MHFH.com. In living memory of Beryl Deda, and her passion for gardening, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

FRIESEN, Elizabeth “Betty”

ELIZABETH “BETTY” FRIESEN 1928 – 2024 Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” Friesen, beloved wife of the late Mr. John Friesen, passed away at St. Therese Villa on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 95 years of age.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

JENSEN, Barry

JENSEN It is with much sadness that the family of Barry Dale Jensen announce his unexpected death. Barry passed away peacefully with his eternal companion Kristine by his side at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the age of 75 years, due to complications from a fall on February 5.
For more information or to share condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

NAKAMURA, Nancy

NAKAMURA Nancy Nakamura passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday February 25th at the age of 88 years old.
Nancy was born in December 1935 to Einosuke and Miki Nishida in Vancouver B.C. In 1942 Nancy’s family was placed in the Popoff internment camp near Slocan, B.C. In 1946 the family was deported back to war ravaged Japan. With little opportunity in Japan, Nancy (15) and her sister Thelma (13) returned to Canada to work the sugar beet fields surrounding Picture Butte, Alberta. It is here where she met and married Tak (Takeshi) Katakami.
Lethbridge was home to her for most of her life where she had many wonderful years with her husband Tak (passed in 1984). Together they raised their son Tim and enjoyed spending time with her sister Thelma (late George) Saito and their son Jeff.
Nancy got a lot of enjoyment out of singing Karaoke and Odori dancing at the Japanese festivals. She was a 33-year employee at Safeway where she became well known and made many friends and acquaintances over the years.
Nancy was remarried to Dr. Kazuo Nakamura and spent 29 years together while enjoying travelling and time spent with their four grandchildren Steven, Kristin, Quintin and Ciara.
She was predeceased by Kaz in January 2019.
Nancy is survived by her son Tim Katakami (Cathie), her grandchildren Steven (Janie), Kristin (Derek) and three great grandchildren Koemi, Daevi and Kami. Also survived by her sister Thelma Saito, stepdaughters Lisa (Quintin) and Eriko (Ciara) Nakamura and sister Eiko Yakushi, brother Eikichi Nishida in Japan.
Nancy was also predeceased by her brother Eizo (Teruko) Nishida.
She will be fondly remembered by many including nieces, nephews and step grandchildren.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

WALBURGER, Scott

WALBURGER SCOTT BRADLEY WALBURGER, beloved husband of Mandy Walburger, passed away on February 25, 2024 in Crowsnest Pass, AB, at the age of 46 years. Friends may meet the Family at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Magrath Stake Center, (21 East 1 Ave S, Magrath, AB) on Tuesday, March 5 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the Magrath Stake Center on Wednesday, March 6 at 11:30 am. Interment will take place in the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond, AB.
To send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

MCDONALD, Marlene

Marlene McDonald 1944 ~ 2024 Marlene Ann McDonald of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Garry McDonald, passed away on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 at the age of 79 years. Marlene leaves to cherish her memory her children, Carol McDonald, Kathy Lavoie, Kevin Gallinger, Karen (DJ) Worrell, and Christina (Ryan) McNeil; grandchildren, Kayla Worrell, Miranda Nielson-Worrell, Jasmine McDonald, Ethan Gallinger, Jamie Lavoie, Justin Lavoie, and Jeremi Lavoie; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Sandra Abraham; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Marlene was predeceased by her husband, Garry; parents, Carl and Beatrice Siivonen; and brother, Thomas Siivonen. Marlene was a very supportive lady as well as an amazing mother figure. She loved fishing, camping, her friends, and enjoyed an evening out at bingo, but her absolute favorite thing was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will always be forever missed, forever remembered, and always in our hearts. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Marlene McDonald. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.

KITCHEN, Esther

KITCHEN August 25, 1942 – February 24, 2024 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother, ESTHER ANNABELLE KITCHEN, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by family gathered by her side, on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the age of 81 years.
Esther will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Tom; daughters: Kim (Lannie) Donaldson and Lenore Giesbrecht; grandchildren: Geoff (Evelyne), Anna (Jeremy), Sierra (Troy) and Carter, as well as her three great-grandchildren: Olivia, Avery and Reid.
She was predeceased by her mother, Annie Wolfe (née Wiebe); father, Peter A. Wolf; brother, Peter Wolfe; and niece, Dana Sylvia Ann Wolfe.
Esther was born August 25, 1942 at the Bethel Hospital in Winkler, MB, to Peter and Annie Wolfe. Esther was raised and spent most of her years growing up in and around Sidney, MB.
Esther met, fell in love, and then went on to marry the love of her life, Tom Kitchen, in the Sidney United Church. They then moved to Carberry, MB, where they started their family and had two beautiful daughters, Kimberly and Lenore.
After a brief time in Carberry, they moved to Brandon, MB, Edson, AB, Medicine Hat, AB, and Bow Island, AB, before they finally settled in Lethbridge, AB.
Esther was a fulltime homemaker, where she took care of her family and raised her children. When her children were older, she then worked for Medicine Hat Appraisals for may years, where she was awarded “Secretary of the Year”, an immensely proud moment in her working career.
She was deeply passionate about her relationships with her family and friends. Esther’s faith in the Lord was very important to her; she lived her life with God close to her heart and blessed those around her with the good Lord’s verses and hummed her favourite hymns. She also loved reading books and doing her crossword puzzles.
In accordance with Esther’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

SWANN, William “Bill”

SWANN WILLIAM “BILL” WILTON SWANN, passed away suddenly at home in Coaldale, with his beloved wife of 58 years, Eileen Pat Swann by his side, on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the age of 85 years.
Besides his loving wife, Eileen, Bill is survived by his three sons: Bill (Jacqueline), Jamie (Michele) and Mike (Marie); and his grandchildren: Jessica (Brent), Billy, Katie and Hailey; and step-grandchildren Jessica and Levi.
Bill is also survived by his sister Joanne (Mike) Ternovan, his brother Wayne (Kate), brothers-in-law Jim (Judy) Ross and Dale (Sharon) Ross and his sister-in-law, Vicki Willis.
He was predeceased by his parents, William and Ellen, and his brother Jim (Sandi).
As per Bill’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

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

BRADLEY, John

BRADLEY DR. JOHN A. BRADLEY, Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mary Grace Bradley, passed away peacefully on Saturday 17 Feb 2024 aged 93 years.
He will be sorely missed.
Sincere thanks to EMS and medical staff at Chinook Regional Hospital, cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

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

SHEMANCHUK, Joseph

SHEMANCHUK JOSEPH ALEXANDER SHEMANCHUK, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Clara Shemanchuk, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
Joe was born April 28, 1927 in Wostok, Alberta. He graduated from high school in Lamont, AB, then attended and received a diploma from the Olds School of Agriculture, followed by the University of Alberta, where he completed his B.Sc. in Agriculture and M.Sc. in Entomology. Joe worked as a Research Scientist at the Lethbridge Research Station from 1955 to 1991. He served in the militia, in the 18th Field Artillery Regiment, retiring with the rank of Major, and received the Canadian Forces Decoration Medal.
He married his wife Clara on September 1, 1951. Together, they loved to travel and hobby farm the original farmstead at St Michael, AB, near Wostok, AB.
Joe was a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows for 50 years and received national recognition in honour of his long service. He was committed to community service and volunteered on several local communities, including the Lethbridge Housing Authority and Southern Alberta Community Living Association. He received recognition from FESC and Entomological Society of Canada.
A Celebration of Joseph’s Life will be held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH – 2329 15 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Trevor Potter officiating. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed via Joseph’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

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

GELLENY, Constance “Connie”

GELLENY CONSTANCE “CONNIE” MIDORI GELLENY, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Thomas Gelleny, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at the age of 88 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

SCHWAB, Andrew “Mitch”

SCHWAB ANDREW “MITCH” MITCHELL SCHWAB, of Stirling, AB, beloved husband of Nancy Schwab, passed away peacefully at the Foothills Medical Centre on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at the age of 63 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating.
Mitch will be laid to rest in Saskatchewan at a later date.

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

KERSCHER, Alfons

KERSCHER ALFONS RAAB KERSCHER, beloved husband of the late Trudy Kerscher, passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta on February 29, 2024 at the age of 99 years. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
To send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

PEPPER, Enid

In Loving Memory of Enid LaVon (Dowdle) Pepper Enid Pepper, aged 97, departed peacefully on February 28, 2024, at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital. She was born on September 20, 1926, in Woolford, Alberta, the daughter of Merriett Dewey Dowdle and Alice Ada Webster.
Enid was the beloved spouse of Raemer England Gardner Pepper and a cherished mother to Jodie Rae Ortlieb (Ron Ortlieb) and Darren Raemer Pepper (LeiLian Chen). She was preceded in death by her sister, Alice LaRue Neilson, and brother Lloyd Rulon “Bud” Dowdle. Enid is survived by eight grandchildren: Amber, Jason (Russet Thomsen), Leslie and Ashley Ortieb and Jesse, Jordan, Katie (Eric Garner) and Zoe Pepper as well as six great-grandchildren.
Best known in Southern Alberta for her fervor for and participation in competitive sports spanning five decades, Enid engaged in track and field, softball, singles and doubles tennis, five and ten-pin bowling, curling, and golf. In recognition of her many athletic achievements across Lethbridge and Southern Alberta, she was inducted into the Cardston, Lethbridge, and Alberta Sports Halls of Fame. In the community of Cardston, where she was raised, she received the accolade of Outstanding Female Athlete of the Century for Cardston and District (1887 – 1987).
Following the birth of their children, Enid and Rae enjoyed numerous idyllic summer vacations at Apgar Village in Montana. Eventually acquiring a cabin in West Glacier, Montana, she delighted in hosting family and friends. A devoted Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors fan, Enid never missed a Blue Jays game, a tennis match or curling bonspiel. She maintained enduring friendships spanning almost eight decades and resided in her own home until a mere week before her passing.
The family expresses gratitude to the many healthcare providers, from her homecare nurses of AHS and CBI Health to the compassionate nurses and doctors at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital. A funeral service for Enid is scheduled for Thursday, March 7th at 11:00am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2410 28 St. S., Lethbridge, AB. You may meet with the family prior to the funeral service beginning at 10am.
Live stream will be available, and a link will appear beneath the obituary on Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home website.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

BOURNE, Elijah “Elige”

ELIJAH (ELIGE) BOURNE Elige passed away unexpectedly on February 26, 2024 at the age of 74 years.
Elige was born in Magrath on July 11, 1949 to Mahlon and Evelyn Bourne, the 10th of 14 children. He is survived by his children, Jodi, Jacquie, Jaimie Leigh, EJ, Justin and Michaela. He is also survived by his siblings, Don, Neil, Connie, Clark, Monte, Leonard and Bessie.
Elige’s greatest passion in life were the horses. He started his career out as a jockey. He was known as the “King of the Bush”. He had a very competitive spirit and always wanted to win. After his days of being a jockey were over, Elige took up horse training. The best horse he ever trained was Shimshine – his pride and joy. During his career as a trainer, his horses earned just short of $2.5 million. The Horses were his life.
“May all your horses be winners!!” A Graveside Service will be held at the Magrath Cemetery on Tuesday March 5, 2024 at 11:00am.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

EAGLE BEAR, Kimberley

Kimberley Eagle Bear 1988 – 2024 It is with deep sadness that, we the family of Kimberley Miranda Eagle Bear announce her passing on the morning of Friday the 23rd of February 2024, Kimberley was born on July 6th 1988.
She is survived by her children Kylie Mikayla Eagle Bear, Kyle Milo Eagle Bear, Caleb Mylan Eagle Bear and Miley Mckenna Eagle Bear. Her uncle Philbert Eagle Bear (Known as Jim) and wife Ish, Her siblings Michael Brent Eagle Bear and Lucy Eagle Bear, Her father Don Coutts and the father of her children Milo Big Throat. And various relatives.
She is predeceased by her grandparents Hazel Eli Eagle Bear and Eddie Eagle Bear, her mother Gloria Karen Eagle Bear, Her uncles Dexter John Eagle Bear and Farley Wesley Eagle Bear.
Kimberley was raised up in Lethbridge in the home of her grandmother Hazel Eagle Bear. Kimberley went to Catholic Central High-school, Kimberley met so many amazing people along her journey. Kimberley was a kind hearted soul and loved everybody despite if they might’ve hurt her in the past. Kimberley could make friends with everyone regardless of their background. Kimberley was a full time single parent up until she passed she had four children with their father Milo Big-Throat. Kimberley adored and loved her children so much that she would do anything for them.
There will be a wake held at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home 703 – 13 St. N Lethbridge on Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 6:00PM – 9:00PM and funeral Monday, March 4 at 11:00AM at the funeral home with graveside at One Spot in Stand Off to follow.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca