Saturday, March 22, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 22, 2025.
OLSON, Catherine OLSON CATHERINE LYNN OLSON, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, March 14, 2025 at the age of 70 years.Catherine spent 20+ years as a Senior Support Specialist with True Hope. She is survived by her 3 children, 4 grandchildren and a great granddaughter.
Forever Loved.
As per Catherine’s wishes, there will be no funeral service held.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BLACK PLUME, Marcella MARCELLA MARIE BLACK PLUME – Ootakii sta aakii (Circle of Offering) 1968 – 2025 Our #1 supporter. Our dad’s love of his life. Our beautiful loving mother. Our mother who loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart was called home from the Creator at the age of 56. Our mother went peacefully into the stars surrounded by her family in her home, a home she built for everyone. She will be missed by everyone, including her dog, Elsa.
Beloved wife of Tom Red Crow. She was the first born to Mark Old Shoes Jr. and Rosaline Black Plume.
A Wake Service will be held at 6:00 pm, Monday, March 24, 2025, at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the ST. MARTHA’S PARISH, 355 COLUMBIA BLVD WEST, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Father William Monis, officiating.
Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery on the Blood Reserve.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WOODGATE, Ernie “Woody” ERNIE “WOODY” WOODGATE January 16, 1950 – March 18, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ernie “Woody” Woodgate on March 18, 2025. A man of grit, hard work, and fierce loyalty, he left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him.
Ernie was a devoted husband to Marie Woodgate, always looking out for her – even when she swore she didn’t need looking after. He was a flower giver, a caretaker, and a man as stubborn as he was hardworking.
Woody spent his life moving oil rigs, most loyally with Speedy Heavy Hauling, and he took great pride in his work. His strong will and sharp tongue were trademarks, and he was never afraid to let a few well-placed words fly. But behind that rough exterior was a man who loved deeply and unconditionally.
Ernie was a proud father to his daughters: Angela Woodgate, Teena Peterson, Claudette Woodgate (Joel Dinel), Nadine Sharman (Cole Sharman), and Lauretta Woodgate. He was also a caring stepfather to Steven Perks (Rhonda Perks), Jeannie-Rae Kuno (Tim Kuno), and Jim-Bob Perks (Tracy Rowe). His legacy lives on through his many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adored their “Papa-Woody.”
Woody was not a drinker, but he loved a good visit. He valued time spent with family and friends, sharing stories, laughter, and the occasional well-timed expletive.
A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held on a later date. In his honor, bring a story, a smile, and maybe even a bouquet – because if there’s one thing he taught us, it’s that flowers were meant to be given.
Rest easy, Woody. You worked hard. You loved harder. And you will be missed the hardest.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
WEASEL FAT, May WEASEL FAT May Louise Weasel Fat (Standing Alone) – Aakaisttsiiksiiaki – Many Snake Woman passed away peacefully Monday, March 17 at the Kainai Continuing Long Term Centre, Standoff, Alberta. May was registered at the age of 6 on November 10, 1919 and believed to be 111 but 105 by the registered date.
May was born to Henry and Louise (nee Manyfingers) Standing Alone and is survived by her sisters Sophie Tailfeathers, and Nita Wells and her brother Alfred Standing Alone. She was predeceased by sisters Ruth Quesnelle, Margaret Goodrider, and Ada Fox, and brothers Andy, Allen, and Pete Standing Alone, and adopted brother Glen Rhodes.
She is survived by her children Daniel (Marci), Roy (Patsy), Geraldine (Joe McKay), Mary (late Darryl Little Bear) Justin, Donna (Larry) and Vernon and daughters-in-law Bertha Wells and Diane Weasel Fat. She is predeceased by her children Leonard Weasel Fat, Faye Tailfeathers, Clarence, Max and Maxine Weasel Fat and by her grandchildren Jason, Leonard, and Elliot Weasel Fat, Shelly Many Grey Horses, Leonard Grier and great grand-daughter Mikayla Tay Weasel Fat/Eagle Bear. May’s family of 152 include 12 children, 44 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great-grandchildren.
May was born in Lethbridge, Alberta in the river bottom by the High-Level Bridge on Nov. 10, 1919. She was the oldest member of the Blood Tribe at 105 years old. She attended St. Paul’s Residential School on the Blood Reserve. At age 16 years her father Henry and the school’s Reverend S, H. Middleton arranged a marriage for her to Dan Weasel Fat who was 10 years older than her (born 1909). They were married on July 17, 1936 in a traditional Indian marriage ceremony. She had a dowry of a team of horses and wagon, 20 head of cattle, a white wall tent, and furnishings to begin their married life. When she had her first child Faye she was approached by a person in Cardston, Alberta, to have her portrait drawn by renowned artist Winold Reiss. He had an art school and invited artists from throughout the United States to St. Mary’s, Montana, a town located south of the US border and North of the Blackfeet Reservation. They did paintings of numerous Blackfeet/Blackfoot people and did two paintings of her; she was the last surviving person he painted. In their early years together May and Dan travelled to Detroit, Michigan by train to pick up their new vehicle and drove back home. Together they saw and experienced many changes in their lifetime in lifestyle and technology from the horse and buggy days to owning a vehicle, running water, heat, electricity, indoor bathroom, black and white TV, coloured TV, Satellite TV, and changes in farming and ranching.
May and Dan raised 12 children and numerous grandchildren. They first resided in Old Agency at the north end of the Blood Reserve and later moved south to the present location near the corner of Highway #2 and the Glenwood Highway. Together May and Dan were successful farmers and ranchers up to the time of Dan’s passing on November 8, 1992. May continued to own a few head of cattle and horses for a few years after. May was a busy person not one to sit around she was an active gardener always grew a garden with her children’s help. May had a green thumb who adorned her yard with tress and flowers every spring and summer. Every spring at branding time she always prepared a feast to serve to the branding crew who came by to help.
When the last of her 12 children went to school she became a member of the Blood Reserve School Bus Coop in 1962 owning a bus up to her passing. She was the oldest bus owner. May and Dan were active members of St. Paul’s Anglican Church and served on the Vestry. She was also an active member of the Standoff Elders group. Mother was no ordinary mother/person. Mom had exceptional skills in life management and humorous a personality to go with it. Always an upbeat person. Every person that knew mom say she was a strong, hard, working lady and she accomplished things. Retired Anglican Church Reverend Michael Tipper said mom was a wise old lady and he learned a lot from her. Her hobbies included sewing clothes and traditional outfits, beading, knitting, crocheting, gardening, cooking traditional meals, canning fruit, and home decorating. May enjoyed bingos, and attending pow-wows and rodeos with her late husband. May was a traditional dancer in her 60’s. She was the last surviving member of the Skinny Horse Society, becoming a member of this social group along with her husband in their earlier years. She enjoyed travelling and in her later years went with a group of Blood Reserve elders to visit Rome and England. She travelled twice to Hawaii with her late daughter Maxine and her husband.
May’s father Henry was a pipe holder along with his wife, daughter May and son Alfred they received the Long Time Medicine Pipe Bundle from Dick Soop which Henry gave 45-50 horses. She resided at the Kainai Continuing Long Term Centre for about 10 years up to her passing. The family of May Weasel Fat would like to thank Dr. Shay Eagle Bear, the nurses and healthcare staff for their care, she was a rare gem and we appreciate the care and assistance that was provided to her.
A wake service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Blood Reserve, Alberta on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. A funeral service will be at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Tuesday, March 25 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at St. Paul’s cemetery, Blood Reserve.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
HANSON, Jennifer HANSEN JENNIFER HANSEN, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Neil Hansen, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, March 14, 2025 at the age of 79 years.
A Celebration of Jennifer’s Life will be held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH – 2329 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Trevor Potter officiating.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LAWLOR, Gary GARY GREGORY LAWLOR 1951 – 2025 Dad passed away after a short illness on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 73.
My dad, Gary, moved to Lethbridge in 1972, with three friends, from Nelson-Miramichi, New Brunswick to work on the rigs during the oil boom. But this was not to be. In July, 1973 he married Margaret Cook and they welcomed their son Patrick in July 1977. Dad worked for many years as a cement finisher with Tollestrup Construction and then with his own company, Lawlor Contracting. Finally, his time came to work on the rigs, and he worked for several years as Supervisor of Maintenance for Club Industrial in Fort McMurray, retiring at the age of 70. Dad took after his father, who was a very skilled carpenter, and liked to worked with wood as well. He produced some very nice pieces of furniture.
Gary is survived by his son Patrick William (Kelly); granddaughter Audrey; brother Mark (Janet) Lawlor of Hartland N.B.; sister Margaret Mary (Edward) Daley of Fredericton, N.B., and several nieces and nephews, and friends. He is survived by special friend Bonnie Thiessen and her family, and several of their friends.
Gary was the youngest of a large family and was predeceased by his parents Mark and Mary (Ronan) Lawlor; sisters Wilma Colford, Norma Somers, Monica Hong, and Elenor Larson, and by brothers Tom Lawlor, John Lawlor, and Leo Lawlor.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Interment will be in the family plot in New Brunswick.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
JAVORSKY, Sigmund “Sig” SIGMUND “SIG” JAVORSKY 1935 – 2025 Mr. Sigmund “Sig” Javorsky, of Lethbridge, formerly of Edmonton, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the age of 89 years. Sig is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mrs. Elsie Javorsky, and daughter, Karen Basarab, alongside numerous other family members.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
GSCHAID, Ronald “Ron” RONALD “RON” FRANK GSCHAID 1944 – 2025 Mr. Ronald “Ron” Frank Gschaid of Lethbridge County, passed away with his loving wife Kathy and son Rod by his side on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at the age of 80 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A private family Graveside Service will be held.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WURTZ, Minnie WURTZ ‘Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home’ Minnie Wurtz, beloved wife of the late Jake Wurtz passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, March 20th at the age of 91 years. Minnie is survived by her daughters Karen Wurtz, Diane (Ron) Wiggers and son-in-law Jerry den Boon. Her grandchildren Dini (John) Briscoe (Madison, Jaden, and Jonathan), Sandra den Boon, Ryan (Terena) Wiggers (Thea, Lauton and Etley) and Monique Wiggers. Her siblings, Bas, Marienus, Marie, Nellie, Johanna, Dick and Gert (David) Groeneweg. Her sister in laws, Lydia, Susie, Susie and Elizabeth Wurtz as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Jake Wurtz, her oldest daughter Brenda den Boon and her parents Gerrit and Marie Groeneweg.
She is remembered for her devotion to the Lord, her love of learning, and her gift of hospitality. Minnie was committed to her family and loved them dearly.
The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday March 26th at 2:00 pm, with Pastor Rob Blazecka officiating at the Monarch Reformed Church, Monarch Alberta.
The interment will take place prior to the service at 1:00 pm at the Monarch Cemetery located half a mile north of the Church on Range Rd 235.
A special thank you to the staff and home care workers at Martha’s house. Also thank you to Dr. Stover, the staff in emergency and the nurses and staff in 4C for your love and care of our dear mother.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
WOJTOWICZ, Martha WOJTOWICZ 1932 – 2025 MRS. MARTHA WOJTOWICZ, of Lethbridge, beloved mother, passed away peacefully at Edith Cavell Care Centre, on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the age of 92 years.
Martha was born on December 2, 1932, to George and Elizabeth Gaetz in Turin, Alberta on a homestead farm. On June 9, 1956, she married the love of her life, Edward Wojtowicz, and they were blessed with three children: Denise (Tony), David (Victor) and Larry (Gina). Edward and Martha raised their family in Picture Butte, Alberta. She was an active member of the St. Catherine’s Parish C.W.L. and Secretary Treasurer for St. Catherine’s School. Afterwards, they moved to Lethbridge to enjoy their retirement years together.
Martha was very creative and enjoyed various hobbies such as rock painting. Her creativity and enthusiasm extended to decorating and dressing up for Halloween. She had a thirst for knowledge. As such, she was an avid reader and did extensive genealogy research in the ancestry of her family. She was active on social media and enjoyed staying connected with nieces, nephews, and friends. She and her husband, Edward, enjoyed gardening. Another favourite pastime she shared with her husband was solving crossword puzzles together. When the weekend New York Times puzzle came out, the page containing the puzzle was a fixture on the kitchen table until it was solved! Martha’s favourite summers were spent beachcombing on Galiano Island, where the family had a cottage.
Martha is survived by her children, grandchildren: Jennifer, Justin (Jocelyn), and Monica (Anthony); great-grandchildren: Tristan, Jaelyn, Janae, and Logan; brother Joe Gaetz; and sisters-in-law Helen (George) Dolbak, and Charlotte Wojtowicz; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Edward; her parents George and Elizabeth Gaetz; four brothers: George, Andy, Peter, Tony; and five sisters: Mary, Barbara, Helen, Kay and Lena.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Jim Manzara officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Martha’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Funeral Mass, Martha will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MURRAY, Wilda MURRAY It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother and grandmother, WILDA MURRAY, of Picture Butte., at the Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the age of 92 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BAIRD, William BAIRD January. 17, 1935 – March 12, 2025 WILLIAM NORMAN BAIRD, otherwise known as “Norm”, beloved husband of Leola Baird (nee Clarke), of Fort Macleod, peacefully passed away, in the warmth of his home on Wednesday March 12, 2025 at the age of 90 years.
Norm is survived by Leola, son Trevor of Cranbrook, and daughter Brenda of Lethbridge, two grandchildren, Michael and Kevin, as well as six great-grandchildren.
Norm was born and raised in Fort Macleod to William Baird of Ayrshire, Scotland and Beryl Constance Hale of Fort Macleod where his Dad raised him and his brother to be devoted fisherman and hunters.
Norm began his working years at Andrew’s Hardware in Macleod. Then after marrying the love of his life Leola Clarke, they settled in Lethbridge where Norm worked for Hoyts, and Western Canada Hardware. Norm then soon embarked upon a 35 year rewarding career as an Office Administrator for Alberta Government Services where he enjoyed several longstanding friendships with his fellow workers.
Norm and Leola had a lovely Lethbridge home built, where he enjoyed gardening, raising his children, hunting and camping with family, as well as diligently fishing surrounding southern Alberta lakes and 33 wonderful years fishing Kootenay Lake, B.C.
Norm was a studious and sturdy patriarch to all of his family and will be dearly missed by those close to him for many years to come.
It was Norman’s wish that no funeral service shall take place.
In this wonderful man’s memory, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada (kidney.ca).
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LOEWEN, Rena LOEWEN RENA RUTH LOEWEN, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Arthur Loewen, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the age of 92 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SMOOK, Roman Roman (Ray) Smook October 11, 1937 – March 19, 2025 Roman (Ray) Smook was born on October 11, 1937 in Vegreville, Alberta, to parents John and Justina Smook of Ukrainian descent. They lived in Inland, a small farming community minutes south of Vegreville. Ray went to school in a one room schoolhouse, walking there each day uphill both ways.
He lost his father at the age of 8, so Baba took on the challenge of raising four boys with everyone helping out on the farm. When Ray was 16, he moved to Claresholm to live with his oldest brother, Marshall and sister-in-law, Anne. It was there he met the love of his life Gale. She worked at the Esso, while Ray worked across the street at the Texaco.
Gale went to University in Calgary, and Ray followed taking jobs at Mo’s Garage and Canada Post. Ray and Gale were married on January 9th, 1960. Later that year, he started working at Canada Packers (Maple Leaf Foods). Also later that year, a bouncing baby boy named Ricky Raymond came along. Three years later, Kevin William was born and their family was complete.
In 1971, they were off to Lethbridge thanks to a transfer by Canada Packers. Ray stayed with the company until 1990, earning a place in the Quarter Century Club. The family loved to go camping at Kehoe Lake, Kananaskis and Fairmont Hot Springs. The trailer was hitched and ready to go as soon as Gale got home from school. Summer holidays included trips to the Shuswaps and the Okanagan. Ray loved to curl and golf and he got a hole in one (at the NK’MIP Canyon Desert Golf Course). He got involved with the Hockey Hounds, supporting the Lethbridge Broncos and Hurricanes through program and 50-50 sales. He really enjoyed other peoples company and they enjoyed his, often playing a game of horse or cribbage. Grandpa will always be the crib champion.
When Gale retired in 1996, they moved to Oliver, BC to enjoy life in the Okanagan. They loved hosting their grandkids each summer taking them camping and swimming. Many of their winters were spent in Yuma, Arizona where they built lasting relationships with several great friends. Ray loved to call Bingo! (Gale was the paymaster).
They sold their place in Yuma in 2020 and enjoyed living year round in Oliver.
Some of Ray’s favorite expressions were, “Any better I’d be a runaway”, and “I’m on top of the World”. When asked what he did for a living, his common response was “I was a baloney salesman”, and many people would respond, “You still are”.
Ray leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Gale; sons, Rick (Cherrish) and Kevin (Sheila), and grandkids, Michael, Stephanie (Jeff), Jonny, Channy (Shayla), Sariya, Roman and Kate.
A memorial service will be officiated by Pastor Jeremy Cook at 2:00 pm, Monday March 24, 2025 at the Oliver Alliance Church followed y a light reception at the church.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting http://www.nunes-pottinger.com
SHARUN, Joanne SHARUN JOANNE SHARUN, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Lawrence Sharun, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the age of 89 years.
Joanne is survived by her son Michael (Catherine) of Toronto, and Mark of Lethbridge, and her grandson, Geoffrey; as well as many nieces and nephews, who added tremendous joy to her life.
Besides her loving husband Lawrence, she was predeceased by her sister Marie Joyce, brother Michael Halko, father Joseph Halko and mother Mildred Letasy.
Mom was born in Natal BC and graduated high school in 1954 from the Natal-Michel School. She had an affinity and love for helping people and became a nurse, graduating from St. Michael’s School of Nursing in 1957.
While working at Fernie Memorial Hospital, she met the love of her life, Lawrence and they got married in 1958.
A couple of moves later, and Lethbridge became their home in 1963 and that is where they both lived out their lives.
Mom ended her days at St. Michael’s Health Centre, where she passed away peacefully. Thank you to all the folks at St. Michaels for making her time as comfortable as possible.
A Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 9:00 A.M., with Interment to follow in ROYAL VIEW CEMETERY, 5920 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
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