Friday, January 24, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 24, 2025.

MOMMERSTEEG, Michael MOMMERSTEEG “Patience is a virtue” MICHAEL ADRIANUS MOMMERSTEEG passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the age of 63 years, surrounded by his family and friends.
Mike grew up in southern Alberta, on a farm in the Whitney area, and then a farm by Raymond. When he finished school, he started a long career in the trucking industry. In 1979, he got his first trucking job with Vanee Livestock, where he would remain for a long time. He started on his own, hauling gravel, and later fries from Maple Leaf, but would end up back at Vanee’s. In his short residency at Bowen Island, BC, he taught himself woodworking which he was very passionate and proud of. He finished his trucking career with Lucas Refrigerated out of Calgary.
When passing Mike on the highway, you would never see his outfit dirty, or the aluminum dull. Mike always found a way to get the job done no matter what. Later in life, Mike’s greatest love was his family. Mike was predeceased by his parents, and best friend, Wilf White.
Left to mourn are the greatest love of his life Susana, and her children Therese, Charyl, Zea May, Ivy Kate, and John Russel.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude towards Mike’s friends who would spend time over the phone every morning chatting about how they have been. Most especially to John, Roanna, Roger, Bobby, and Gwen who stayed with them till the end. Also to the doctors and nurses of Chinook Regional Hospital, and Jack Ady Cancer Centre who took care of him through his entire journey battling cancer but most importantly, to the Palliative Care team who gave the most genuine care for him.
As per Mike’s request, a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

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BERES, Corrienne “Cory” Corrienne (Cory) Beres Jan. 15, 1952 – Jan. 9, 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Cory Beres on January 9, 2025.
She is survived by her loving husband Rick Beres, whom she shared 64 wonderful years with. She leaves behind three sons. Rick (Dar) Beres, their children Zachary (Mary) Beres, Mackenzie (Jason) Watson with great- grandchildren Liam, Avalee, and Lucas; James (Christine) Beres, their children Timothy, Benjamin, and Azure; Andy (Carla) Beres and their son Xander. She also leaves her foster son Dan Larcher, and Cassio (Krista- deceased) Maffia, and their daughters Lua, Adriana, and Micaela, who were close with the Beres family and who Cory loved dearly.
Cory was known for her generosity, strong will, integrity, and the love and support she had for her family and community.
Cory was a teacher for nearly four decades and taught students from kindergarten to grade 12 in the Magrath School where she also served as a school administrator. After she obtained her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and retired from public school, Cory worked at the University of Lethbridge where she taught and supervised education students for the next ten years. She then continued to work as a substitute teacher until 2020 when her health no longer allowed her to do so.
Cory’s life was a testament to the transformative power of education. She dedicated her life to shaping young minds and fostered a love of learning in generations of students. Her dedication was heartfelt, and her passion was infectious, inspiring students to reach beyond their perceived limits and embrace the joy of discovery.
Cory’s generosity and support extended beyond the walls of the classroom as she served on the Magrath town council, fostered children, coached the cheerleading squad and other teams, billeted athletes, housed foreign students, tutored, and so much more in her ‘spare’ time.
Cory dreamed of travelling the world and was never happier than when she did so with her husband Rick, eventually seeing every continent.
While our hearts mourn her loss, we take comfort in sharing our memories of this accomplished woman and knowing that she is no longer suffering.
A gathering to celebrate her memory will take place on Sunday, Feb 9 at the Magrath School, 2PM-5PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to consider reading to a child.

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FUKUNAGA, Kay KAY SHIRO FUKUNAGA July 1, 1938 – November 22, 2024 A good man is no longer with us Kay Fukunaga passed away at home November 22, 2024.
He was a husband to Jean, always loving, sometimes exasperating, especially as they approached 60 years of marriage. A great dad to Garner and Marci. An accepting, tolerant father in law to Nick. And grandpa Kay to Namiye, Joan, Arthur, Liam and Levi. We will miss him.
He will also be missed by his extended family and friends in BC, Alberta and Manitoba.
Kay appreciated spending time with his loved ones (and basically anyone who’d stop and talk with him). He loved pool at the Legion, fishing and hockey, playing for many years when he was younger. He also had a bizarre sense of humour and a penchant for telling stories that went nowhere.
We will miss Kay for his kindness, his even keel, his congeniality and his radiant smile. But not his need to offer unhelpful, unsolicited suggestions. And we will always love this good man.
Celebration of Life Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 1:00-3:00pm. Parksville Legion 146 Hirst Ave W Parksville BC V9P 1K3

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DEWITT, Wilma “Joyce” DEWITT WILMA “JOYCE” DEWITT, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa, on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the age of 88 years.
Joyce is survived by her son Doug (Nola) and daughter Melanie (Terry) Mack, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Harold.
Joyce was born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan in 1936, and lived in various places in Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC, before settling down in Lethbridge in 2008.
As per Joyce’s request, no funeral service will be held.

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

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LAMBERT, David David Glenn Lambert May 16th, 1960 – January 20th, 2025 David Lambert passed away on January 20th, 2025, at the age of 64 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Wilma Lambert; sons, Curtis (Rachel) Lambert and Travis (Tiffany) Lambert; daughters, Vanessa Krause and Teagan (Tyson) Zarowny; grandchildren, Tanner, Jonathan, Isabella, Aniya and Smith; brother, Brian (Lori) Lambert; sisters, Gwen (Kevin) Cameron and Joan (Reg) Hill; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
No formal service will be held.
Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are being made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL & CREMATION, 1924 10th Ave NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5. Ph: 403-905-0440 info@gracememorial.com

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KOBITZ, Leslie LESLIE ALEXANDER KOBITZ 1950 ~ 2025 Mr. Leslie Alexander Kobitz of Lethbridge, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the age of 74 years.
Leslie was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, and attended all of his schooling there. He moved to Lethbridge in 1970, where he was employed at Sears for 24 years. His hobbies included golf, darts and pool. His health deteriorated in the past few years, and he was moved into Good Samaritans Park Meadows Care Home.
Leslie leaves behind his children Leslie Kobitz of British Columbia, Kimberly Kobitz of Campbell River; sisters Sharon (Ken) Zollner, Linda (Glen) Lewis; friend Sharon Weiss as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Leslie was pre-deceased by his parents Alex and Mildred Kobitz.
A Come and Go Celebration will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, January 24, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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VAN ESVELD, Gijsbertje “Betty” GIJSBERTJE (BETTY) VAN ESVELD (VAN OMME) 1932 ~ 2025 The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 With sadness, and yet with gratefulness for her life, the family of Betty Van Esveld share that she passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, two weeks after her 92nd birthday.
Gijsje was born December 31, 1932, in Otterlo, the Netherlands to Bartje Van Omme (Kampert) and Gerrit van Omme, the second of six children. She and her fiancé Gert Jan immigrated to Canada and were married in May 1954. They bought their farm between Monarch and Nobleford in 1963 and farmed and lived there for almost fifty years. In December 2016, Betty and Gert Jan moved to Park Meadows Village and lived there together until he passed away in 2019. Betty continued to reside there until her passing.
Betty leaves behind her daughters and their spouses Jane and Peter Klok, Barb Van Esveld, Rita and Clarence Halma, Grace and Patrick Hickson, Jackie and Bill Oudshoorn, and Anita and Henry Oudshoorn, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her sister Dirkje vanden Heuvel, sisters-in-law Willie, Marie, and Hennie Van Omme, and Gert Jan’s brothers and sister-in-law Gerrit, Bill, and Gerda Van Esveld.
She was predeceased by her husband Gert Jan; brothers Gies, Dirk, Gert, and Gerrit Van Omme; brother-in-law Aalt vanden Heuvel; Gert Jan’s siblings and their spouses Driekus and Hennie, Gerard and Weimtje, and Bep Van Esveld, Jannie and Henk Boekhout, and Truitje and Reijer Groeneveld; grand and great-grandchildren Henry, Kaven, and Emersyn, as well as many dear friends over the years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the BETHEL FREE REFORMED CHURCH OF MONARCH, 314 Eastman Avenue PO Box 10 Monarch, Alberta, with Pastor Jeff Overduin, officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://web.sermonaudio.com/broadcasters/bethelfrc
A private family Interment will be held prior at the Monarch Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MATIS, Herbert “Herb” HERBERT “HERB” MATIS 1949 – 2025 Mr. Herbert “Herb” Matis of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Helga Matis, passed away in Coaldale on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the age of 75 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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QUON, Vivian VIVIAN QUON 1959 – 2025 Vivian Quon of Lethbridge passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the age of 66 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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SCHMIDT, Ezrah EZRAH SCHMIDT 1999 – 2025 Our sorrow is great with the sudden yet peaceful passing of Ezrah Slayer Christensen Schmidt on January 20th at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary at the age of 25 years.
Ezrah had many friends from all periods of his life, from childhood to high school and beyond. We hope to have you all join us to celebrate his life together on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 12:00 pm -2:00 pm at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. Location and time will be updated for the Lethbridge Reception in the coming days.
Interment to be held in Tessier, Saskatchewan on February 1st followed by a reception for close family and friends.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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HIGGINSON, Allan HIGGINSON ALLAN ANDREW HIGGINSON, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Gay Higginson, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit.
The family of Allan Higginson invites relatives and friends to attend an evening of fellowship and closure in Allan’s honour in the Fireside Room at CHRIST THE REDEEMER ANGLICAN CHURCH, 2820 – 18 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., with a short program to start at 6:00 P.M.
In memory of Allan, please honour him by doing a random act of kindness for someone in need.

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

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WAIBOER, Jacob WAIBOER JACOB CORNELIS WAIBOER, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly at home, on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the age of 55 years.
Jacob is survived by his mother, Tina Wiebe and step-dad, Albert Wiebe of Claresholm; brother, Hans (Annette) Waiboer of Drumheller, two sons, Zac (Katja) and Alex Waiboer, both of Lethbridge; nephew Nathan; and nieces Amber and Ashley; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
He was predeceased by his father, Rens Louis Waiboer.
Arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

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