Friday, March 15, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 15, 2024.

HENKER, Carol CAROL BARBARA (SHARPLES) HENKER 1940 – 2024 We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved mom and grandma Carol Henker on March 9, 2024 at the age of 83. Carol passed peacefully in the arms of her children, following a brief illness.
Born and raised in Claresholm, Carol was proud of her pioneer heritage as the granddaughter of Charles Sharples, who homesteaded west of Claresholm in the 1800s. Her Leeds grandparents were also early pioneers in the area. Mimi, as she was known to her family, treasured wonderful memories of growing up on the Sharples Ranch with loving parents and her three sisters, enjoying a close family, their ponies, and fun in and on Trout Creek in the summer and winter.
Carol qualified as a teacher at the University of Alberta and taught a number of years in Edmonton before returning to raise her own children in Claresholm. She was artistic, and created gorgeous handicrafts of all kinds, many of which Carol gave as gifts or with which she adorned her impeccable and beautifully decorated home. She was musical, having learned to play several instruments and she sang with the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus as well as the Claresholm Community Singers. She was a devout Catholic and member of the Christ the King parish in Claresholm. Carol was particularly known as a gracious hostess, admired for her culinary and baking skills and the thoughtfulness and extra effort she made to make all occasions special, and to welcome friends, family, and her children’s friends.
Carol was predeceased in 2016 by Terry, her husband of 43 years. Together they enjoyed love, laughter and many travels. Above all else, Carol treasured family times with her children, holidays, dinners, vacations, special occasions, and time with her cherished grandchildren.
Carol was also predeceased by her parents, Henry and Marjorie Sharples, and her older sister Joanne. Mourning and missing Carol always are her three children, daughter Barbara (Paulin) Larochelle and grandchildren Geoffrey, Laura and Matthieu, son Don (Whitney) Henker and grandchildren Grace, Jack and David, and daughter Patti Henker, two sisters, Judy Meckelborg and Kathleen (Ken) Tratch, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Carol will also be greatly missed by her many friends, including her coffee and craft groups.
A funeral Mass for Carol will be celebrated later in the spring, and there will be a private inurnment at the Claresholm cemetery.

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SHAW, Janice Janice Shaw 1935 Р2024 Janice Louise Shaw (n̩e West), beloved wife of the late Pete Shaw, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at the age of 88 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet the family at the church prior to the funeral service on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:45 A.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4709 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Janice is survived by her children Robert (Tamara) Shaw of Odgen, Utah, Randy (Audrey) Shaw of Magrath, Derek (Julie) Shaw of Medicine Hat, Karen (Lynn) Whitelock of Calgary, Darlene Shaw of Taber and Renae (Ernie) Vornbrock of Taber. She also leaves to mourn nineteen grandchildren and twenty nine great grandchildren; her sisters-in-law Hazel West of Taber, Lavonne (Murray) Pack of Raymond and by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Pete Shaw and her parents Curtis and Iona West; brothers Cliff (Edna) West, Deral (June) West, Lloyd (Mildred) West, Russell West, Larry (Audrey) West and Allen (Jacquie) West; sisters Melba (John) Pickett, LaVon (George) Pickett, Eva (died in infancy) and Donna (Lloyd) Erickson. She was also predeceased by Pete’s family, Frank and Alice Shaw, Winston (Lucille) Shaw, Ken (Carol) Shaw, Lorrayne (Jack) Baile and Betsy Shaw.
Janice was born in Raymond on November 12, 1935, the youngest of eleven siblings. She enjoyed her upbringing and was doted on by her older siblings. She married Pete Shaw on September 23, 1954 and they enjoyed sixty two years together. Most of those years were spent in Taber. Like her older brothers, she worked at the Taber Sugar Factory, mostly during campaign. She also babysat in her home, caring for her own six children and usually two to four extras. Her greatest joy was her family. Janice was a support to her husband as he coached basketball for many years. She also enjoyed watching her sons play basketball. She excelled at cooking and baking, particularly her Parker House buns which have yet to be matched. Her interests included crocheting dish cloths, crossword puzzles, card games and watching hockey.
Janice will be greatly missed.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Janice’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s personal choice.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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PENNER, Elizabeth ELIZABETH PENNER 1934 – 2024 Elizabeth Penner (Klassen) of Coaldale, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, passed away on March 7th, 2024, at the age of 89.
Omie is survived by 1 daughter in-law Kathleen Watson, 3 children; daughter Valerie Gfrerer, and sons Jackson (Connie) Penner, and Thomas (Barbara) Penner, 11 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren, brothers Jake Klassen and Bill Klassen, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Harry Penner, parents Peter and Elizabeth Klassen, brother and sister in-law Peter and Frieda Dyck, sisters in-law Martha Klassen and Erna Klassen, and sons James Penner and Loren Penner.
Elizabeth was born on August 9th, 1934, in Osterwick, Ukraine, and immigrated to Canada through Germany in the early 1940’s. She married the love of her life on March 10, 1962. They farmed together while raising 5 kids in the Coaldale area. She was very busy on the farm with milking cows, growing a large garden, bringing meals to the field, and taking care of her gorgeous flowers. Harry passed away on October 18th, 1981, and she kept everything running smoothly. Elizabeth never remarried as she dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She will be dearly missed. We love you so much Omie and you will be in our hearts forever.
A visitation will be held between 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Coaldale Mennonite Church, 2316-17th Street, Coaldale, AB. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Coaldale Mennonite Church. Elizabeth will be privately laid to rest prior to the Funeral Service.
Donations in Elizabeth’s memory can be made to: MCC Alberta, 210-2946, 32nd St. N.E. Calgary, AB. T1Y 6J7
Condolences may be sent through http://www.edensfuneralhome.com Access to a Livestream link of the Funeral Service will also be provided online.

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BRUNSDON, Edward “Ted” EDWARD “TED” BRUNSDON 1937 – 2024 Mr. Edward “Ted” Brunsdon of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Beulah Brunsdon, passed away at Fairmont Extendicare, on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the age of 86 years.
A Visitation will be held at 12:00 pm, on Friday, March 15, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, March 15, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Tim Seim, officiating. To watch Ted’s service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/EdwardTed-Brunsdon
A private family Interment will be held.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MAI, Jia He
JIA HE MAI 1933 – 2024 Mr. Jia He Mai of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Cui Fang Su, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by family, on Sunday March 10, 2024, at the age of 94 years.
Jia He Mai was born in Canton, China on April 27, 1933. After finishing his primary education in China, Jia He was employed at the shoe factory. Along with Cui Fang, he immigrated to Canada in 1996 and lived in Lethbridge until his passing. Jia He’s favourite pastime includes going for coffee and tea with Cui Fang and their friends. Jia He also loved to travel and being outdoors. His greatest passion was riding his bicycle all over the city. Jia He and Cui Fang enjoyed managing a large vegetable garden for many years.
Besides his loving wife Cui Fang, Jia He is survived by his son Hugh (Michelle) Mai of Lethbridge; daughter Yi Xia (Xu Wei Wen) of China; grandchildren, Sophia and Samson Mai, and Arnoldo Wu of Lethbridge, and Kaitlyn Xu (Andy Yim) of Toronto; one great granddaughter, Amelia Yuen Man Yim of Toronto; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jia He is also survived by his one sister, Linda (Leslie) Fong of Calgary; and two brothers, Jia Kai Mai (You Chong Wuang) of Calgary, and Thomas (Susan) Mak of Lethbridge.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesday March 19, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on March 20, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please visit https://www14.funeralwebhost.com/ymb/obituary/JaiHe-Mai and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.
Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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ZHONG, Ji JI TIAN ZHONG 1931 – 2024 Mr. Ji Tian Zhong of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Qiu Li Zhong, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday March 12, 2024, at the age of 92 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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DUECK, Doug Doug Dueck 1951 – 2024 Douglas Robert Dueck, passed away in Lethbridge on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at the age of 72 years.
Further information will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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DOE, Barbara DOE BARBARA EMMA CHRISTINE DOE, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Horace “Holly” Doe, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Friday, March 8, 2024 at the age of 97 years.
A Viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 12:00 P.M., followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Steve Bateman officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Barbara’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Funeral Service, Barbara will be laid to rest next to her husband Holly in Mountain View Cemetery.

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

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HORN, Idalija “Ida” Idalija (Ida) Horn (nee Mikalajunas) Idalija (Ida) Horn, beloved wife of Gunter Horn, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on March 10, 2024, at the age of 89. She was also the loving mother of Beverly (Tony Rosgen) of Calgary, Veronica (Trent Takeyasu) of Lethbridge, and the late Gunter Jr (Jodi) of Calgary. She was the loving grandmother to AJ and Sophie, of Calgary. She was predeceased by her son, Gunter Jr, and her brothers Anthony and Albert.
Idalija was born in Lithuania, on May 17, 1934, to Barbara and Antanas Mikalajunas. The family moved to Canada in 1938, settling in Montreal.
Idalija loved the fine arts especially painting and drama. As her parents wanted her to do something more practical, she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Sir George William University in 1955, one of two women in the class. She worked for Bell Telephone Company for nearly 10 years and later at Texaco.
Idalija met Gunter Horn, at a Molson Company picnic in May 1960, and they were married November 2, 1961. Idalija and Gunter had three children, Veronica, Gunter Jr., and Beverly.
In 1974, the family moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, when Gunter got a transfer to work for Molson’s Lethbridge Brewery. Idalija found work as the payroll supervisor at Lethbridge School District # 51, where she remained until she retired in 1990. As Gunter retired at the same time, they had a long and enjoyable retirement together. They learned how to golf and had many lovely golfing holidays. They also loved travelling to Europe and went on many cruises in the Caribbean. Idalija was an accomplished cook, renowned for her elaborate Christmas cookies and her amazing roast pork and potatoes. She continued painting when she had time and loved going for long walks.
She will be remembered as a loving and adventurous person, who cared deeply for her family and friends.
Friends may meet with the family at 1 pm Saturday March 16, 2024, at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703-13 St. N. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society in her name.
For more information or to share your condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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PARKINS, Michael PARKINS It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of MICHAEL DWAINE PARKINS, on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the age of 44.
Michael leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories; he will be forever remembered by his girlfriend, Audrey Crane Chief, and his beloved parents, Kathy McDonald & Rick (Wendy Bennett-Parkins) Parkins. His presence will forever be etched in the hearts of his brother Chad (Karen) Parkins and Chad’s daughter Calee; and his sister Shannon (Darcey) Parkins and Shannon’s son Drew. As well, Michael is survived by his step-siblings, Jeff (Ashley) Bennett and their family, Amy (Jason) Fuhr and their family and Renaye (Peter) Pritchard and their family. He will also be deeply missed by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Michael is reunited in eternal peace with his son, Zachary Parkins, his beloved Papa and Nanny Dunn, his grandma and grandpa Parkins and several other cherished family members.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory be a source of comfort and strength to all who knew and loved him.
Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

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PRINCE, Ellen ELLEN PRINCE Ellen Prince of Glenwood, AB, passed away surrounded by family in Cardston, AB on March 12, 2024, at the age of 100 years. Friends Meet Family will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Glenwood, AB, on Friday, March 15 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Glenwood, on Saturday, March 16, at 1:00 pm, friends and relatives are invited to meet from 12:00pm-1:00pm prior to the service. Interment to follow at Glenwood Cemetery.
Livestream of the Funeral Service available at: https://zoom.us/j/96133846189
To email condolences, please visit http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

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TOMCALA, Frank TOMCALA, Frank Frank Jerry Tomcala, beloved husband of Laurie Tomcala, of Canora, SK, passed away peacefully at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, SK, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the age of 67 years.
Alongside his loving wife of more than 42 years, Laurie, Frank will be remembered by his children and grandchildren: Ryan (Isabelle) Tomcala of Canora, SK, their children Cora, Lilyanna, Evvie, and Theodore; Greg Tomcala of Canora, SK; Chelsea (Thomas) Kraus of Grande Prairie, AB, their children, Sullivan and Harrison; Andrew (Becky) Tomcala of Canora, SK, their children, Henry and Iyla; Bryce Tomcala, Olivia Tomcala (Robert), and Elley Tomcala (Raegan), all of Saskatoon, SK; and chosen son, Nathan (Bailey) Hrynchyshyn of Buchanan, SK. Frank will also be fondly remembered by his dear sisters, Annie Tomcala, of Medicine Hat, AB, and Mary Jane Tomcala, of Calgary, AB, as well as numerous cousins across Canada, Czech Republic and Slovakia, and many friends and neighbors across the prairies.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, Josef (Joe) and Alzbeta (Betty) Tomcala, of Taber, AB; his father-in law, Kenneth (Ken) Havervold; sister-in-law, Karla Havervold; and father-in-law, Vernon (Vern) Dunn.
A Vigil of Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, and the Funeral Mass celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024, both from St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Canora, SK, with Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Kuruvilla as celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Mary’s United Wiwchar Cemetery, southwest of Canora, SK. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Canora Hospital Auxiliary or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Frank Tomcala.
Family and friends unable to attend are invited to sign an online guestbook and view livestream at http://www.lesonsfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements were entrusted to LESON’S FUNERAL HOME, Canora, SK.

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