Saturday, November 16, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 16, 2024.

MACLEAN, Dale MACLEAN It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dale MacLean. She passed away in Lethbridge on November 12, 2024 due to complications related to leukemia.
She was born on the summer solstice in 1944 in Kidderminster England and grew up in the beautiful nearby hamlet of Far Forest with her parents, Daisy and Jack Hamer and her little brother, John.
The group of 4 moved to Edinburgh to be closer to extended family while she was a teenager. One of her favourite haunts was Fisher’s Close. The travel bug hit her early and she immigrated to Canada when she was 19 years old.
After the passing of her father, Jack in 1964, John and Daisy came to Canada to live nearby. She attended Alberta College of Art in Calgary and was an avid art collector and creator her whole life.
In Canada she lived in Calgary, Montreal, Swalwell and finally settled in Lethbridge in 1977. It didn’t take long before her creativity and entrepreneurial tendencies drove her to open Toy House Day Care in 1979 and Children’s Village a few years later. Dale took her position as day care operator seriously and cared deeply for each of the bairns in her care. The daycares, like her home, were beautifully decorated and infused with comfort and warmth.
With her loving husband Alastair they moved to Beaver Mines and created Alandale Lodge and Retreat in 1993. There they offered a sacred place for family and friends to gather and commune; enjoy skiing at nearby Castle Mountain, riding and hiking the local trails.
All her life, Dale derived immense satisfaction from creative expression. Along with a group of pioneering women, The Medicine Tree was founded in 2004. She enjoyed the process of imagining a unique service and bringing it to fruition for the benefit of her local community.
Over the years she travelled throughout Canada and the US, especially enjoying Sedona, Santa Fe and the Oregon coast. She loved travelling in the Westphalia. Among more distant locations she visited Moloka’i, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Bali, Turkey, Japan, England and of course her beloved Scotland.
You will be missed. You made an indelible mark on your community and left it a better place.
We dinnae know how to be in this world without you, but we are constantly reminded that without darkness we cannae see th’ stars. And so, in those stars we will seek out the twinkle o’ yer bricht blue eyes shining back at us forever. Ride the stars sweet Sassenach.
Lovingly remembered always by her husband, Alastair, her children Haidee and Deryck (Karmen), her grandchildren Chihiro, Ayely, Oliver, Mairi, her brother John (Lesia) and all her kin in Scotland. Her mother, Daisy passed away in 2008.
In the spirit of continuing Dale’s passion for community building and in lieu of flowers please consider donating in her name to either Inclusion Lethbridge, for whom she was an ardent supporter for decades, or the MacLean Family Endowment Fund (with the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta) supporting women and children’s issues.
Dale chose a green burial and will be laid to rest in the grasslands of the Royal View Memorial Cemetery. A private gathering of family and friends will be announced at a later date.
Thank you to Dr. Benke and Tanya and the entire team at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre for your attentiveness and care over the last 14 months. Our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Saleh, Dr Plotnyk, Dr. Roth and the numerous nurses and health care aides who assisted over the last few months. Bless you.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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BALDERSON, Gary Gary Balderston 1954 – 2024 It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mr. Gary Balderston of Lethbridge, Alberta. Cherished son of the late Beulah and Glenn Balderston Sr., Gary was called home to Heaven on November 6, 2024, at the age of 70 years.
Born August 12, 1954, in Oregon, Gary and his family later lived in California before the family established their farm in Coaldale, Alberta, in 1969. Gary worked as a taxi and truck driver where he enjoyed meeting people. He later moved into Lethbridge where he loved spending countless hours walking through the parks on the Westside. Gary cared deeply for his family, devoting himself to caring for his mother at the end of her life. We are forever thankful for his compassion and sacrifice. He was a thoughtful, kind and loyal brother and uncle. Gary had a very special bond with his 4-legged nephew Charlie, who misses him immensely. Gary will be forever loved and never forgotten.
Gary leaves behind two brothers Glenn Balderston Jr., of Victoria, BC, and children; Jason (Lisa), Derek (Martine), Tyler and great-nephew and niece Alex and Danae, and Gordon (Louise) Balderston of Lethbridge and children Nicole and Jeffrey, spouse of the late Gerald, Olivia Balderston of Florida and children; Richard, Louis, and Darren. He is reunited in Heaven with his parents Glenn and Beulah, and two brothers Gerald and Gregory.
We would like to thank the caring doctors, nurses, and allied health staff on unit 4C at the Chinook Regional Hospital. At Gary’s request, there will be no Funeral Service.
For those wishing, donations are appreciated and can be made in his honour to the Canadian Cancer Society, #300, 55 St. Clair Ave, West, Toronto, ON. M4V 2Y7

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SVOBODA, Joyce JOYCE SVOBODA 1927 – 2024 With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Joyce Priscilla Svoboda (nee Goff), who went home to be with the Lord. Joyce passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the age of 96 years.
Born on December 25, 1927, in a suburb of Portsmouth, England, Joyce’s life was a true testament to strength and resilience. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and unwavering love for family.
Joyce married her late husband, Frank Svoboda, during World War II. At the tender age of 19, she left her homeland as a courageous war bride, journeying across the ocean to start a new life in Canada. Together, Joyce and Frank settled in Frank, Alberta and eventually they moved to Lethbridge.
Throughout her life, Joyce held a deep connection to her roots, often speaking fondly of England and her love of living near the ocean. She was an extraordinary cook who delighted her family with delicious meals, and she spent many joyful hours knitting treasures for loved ones. A true caretaker at heart, she had a special place in her soul for all creatures, big and small, never failing to feed the neighborhood cats and birds. Her kind nature and soft heart left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Joyce’s greatest joy was her family, whom she cherished with all her heart. She is lovingly remembered by her son Ken (Celia); her grandchildren Melissa (Darren) Smith and Michael (Jessica) Svoboda; her great-grandchildren Jordyn, Tory, Taylor, William, and Samuel; and her great-great-granddaughter Ryleigh. Her love for each of them was boundless, and her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved. As we bid farewell to our beloved Joyce, we take comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with family. Her life was a shining example of faith, love, and compassion, and her memory will be treasured forever.
May she rest in peace, wrapped in the grace of our Heavenly Father, until we meet again.
The family would like to thank the staff at Age Care Columbia for their exceptional care and kindness towards Joyce.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels. A private Family Interment will take place at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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SCHAUFERT, Doris SCHAUFERT, Doris 1932 – 2024 Mrs. Doris Evelyn Schaufert passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the age of 92 years. Family and friends celebrate the many memories, accomplishments and the love of Doris Evelyn Schaufert (nee Burger) with her darling husband, Andrew for sixty-six years. Doris will be lovingly remembered by her beloved husband, Andrew; her daughters, Karen (Bob) Vanderwater and Denise (Kelly) Goheen; and her grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom will miss her greatly. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. A Private Family Interment will take place at the Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at http://www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403-340-4040.

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TOMASTA, Lydia LYDIA MARIA TOMASTA (NEE BARTOSEK) 1935 – 2024 Mrs. Lydia Maria Tomasta of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Mr. Miro Tomasta, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the age of 89 years. Lydia passed away after a short stay at Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Lydia was born in Coaldale, Alberta on January 28, 1935, to Antonia and John Bartosek.
Lydia is survived by her brother Tony (Bernadette) Bartosek; her children: Bob (Kathy), Ron (Marilyn), Diane (Tom) Slywka, Nancy, Rick, Melenie de Graaf, Gary (Lana), Lorraine and Antonette; along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter.
She was predeceased by her parents; sister Georgia Bartosek; her daughter, Karen on December 28, 2007; and her soul mate and loving husband of 60 years, Miro, on May 14, 2015.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024, AT ST. AMBROSE ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH, 1513 23rd Ave, Coaldale, Alberta.
Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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YAMASHITA, Ruriko “Lily” RURIKO “LILY” YAMASHITA 1925 – 2024 Ruriko (Lily) Yamashita beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully on Friday, November 9, 2024, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, at the age of 99.
A visitation with the family will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 am on November 16, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am. To watch the service via livestream, please visit https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/RurikoLily-Yamashita to find the link.
A private family inurnment will be held.
Koden is gratefully declined. If you wish, please donate in Lily’s name to the SOUTHERN ALBERTA JAPANESE UNITED CHURCH, 821 – 9 AVENUE N. LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, T1H 1E8.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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BALDWIN, Vita BALDWIN June 14, 1948 – November 1, 2024 It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of VITA LILA BALDWIN, at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, November 1, 2024 at the age of 76 years.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Richard, Jodi (Mark) Meerkerk and Jeff (Kendall); as well as her grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Vita worked with ALCB, Sears Canada and Best Western. She loved sewing, coffee with friends, and time with family.
A Celebration of Vita’s life will be held at the COALHURST COMMUNITY HALL, 527 – 50 Avenue, Coalhurst, AB, on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.

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

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DI PALMA, Rosina DI PALMA It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of ROSINA DI PALMA, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Rosina was born in Chiauci, Isernia, Italy on February 21, 1932, and married Giuseppe Di Palma on December 26, 1959. In 1964, they immigrated to Canada and settled in Lethbridge, AB. Rosina was a loyal member of the Italian Canadian Club as well as Assumption Church. Rosina loved cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends. Rosina was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Elvira (Garry) Kaskiw, Carlo (Mamta) Di Palma, and her grandchildren, Kurtis (Mevisha Maistry) Kaskiw, Terra (Clayton Sargent) Kaskiw, Alyssa (Nolan Walls) Di Palma, and Serena (Taylor Casement) Di Palma; her sister Antonietta Salerno; two sisters-in-law, Gina Santangelo, and Isolina Di Palma; a brother-in-law, Mario (Bicetta) Di Palma; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Giuseppe (Joe) Di Palma; her parents Carmela and Amodio Di Pilla; mother and father in-law, Nicola and Elvira Di Palma; her sister, Angelina (Domenico) Sacco; her brother, Pietro (Iva) Di Pilla; her brothers-in-law, Giovanni (Irma) Di Palma, Guerino Di Palma, Gaetano Santangelo; and sister-in-law Antonietta (Vincenzo) Di Iorio.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825-32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, November 17, 2024 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, November 18, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Rosina will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca).

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

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ERLER, George ERLER GEORGE ERLER, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Sharon Erler, passed away peacefully at St. Michael Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the age of 85 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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MCQUAID, Mark MARK MCQUAID 1954 – 2024 Mr. Mark McQuaid, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the age of 70 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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HAFFNER, Darlene HAFFNER DARLENE CAROL HAFFNER (née Smerek) passed away unexpectedly at home in Calgary, on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the age of 77 years.
Darlene will be sadly missed by Pat, Richard & Marian, Jeremy & Kayla (Hannah), Danielle, and Kelly & Silvia (Robson, Ramona, Nate & Naivi).
She was predeceased by her parents: Margaret & Joseph Smerek, her brother-in-law Wayne Vibert, and many precious aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
At the age of 19, Darlene moved to Calgary, and worked at what was known as the Holy Cross Hospital in administration, and later transferred to The Tom Baker Cancer Clinic where she worked until retirement.
Darlene was an incredible spirit. She worked hard, played hard, and traveled every chance she got, especially if it involved cruising. In her retirement, Darlene enjoyed sharing her adventures, and spent a good number of her retirement years working with the cruise ship centers. Although she loved travelling, she never missed a special occasion that she could spend with her family in Lethbridge; Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and even family trips!
You always could count on Darlene to be there helping wrap gifts, getting the baskets ready with the Easter bunny, or assisting in preparing a delicious feast. The sun rose and set on her nephews and niece; she never missed an opportunity to spend time with them.
Darlene was also a partner in the family business, The Travelman Luggage & Swimwear Warehouse, since May 1978. Her keen eye for style and fashion was a great asset to the Business, but her true love was the Medical Field.
God Bless You Sweetheart!
Until our Ships Meet Again!
A Celebration of Darlene’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating.

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

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MARJERISON, Marie Marie Sandham Marjerison 07/25/32-11/08/24 Marie Sandham Marjerison was born in 1932, the first of four children born to Harvey Sandham and Elizabeth Cunliffe Sandham in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Her elementary schooling began in Rolling Hills Elementary, and she graduated from Coalhurst High School before graduating from the Mount Royal College secretarial training program, and then from the Galt School of Nursing in Lethbridge, Alberta in 1953. As an R.N., Marie was employed for the next fifty years in the medical field, including serving as an industrial nurse for the biochemical plant in Alberta, and an airline stewardess for T.C.A. airlines in Moncton and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Marie’s hospital and clinic training were in Edmonton, Claresholm, and Drumheller in Canada. Later, she was a nursing supervisor in Provo, Utah; Kapiolani Hospital, Hawaii, as well as Elsinore, Ceres, and Catalina Island in California. Always interested in mental health and alcohol dependency since her training days, she was instrumental in implementing the drug and alcohol treatment center, based on the Hazelden Model, in the hospital where she served as a nursing supervisor in Ceres, California. During this time, she completed her B.S.N. nursing degree, and served as the director of nurses. The highlight of Marie’s life, together with her husband Bob, was being blessed with the raising of their four precious children. Marie was predeceased by her sister Dr. Micky Riddle, husband Bob Marjerison, nephew Patrick Riddle, and brother-n-law Dale Riddle. She leaves, to share memories together: her sons Dr. Robert Marjerison (Sigyel) and Kent Marjerison (Beth), and her daughters Kerry McBrine (Troy), and Dr. Kelly Schwirzke (Stephan); as well as her brothers Dr. Dean Sandham (Joan), and Richard Sandham, (Sharon). She also leaves her grandsons Jens Marjerison, and Iver Marjerison (Kelsey), and her granddaughters Grace Lagerstrom (Brian), and Morgan Marjerison, and her great-grandsons Dean and Henry Lagerstrom. At Marie’s request, there will be no service at this time. Her wish is that when those she loves cross paths, they will share their dreams, hopes, fond jokes, laughs, and memories.

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VAS, Annie ANNIE VAS 1935 – 2024 Mrs. Annie Vas, beloved wife of Mr. Eugene Balay, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the age of 89 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM, Monday, December 2, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at ST. MARTHA’S PARISH, 355 COLUMBIA BLVD WEST, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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BENNETT, Diane DIANE BENNETT 1939 – 2024 Mrs. Diane Bennett of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Micheal Bennett, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, at St. Michael’s Health Centre, at the age of 85 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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