December 26th, 2024

Saturday, May 18, 2024


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on May 18, 2024.

ANDERSON, Jeffrey ANDERSON Jeffrey Michael Anderson passed away on August 18, 2023 in Vernon, BC at the age of 39. He is the beloved son of Wendy Szabo and Larry Closs and Daniel and Angel Anderson. Brother to Caiden Closs, Cory Anderson and Jamie Smith.
The Celebration of Life that was previously scheduled for Sept 2023, has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2024. It will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the 702 Wing (174 Stubb Ross Road S., Lethbridge, AB.) Family and friends are welcome to attend.
WIRZBA, Margaret MARGARET WIRZBA 1929 – 2024 Margaret Wirzba (nee Strecker), known as Gretchen to many, beloved wife of the late Emil Wirzba passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on May 14, 2024, at the age of 95.
Margaret was born on February 27, 1929, to Philip and Elisabeth Strecker in Beschanja of the former Yugoslavia. Margaret was the second of five children, the only daughter. In 1944 Margaret’s family was forced to flee to Germany. They eventually ended up in Braunschweig, where they lived as refugees. In 1951 she, as well as her parents and two brothers, immigrated to Canada. They worked in the sugar beet fields near Iron Springs for two years, before moving to Lethbridge.
On August 28, 1954, she married Emil Wirzba. They lived together in Lethbridge for 62 years until Emil passed away in 2017. They raised a family of five children.
Family and church were very important to Gretchen and Emil. They loved hosting family and friends. Gretchen was a wonderful cook and baker. Her German “Torten” are legendary. Food was the focal point of any visit. And her desserts always got the best reviews.
Her faith in God was strong. She was very involved in the life of the Bethany Baptist Church, singing in the choir, helping with the ladies’ group, and of course helping with the many potluck meals with her great signature dishes.
Mom also loved gardening. She grew a vegetable patch and lots and lots of beautiful flowers.
After Emil passed away, mom moved to Cottage 1 at the Good Samaritans’ Park Meadows Village. We are so grateful to the staff who made this a good home for Margaret for the past 7 years. She passed away peacefully at Cottage 1 on May 14, 2024.
Margaret was predeceased by her loving husband Emil; parents; two of her brothers and their spouses (Philip and Elizabeth, Jakob and Irma), and her brother Karl.
Margaret is survived by her brother Sam (Benita), her five children Dan (Sharon), Bernie (Cecilia), Carl (Hélene), Marvin (Tanell), and Lorraine, six grandchildren Steve (Jessica), Johannah (Emily) Grace, Kevin (Heidi), Zachary, and Andrew, two great grandchildren Ivy and Lucy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 11:00am and 11:45am on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS WATERTON SUITE, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00pm, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 – Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00pm, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 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/Margaret-Wirzba
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MCLEOD, Owen OWEN MCLEOD 1975 – 2024 Mr. Owen McLeod of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Michelle McLeod, passed away suddenly in Lethbridge on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the age of 49 years.
A Viewing will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Celebration of Owen’s Life will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
ONUFRECHUK, Gloria GLORIA JOYCE ONUFRECHUK 1933 – 2024 We now entrust God’s care the remarkable gift He gave to us. Gloria Joyce Onufrechuk, cherished mother, sister, Grandma, great Grandma, aunt, great-aunt, sister-in-law, and friend. Gloria died peacefully, surrounded by family on May 12, 2024, at the age of 90 years.
Gloria was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, on September 27, 1933, at the Galt Hospital. She married her best friend Bob, June 5, 1954, and widowed on October 28, 1975.
Her memory is cherished by her two daughters, her four special grandchildren, and great-grandson; Lee Van Andel (Rene Jacob) and children Andrea (Sean Mihalcheon), and Robert; Kim Beck (Derek) and sons Austin (fiancee Alexx White) and Chad. She became a great grandma (Gigi) to Andrea’s son Bodhi on Robbie Burns Day. Also mourning her passing are cousins, in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews, and her many friends.
Besides her husband Bob, she was pre-deceased by her parents George and Ethel Dodd, and her three brothers Kenneth, Bill and Jim.
Throughout her life, Gloria shared her joyful spirit, generous nature, and deep faith. Her indomitable spirit has been a light in the lives of her family and of many friends. Her warm smile, her infectious laughter and her caring nature will be fondly remembered. Gloria was a life-long member of the United Church, participating in the United Church Women’s Group, Choir, teaching Sunday School, leader of CGIT, counsellor at Canyon Church Camp, and chaperone/conveyor of the Anne Campbell Singers.
Gloria’s table was always surrounded by family and friends. One was known to be a “guinea pig” in a new dish experimentation meal. You could never come into her home without having some food or at least a cup of tea and banana muffin. She loved gardening and grew vegetables and flowers. She spent many hours out in the yard, usually from the crack of dawn to sunset. Gloria travelled the world, exploring new countries and cultures, and making new friends wherever she went. If she wasn’t going someplace, she was planning for her next adventure.
Flowers are gratefully declined. At Gloria’s request there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life come-and-go tea will be held at a later date.
Gloria asks that you do this: “If you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you”.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
HUNT, Annabelle “Anne” ANNABELLE “ANNE” HUNT 1959 – 2024 Mrs. Annabelle “Anne” Hunt of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Thomas Chief Calf, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the age of 64 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SCHUBERG, Jayden SCHUBERG Jayden Aaliyah Dawn Schuberg passed away on May 13, 2024 in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 24 years.
A Wake Service will be held at the Levern Community Hall, Blood Reserve, Alberta on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Wednesday, May 22 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in the Pioneer Cemetery.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.
PAWLOWICH, Bessie BESSIE PAWLOWICH 1935 – 2024 Mrs. Bessie Pawlowich of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Mr. John Pawlowich, passed away at Sunny South Lodge on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the age of 88 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
HICKMAN, Viola VIOLA HICKMAN Oct. 26, 1937 – May 13, 2024 The family is sorry to announce the passing of Viola Hickman on May 13, 2024, at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, AB, at the age of 86 years.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
HAMILTON, Donald “Don” HAMILTON 1938 – 2024 DONALD “DON” GORDON HAMILTON, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Faye Hamilton, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the age of 85 years.
Don is survived by his son, Terry (Toby) Hamilton and their children: Teryn (Talon) Berlando, Taniell (Andrew) Hamilton and Trisha (Rob) Collins; daughter, Joanne (Kendall) Perrett and their children: Jordan (Andrea) Perrett and Raeanne (Chris) Perrett; stepson, Mark (Naomi) Vucurevich and their son Lorenzo; stepson, John Vucurevich; stepdaughter, Jill (Trevor) Wilson and their son Raevis Easton; and great- grandchildren: Brayson and Donny Berlando, Caelan Perrett and Charlotte Collins.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Shirley Hamilton; and two brothers, William Hamilton and Robert Hamilton.
Don was born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta. He worked hard in the building supply industry for numerous years. In 1972, he ventured out on his own, opening his first store in Lethbridge. Don worked along with his son, Terry, and together, they created a successful business.
Don enjoyed many things in life, including travel, fishing, golf, woodworking, and playing poker at the casino. He enjoyed time with his family and friends, and was known for his excellent sense of humour.
The family would like to thank the ICU staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital for their excellent care.
A Viewing will be held at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 12:00 Noon, with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Bruce Martin officiating.
Don will be laid to rest in Archmount Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BARTEL, Edward BARTEL EDWARD BARTEL SR., of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Katherine Bartel, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the age of 91 years.
Besides his loving wife Katherine of 68 years, he will be greatly missed by his children: Doris (Don), Ed (d.) (Leona), Darlene (Cornell), Arnie (Bonnie), Don (Donna); 14 grandchildren and their spouses; and 24 great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his son Ed, grandson Gordon, great-grandson Nixon, parents and four siblings.
A Viewing will be held at COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18 Street, Coaldale, AB, on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 12:00 Noon, with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Gary Burke officiating.
Following the Funeral Service, a private Family Interment will be held in the Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MANY SHOTS, Tommy MANY SHOTS – MORNING OWL Tommy Jerome Lee Many Shots – Morning Owl, passed away on May 5, 2024 in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 29 years. The Wake Service will be held on Tuesday, May 21 at Gladstone Hall from 7:00 to 11:00 pm and continuing all night at Beverly Morning Owl’s residence. The Funeral Service will be held at Gladstone Hall on Wednesday, May 22 at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow in Blood Band Cemetery.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.
COOK, Barbara BARBARA J. COOK 1934 – 2024 It is with immense sadness we announce the death of our beloved mother and wife, Barbara (Barb) Jane Cook (nee Saunders) on May 8, 2024, at the age of 89 years.
Barb was born on August 18, 1934, to Howard and Amy Saunders (nee Collins) in Toronto, Ontario. Despite some childhood health issues Barb loved the outdoors, especially time spent at Lake Simcoe in Southern Ontario, first with her parents and later, as a parent, she would take her four children there camping.
Barb also had a love of music, something she whole heartedly passed on to all four of her children. She had a beautiful singing voice that she shared through various choirs primarily with the United Church where she was always an active and faithful member. Her greatest love though was for her family and friends, and she will always be remembered for her joy of cooking and baking for both.
In 1981 Barb moved to Calgary, Alberta. It was there that she met her husband of 43 years, John Bowden. Together Barb and John traveled as much as possible, often to visit friends and family across Canada, still enjoying camping along the way. John adored Barb. As her health deteriorated, John was devoted to her care and well being, and was at her side when she passed.
Barb is survived by her husband John and her four children, Mark (Diane), Leslie, Scott (Marie) and Lori-Anne. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren,15 great grandchildren, a sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews.
Barb was predeceased by her mother Amy (1982), father Howard (1986) and brother David (2020).
In accordance with Barb’s wishes cremation has taken place. Details on a Celebration of Life will be posted on the Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home website at https://www.csgfh.ca/listings as they become available.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to One Tree Planted for Monarch Restoration at https://onetreeplanted.org/products/monarch-restoration.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
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