December 26th, 2024

Saturday, July 13, 2024


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 13, 2024.

BREZOVSKI LAMOND, Judy Judy Brezovski Lamond
1953 – 2024
Judith Lorraine Brezovski Lamond, beloved wife of Jerry Lamond, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Palliative Care on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the age of 70 years.
The committal service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden, 7600 – 50 Street, Taber on Tuesday, July 16 at 1:30 P.M.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family to celebrate Judy’s life at the Royal Canadian Legion, 5205 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 between 2:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Judy lovingly leaves behind her husband of thirty nine years, Jerry; mother Margaret Racz (nee Brezovski); sisters Connie Engwer and Sheila (Ken) Johnson; brother Bill (Shari) Brezovski; stepsons Chris (Marnie) Lamond and Scott (Kama) Lamond and her very loved grandsons Jayden and Hudson as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her father Tony Brezovski and brother-in-law Norm Engwer.
Judy held a special place in her heart for friends. She kept a journal of all the visits, gifts, notes and flowers she received in her final days in the hospital. Those gifts and visits were very precious to her.
Judy worked for Bayer Crop Science for over twenty years. She definitely made an impression with the amount of visits and flowers she received from so many of her co-workers.
Country music and camping were Judy’s favorite things. There was never a day the radio wasn’t on. Judy and Jerry also took several trips to Nashville to listen to their favorite singers and take in country music culture. Their home is full of framed photos and picture albums that depict years of adventures in Nashville, camping with friends, and joining in on the hunt.
Many hearts broke and tears fell on June 26. Judy’s love will live within all the ones she held dear. We will hear her voice and feel her love in times we need her, guiding us from above.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Judy’s name may be made directly to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

LINDERS, Elvera LINDERS It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Elvera Linders, on March 21, 2024, at the age of 93. She will be missed immensely by her daughters, son-in-law, granddaughters, sister and many friends and family.
Vera was born in Lethbridge in 1930, the second youngest of 6 sisters. She lost her mother at the age of 7 and was raised by her father and two oldest sisters. Vera graduated from Holy Cross Hospital School of Nursing in 1951 and worked as a RN in Powell River, Vancouver, and Hawaii before returning to St. Michael’s Hospital in Lethbridge. In her career she worked maternity, operating room, and was the Head Nurse of the recovery room for 29 years. In retirement, Vera continued to care for others, providing support to family and friends, and volunteering with the soup kitchen and Meals on Wheels. She loved spending time with her sisters and their families, and adored her nieces, nephews and their children. She never missed a chance to spoil her three grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart, and she in theirs.
Vera was famous for her soup, sticky buns and apple pie, and no family gathering was complete without Aunty Vera’s ‘pagochi’. She was an avid Blue Jays fan and kept up with all the players and their stats. Vera was thankful for the love and support of many good friends. She always looked forward to visits with the ‘Happy Hour Girls’ and was grateful for her neighbors, whose assistance allowed her to stay in her home into her 90’s. Vera also greatly appreciated her family that cared for her in the last years of her life.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on July 22, 2024, at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 2405 – 12 Ave. South, Lethbridge, AB.

WATT, Charles Charles Stuart Watt August 5, 1983 – July 3, 2024 Charles Stuart Watt passed away comfortably and peacefully with family at his side after a brief, unexpected battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at the age of 40 years. Charles is remembered for his kindness, his loyalty to his family, and his sense of humour. After a childhood spent in Lethbridge with his parents Tom and Brenda and younger brother Brendan, Charles attended the U of A for Engineering where he met his wife, Lori. In his personal time, Chuck was a family man, being a proud father to his son Gregory and daughter Rachel. He was also a Kendo enthusiast in his spare time. In the months before he passed, Charles spent many happy hours with the newest addition to their family, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Stella. Charles is survived by his wife, children, parents and brother. Charles will be greatly missed by his family, friends and coworkers. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the St. Albert Community Hall, 17 Perron Street, St. Albert, Alberta. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Sturgeon Memorial Funeral Chapel (780) 921-3900.

KONNO, Naozo KONNO, Naozo January 26, 1935 – July 7, 2024 Naozo Konno, beloved husband of Marie Mariko Konno (nee Teshima), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at the age of 89 years.
Naozo was born on January 26, 1935, in Mission, British Columbia. He completed his Automotive Mechanics Apprenticeship from SAIT and achieved his Red Seal designation. He worked as a mechanic for 43 years throughout Alberta and BC, and in 1974 he became the owner of Parkdale Service in Summerland, BC, which he and his wife Marie operated until their retirement in 1999.
Naozo was a dedicated member of various organizations including Kinsmen, K-40, Chamber of Commerce, and the Summerland Curling Club. Naozo’s dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed as he was recognized as the Petro Canada President’s Award Winner in 1987 and received the Celebration ’88 Olympic Community Award. He was named to the BC Minor Baseball Roll of Honour as a “Builder” and received a Lifetime Membership with Summerland Minor Hockey for his many years of service.
In his free time, Naozo enjoyed curling, playing baseball, slo-pitch, and hockey. He also loved officiating baseball and hockey games. He was a proud grandparent and enjoyed watching his grandsons play hockey, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse, rugby, and football.
Naozo leaves behind his beloved wife, Marie Konno, his children, Cheryl, Grant (Doreen), and Kim (Keith) Publicover; his grandchildren, Ryan (Emma), Nathan, Ethan, Nicholas, and Jacob. He was predeceased by his brothers, Katsushige, Akira, and Tsutomu; his sisters, Hisako, Sachiko, and Ann; brothers-in-law, Mas Iwamoto and Harry Ikebuchi; and sisters-in-law, Chiyeko and Helen; and his parents, Yukio and Haru Konno.
Naozo Konno will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and his love for his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
The family would like to thank the medical team for looking after all his health needs, particularly the staff of South Health Campus Unit 78 and Intercare Chinook Hospice.
A private family gathering will be held later to celebrate Naozo’s life.
In the words of Yogi Berra, “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.”
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Naozo’s family at http://www.MHFH.com. The family requests no koden or flowers.
In living memory of Naozo Konno, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
CROOKS, Claire Claire Victoria Signy Crooks, OOnt, C. Psych., PhD Nov. 27, 1973 – June 28, 2024 Claire Crooks died at home surrounded by family at the age of 50, following a courageous battle with advanced gastric cancer. Claire would tell us she didn’t lose; she just ran out of innings.
Claire was the beloved wife and soulmate of George Goodall; adored mom to Findlay (“Finn”, 18), Sydney (16), Grady (14), and Matilda (“Tilly”, 11); daughter of Art and Mary Jane Crooks (Lethbridge, Alberta); sister to Morgan (Aimee) of Madison, NJ and Hew (Kate) of Fairfield, CT; daughter-in-law to (late) Bill and Betty Goodall of Sault Ste. Marie; sister-in-law to Rhys and Carol Goodall of Toronto; and the “cool” aunt to (late) Charlie, Crawford, Mary, Riley, Andrew, Shaen, and Evan.
Born in St. Joseph’s Hospital in London Ontario, Claire spent her early years in Pembroke Ontario but grew up mainly in Lethbridge. She attended Lakeview Elementary and Gilbert Paterson Junior High School, was a parishioner of Saint Augustine’s Anglican Church, worked in her father’s Canadian Tire store and swam with the Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club. For high school Claire traveled to Vancouver Island to attend Brentwood College School, an institution whose informal motto – grit and joy – perfectly matched her approach to life. The friends and experiences gained during her time there were incredibly formative, and it was on a (possibly under-supervised) trip with her Brentwood field hockey team to Bermuda that she first met her future partner George. Vancouver Island and the mountains of the west presented a constant draw to Claire, a passion she has passed on to her children who have had their own adventures on Vancouver Island and at Brentwood. During high school, Claire represented Canada with Harambee!, a group of dancers selected from every country of the Commonwealth to tour and perform across New Zealand ahead of the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
Claire started a new chapter when she attended Princeton University, finding joy and community in sports like rowing, rugby, and skiing. Princeton gave Claire friends from around the planet, confidence in her emerging identity as a scholar, as well as her life’s mission – to improve the emotional lives of children. She returned to Canada for graduate school, earning a Masters and PhD from Queen’s University. While at Queen’s, Claire renewed her relationship with her future partner George; the two were married in 2000. The couple later moved to Winnipeg for Claire’s clinical internship, with plans to continue moving west.
Instead, professional opportunity led Claire to return to London, where she accepted a post-doctoral position to conduct work at the London Family Court Clinic and research at Western University’s Centre for Research on Violence Against Women. Claire continued to expand her role as a researcher at CAMH, Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital, and as a professor at Western University in the Faculty of Education. Her focus was to use a data-driven approach to improve youth mental health, with emphasis on the most vulnerable populations including Indigenous and newcomer communities. She believed strong mental health could be taught just like other academic subjects, with behaviors and strategies designed to improve mental health on an ongoing basis, rather than picking up the pieces when things were broken. The cornerstone program that she co-developed – The Fourth R – has been deployed successfully in over five thousand schools in Canada and around the World. Claire established the Centre for School Mental Health at Western, which became the leading and largest such centre in Canada, and she published numerous books and peer-reviewed articles.
Claire was a force of nature, a rare combination of intelligence, energy, humour, and kindness. Her global impact included her extensive work in northern Canada, her training of US judges, and her work with Ukrainian and Czech psychologists coping with traumatized refugees from the Ukraine conflict. Her body of work earned her the WORLDiscoveries Vanguard Innovator of the Year award in 2022, and she was named to the Order of Ontario earlier this year, with the government acknowledging that Claire “inspired a national movement to address youth mental health.”
Her immense professional accomplishments were nevertheless dwarfed by her commitment as a steadfast friend and devoted mom. Claire had many happy places where she loved to spend time with her family, including the cottage on Gloucester Pool and the ski condo at Big White (where, in her memory, we will continue to sing “Thunder Road” while skiing “Born to Run”). Family adventures ranged from RV road trips to the Maritimes, family hiking through atmospheric rivers on Vancouver Island, or more ambitious treks to Nepal. Probably the most hours were spent happily in the family’s unheated backyard pool, no matter the weather or water temperature – but any place would do for Claire to be there for her kids, with her boundless energy and wicked sense of humour.
Shortly before her death, and despite being in overwhelming pain, Claire on June 21 accepted investiture to the Order of Ontario from Lt. Governor Edith Dumont, in a hastily convened ceremony at Victoria Hospital. Following the presentation, Claire somehow rose painfully to her feet and delivered impromptu remarks that were humble, funny, grateful, and hopeful. She then attended her own afterparty. Everyone present was astounded, but nobody who knew her was surprised. According to Claire, “Celebration before sorrow; there will be time for tears tomorrow.” Claire will remain an inspiration for all of us on how to live fully and well, and how to die with courage, grace, and dignity.
Friends and family are celebrating Claire’s life on Friday, July 26 at Western University’s Great Hall (Somerville House). A structured ceremony will be held from 4-5 PM, to be followed by a drop-in reception. All are welcome.
MCKENNA, James JAMES RENÉ MCKENNA Oct 13, 1935 – Oct 03, 2023 James (Jim) McKenna passed away peacefully October 03, 2023, surrounded by his wife and children.
Jim was predeceased by his parents; James and Edna (Hicks) McKenna, daughter; Laurie, brothers; Walter and Stephen.
Jim is survived by his wife Susan (Sue). Daughters; Sharon McKenna, Melodye (Rick) Earl, Celia Pink and Heather Hagen. Sons; James (Dyenna), Fred (Anne).
He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and siblings; Joseph (Joe) and Sue Amirault.
Jim was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. But was raised, in simpler times, (youth), on the family farm in Pubnico, NS. The family farm was close to the ocean. Giving him his everlasting love of the sea.
As a young boy Jim had his own trap line, and sometimes he would spend the night in the woods. In his youth Jim would catch fish and sell them door to door. Jim was always finding ways to earn money for the extras the were not in the family budget.
When Jim was in his youth he joined the Army reserve. When he was of age he joined the regular Army, being sent to BC for training. Jim spent time in Korea. On his discharge from the Army, he headed to BC. Where he lived most of his life.
Jim always had the desire to travel. Which served him well with his various jobs. Jim had many talents, draftsman, carpenter, glazier, truck driver. Most noted for his sharp mind, being able to tackle math in his head. Which was very helpful when Celsius was introduced and Jim was able to convert building plan measurements instantly.
Jim’s love of travel continued on after his retirement. Jim and Sue bought a motorhome and continued to travel. Visiting children and grandchildren and spending winters in warmer weather.
Jim was blessed with a quick wit and was always willing to create a bit of a good-natured mischief.
Along with his quick wit, was his instant smile.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held July 20th, 2024, 1:00 pm. At the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, TAYLOR STREET CHAPEL, Raymond AB, Relief Society Room.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
DAVIES, Helen HELEN (SOENEN) DAVIES April 5, 1932 – July 8, 2024 Helen (Soenen) Davies passed away peacefully at Fairmont Extendicare on July 8, 2024, at the age of 92.
Helen is survived by her sons, Robin (Donna) Soenen and Wayne (Olga)Soenen, grandchildren Scott (Leeza) Soenen and Amy (Jon) Macht, and great grandchildren Rowen and Cooper Macht.
Helen was predeceased by her parents, her husband Achiel, her second husband Chuck, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.
In her younger years Helen loved cooking family dinners, horseback riding, dancing to old time music and singing. Helen and Achiel were founding members of the Hilltoppers Gymkhana Club. Helen was a hard worker, and worked as a lab tech for many years. In her retirement, she along with her husband Chuck enjoyed travelling to many rodeos and chuckwagon races.
At Helen’s request there will be no funeral.
Condolences may be forwarded to http://www.evergreenfh.ca
MCDONALD, Mary-Ann Mary-Ann Ruth McDonald (Johnson) Jan. 28, 1946 – July 9, 2024 Mary-Ann McDonald (Nee Johnson), a loving Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend, passed away on July 9, 2024, at the age of 78, in the Raymond Healthcare Centre. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her loving partner Art, her brother Gerry, children; Mary Joy, Alan, Debbie, Dawn, Denice, Duaine and Brian, grandchildren; AJ, Thomas, Samantha, Kiah, Joshua, Michael and Benjamin, as well as many great-grandchildren.
Mary-Ann is predeceased by her parents Nathan and Pearl, as well as her siblings; Gina, Ree, Nels and Linda.
At her request there will not be a service to attend. A celebration of her life will be held by the immediate family at a later date.
Donations made in memory to the Alberta SPCA at albertaspca.org and or the Heart and Stroke foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca would be greatly appreciated.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
MARSH, Lillian LILLIAN VICTORIA MARSH Lillian Victoria Marsh passed away at Pincher Creek Health Centre on July 7, 2024, at the age of 77 years.
Born May 24, 1947, in Kelvington, SK. to Art Belyea and Lillian May Mitchell.
Lillian will be missed by her son Doug (Miranda) Miller of Pincher Creek, AB, and her daughters; Pat Campbell of Airdrie, AB, and Jennifer (Ted) VanderWekken of Blackfalds, AB, sister-Eunice (Gord) Sierpinskias well as numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her parents, the love of her life; her husband Ray Marsh, plus five of her children; Sherlynn Miller, Jimmy Marsh, Clearence Marsh, Susan Marsh and Shelly Marsh.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday July 20, 2024, at The Royal Canadian Legion (5205 6 St, Coalhurst, AB) at 1:00PM.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
SKAFTE, Ione SKAFTE 1948 – 2024 IONE MARIE SKAFTE passed away on July 7, 2024 at the age of 76 years.
Ione treasured the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She also valued her relationships with her close family and friends.
As per her request, a private Service will be held.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
NISHIGUCHI, Deborah “Debbie” DEBORAH (DEBBIE) NISHIGUCHI Passed away July 7, 2024. Debbie is survived by her loving family, Mother; Sumiye Nishiguchi, Brother; Gary Nishiguchi and Sister; Janet Nishiguchi and two very special pets Rocky and Abby.
A private family service was held on Friday July 12, 2024. Koden and flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations in Debbie’s name may be made to Lethbridge Hemodialysis Unit Chinook Regional Hospital Auxiliary Unit (935 17th Street South Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 3E4)
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
ANDERSON, Muriel ANDERSON Our beloved Mom, MURIEL ANDERSON, cherished wife of the late Charles Anderson, passed away July 8, 2024, at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, at the age of 94 years.
We are very grateful for the many years we had with Mom. She will be incredibly missed.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at the Village of Champion Cemetery, where Muriel will be laid to rest with her husband Charles.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
ELLINGSON, Margaret ELLINGSON MARGARET “JOYCE” ELLINGSON, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Wally Ellingson, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, June 28, 2024 at the age of 86 years.
Joyce was born in Neepawa, Manitoba. She and her family later moved to Dauphin, Manitoba where she spent most of her growing up years. She enjoyed outings with the Girl Guides, was seen cycling with her friends and participated fully in school sports. Joyce later moved to Alberta where she met her future husband and his family. Together, they enjoyed 61 years.
Joyce was predeceased by her loving parents Walter and Alice; brother Ronald; and son-in-law, Richard; son David; sister Loreen; and brother-in-law, Dick.
She leaves behind her loving husband Wally; Children, Pat Aebig and Jim Ellingson; six grandchildren (Levi, Dallas, Kim, Danny, Shelby, and Madison); three great-grandchildren (Layne, Michael, and Aspyn).
Joyce enjoyed a busy and full life. She loved the outdoors and loved to camp with family and friends. Her passion was photography. She loved classical, easy-listening music and a good old western ballad or rock and roll tune.
Besides her role as a mother, she spent 30 years in the banking profession, 26 years with their own business as a partner and bookkeeper for Ellingson’s Organ Service and Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre volunteer.
Joyce was an associate member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Nord-Bridge Seniors Association, and a member of the Cardston Boating and Skiing Club.
A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at the NORD-BRIDGE SENIORS CENTRE, 1904 – 13 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Joyce’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BOYES, Cheri BOYES CHERI LEE BOYES, beloved wife of David Boyes, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at the age of 59 years.
As per Cheri’s wishes, A private family service will be held.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WOLF CHILD – SCOUT, Sandra WOLF CHILD – SCOUT SANDRA ANNE WOLF CHILD-SCOUT, Taa’naa’taakii, beloved wife of Lionel Peyachew and mother to Jace Scout, Alana Peyachew, and Mackenzie Peyachew; passed away on July 8, 2024 in Regina, SK at the age of 58 years. A Wake Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Monday, July 15 from 7:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at The Immaculate Conception Church (St. Mary’s Catholic Church) Blood Reserve, on Tuesday, July 16 at 11:00 am. Interment at the Blood Band Cemetery.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.
CIESLA, Paul PAUL HANS TILL CIESLA Paul Hans Till Ciesla, beloved husband of Kathleen, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024 at the age of 82 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00AM Saturday July 20, 2024 at Salmon and Sons Funeral Home (433 Stubb Ross Rd Lethbridge, AB T1K 7N3). Friends meet family prior to service from 10:00AM – 10:45AM.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
MANY FINGERS, Roseanne MANY FINGERS ROSEANNE MANY FINGERS, of the Blood Reserve, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by her family and friends, on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the age of 77 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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