Saturday, November 15, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 15, 2025.
MARTE, Ann Marie MARTE With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for the time we were blessed to share with her, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ann Marie Marte (nee Gajdostik), on August 19, 2025. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her most.Ann was a woman of extraordinary resilience, courage, and creativity. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit. Her compassion, generosity, and unwavering love for her family were the guiding forces of her life.
Ann is predeceased by her husband, Bernard Marte; her later partner, George Spence; and her daughter, Connie Farris (nee Marte). She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her daughters Colleen Marte, her son Westley, and Noreen Marte (Pepe) and children, Tundra Sage and BenjamÃn Ezequiel.
Though we mourn her loss, we celebrate the remarkable life she lived, one filled with love, laughter, and grace. Her wisdom and gentle heart will remain with us always. She will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.
WINCE, Evelyn WINCE Evelyn Wince (nee Zasadny) was born December 28, 1929, in Hardieville, Alberta. On Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:05 pm surrounded by her four daughters and while listening to them sharing memories and laughter she drifted off peacefully. Evelyn will be missed and lovingly remembered by her four daughters, Colleen (Brian), Yvonne (Murray), Sheryl (Harry), and Susan (Tim); seven grandchildren, Shawn Luco (Martine), Erin Luco, Jeff (Danielle), Cameron, Alicia (Travis), Jane (Enrico), and Rob Fitzsimmons (Jessica); three great grandchildren, Rylee and Jaxon, and Millie Fitzsimmons; as well as five brothers, Joe (Polly), Alex (Muriel), John (Leyda), Tom (Joyce), and Fred (Norma); and one sister; and by many other family and friends. She was predeceased on 2021 May 28 by Frank Wince, her beloved husband. She loved sewing all our clothes throughout our school years. Mom loved to dress us up!! She loved knitting and crocheting and was always eager to start a new project. Throughout the years, she volunteered with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Both mom and dad volunteered together and gave their time to help others. Mom felt it was so important to pay it forward just like her mother taught her. Evelyn had a great sense of humour, was a positive thinker and will be dearly missed. We can see Evelyn and Frank are together dancing once again.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Evelyn with the family, please visit http://www.choicememorial.com
SCHOENING, June JUNE SCHOENING 1943 – 2025 Mrs. June Schoening of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Gary Schoening, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Raymond Health Centre at the age of 82 years.
Friends may gather with the family at 1:00pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703 13th Street North, Lethbridge. The service will be livestreamed by visiting http://www.csgfh.ca and clicking the link at the bottom of June’s obituary.
June will be laid to rest at 2:00 p.m. in the Green Burial section of Royal View Cemetery, 5920 13th Street North, Lethbridge, next to Pavan Park.
Memorial donations may be made to the Birds of Prey Nature Centre, 2124 16 Avenue, Coaldale, Alberta, T1M 1J8. 403-331-9520.
To send a message of condolence, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
HAYES, William “Bill” WILLIAM “BILL” GEORGE HAYES February 25, 1940 – November 6, 2025 Bill was born, the eldest of two boys, to Joseph and Mary (yes, those were his parents’ actual names) in 1940 on a farm outside Brandon, Manitoba. He learned to work hard at an early age when he became the man of his family at 12 years old after his dad was placed in the sanitarium (due to a suspected case of TB). The next 7 years convinced Bill the farm life wasn’t for him and when he was 19, he moved to Regina where two very important things happened: he became a lifelong Riders fan and he met Lorraine. Or maybe more accurately, where he was pursued by Lorraine. She set her sights on ‘Billy Hayes’ after seeing him in his baseball uniform in the bar she was working at. After many nights of dancing and socializing, they decided to relocate to Lethbridge and were married in 1970 which is where the rest of his story took place.
Bill and Lorraine went on to have two daughters, Angie and Lorie. Bill worked in Electrical wholesale and after accidentally realizing he and Lorraine had a knack for upholstery (when they recovered their own couch) they started A & L Upholstery and worked side by side for many years. Because of this new trade, Bill was tagged with the nickname Tack Hammer by one of his many friends. He earned a much more important nickname ‘Papa’ when his first grandchild was born in 1995 and some other versions of that name developed over the years from his 5 other grandkids (Poppy, Pop, Big Poppy Pump).
Growing up, Angie and Lorie’s house was the house where all the friends gathered and Bill was a parental figure to every kid that hung out at his house. He knew class schedules, was the chauffeur and always seemed to have an endless supply of corny jokes. Then there was a sort of deja vu when it happened all over again with his grandkids. So many people Angie and Lorie grew up with have ‘Bill’ stories and so many friends of their kids have ‘Pop’ stories because their house was the house where everyone was welcome.
Bill was an avid sports fan (go Riders), music lover (especially George jones), movie burner, collector of hats, tapes, books, tools, was extremely particular about tidiness. He was especially particular about his appearance (even at the end smoothing down his hair in the hospital bed) but most of all he was ‘family over everything’.
Bill developed dementia and due to the cruel disease, at the end he couldn’t remember names but he always knew his people – you could see it in the way his face would light up when he’d see you. But hey, ‘we’re all gonna’ go sometime’ (which is something he would say).
Bill wasn’t flashy or loud: he often sat quietly watching the chaos of his family, throwing in the occasional ‘Poppy joke’, but he was the rock and the rockstar of his family. It turns out you can have an extraordinary life by just consistently doing ordinary things and doing them with kindness, honesty and love. His tag line was ‘Stay positive’ and said it right until the end.
William George Hayes: aka Bill, Billy Boy, Billonious, Bill-under-the- stairs, Tack Hammer, Papa Hayes, Papa, Pop, Poppy, and Big Poppy Pump is survived by his adoring wife Lorraine, Brother Sid, Daughters Angie (Johnny) and Lorie (Dan), and his 6 grandkids: Tyson, Jaydan, Chad, Hunter, Dawson and Maddox.
A private ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 where he will be laid to rest by his loving family.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
DOYLE, Dierdre DOYLE With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of DEIRDRE DOYLE, of Picture Butte, AB, beloved wife of the late Dr. James Doyle, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Deirdre is survived by her children: Eoin (Shannon), Fionnuala, and Siona (Francis); and her grandchildren, Athena and Carsten. She is also survived by numerous relatives in Ireland; most notably Frank, Roger and Una Lee.
Deirdre was born December 24th 1925 in Galway, Ireland to Patrick and Winifred (Una) Geraghty. She attended school at the Dominican Convent in Galway, before graduating with a B.Comm and Higher Diploma in Education from Galway University. She taught for four years before helping her father run the Bridge Mills in Galway. Deirdre married James Doyle in 1958 and upon her father’s passing in 1973, they emigrated to Canada, only to return to Ireland and emigrate to Canada a second time in 1977. They settled permanently in Picture Butte in 1981.
Deirdre had an absolute love of nature and painted many of the landscapes she so loved. She was an avid reader and loved travelling to Vancouver Island every summer. She was an active member of the CWL and St. Catherine’s Parish.
A Funeral Mass will be held at ST. CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 762 Crescent Avenue, Picture Butte, AB, on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrating. For those unable to attend, a recording of the Funeral Mass will be available at a later date.
A private Family Interment will be held.
Flowers are gratefully declined.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SULLIVAN, Joan Sullivan, Joan September 23, 1937 – November 12, 2025 It is with immense sadness that our loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother has passed.
Mom was predeceased by her husband Tex, in 2015, and her parents, Tony and Verna Rushford.
She leaves to mourn her daughter, Toni (Dan) Hagg, Tracy (Frank) Zappone and grandchildren, Jeffrey Hirtle (Stephanie), Jordan Hirtle (Anahi), Katie McMillan (Les), Kristin (Krista) Hagg, John (Danielle) Hagg, Tony Zappone (Kendal), Marco Zappone (Carissa), and 13 great grandchildren.
Mom and Dad travelled the world and enjoyed being snowbirds for 25 years in Arizona. Mom also had many worldwide hiking and cycling adventures with her friends . There was nothing mom could not and would not do, especially for her two daughters. Our mom was the definition of a life well lived. Mom graduated from the Galt School of Nursing in 1958 and was a proud and dedicated nurse for almost 40 years. Mom dealt with the last months of her life on her own terms and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert, Alberta.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.connelly-mckinley.com
BAPTISTA, Bosco BAPTISTA Our cherished dad, Bosco Baptista, beloved husband of Prisca, passed away peacefully at home in Lethbridge on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Bosco is survived by Prisca and their children: Brenda (Graham) Walker of Calgary, Daphne (Luke) Sander of Lethbridge, and Savio (Christine) Baptista of Lethbridge; his beloved grandchildren: Iain (Rebecca), Sean, Aidan, and Declan Sander; Kira, Holly and Gavin Walker; and Allison, Emily, Lindsay and Xavier Baptista; and his first great-grandchild, Ronan Sander, who he was thrilled to cuddle this past Thanksgiving weekend. He is also survived by his sister Bertha (Bernardino) Luis, brother-in-law Stanley D’Souza, sister-in-law Philomena Baptista, brother-in-law Francis (Cybele) Noronha, sister-in-law Felicia Vas (John Amendt), sister-in-law Anita Desa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings: Ophilda, Auta, Simplicio (Annette), Bruno, and Alexio; brothers-in-law Eugene Vas and Joseph Desa; and niece Clarice.
Bosco was born in Eldoret, Kenya, in 1943, to Caetano Salvador Baptista and Ninfa Antonia da Conceicao Pacheco. His father’s work required moving the family every few years, but they eventually settled in Nairobi where Bosco met Prisca Noronha, whom he married in 1968. Their two daughters, Brenda and Daphne were born in Kenya. With the support of the K. N. Stewart family, who farmed near Cardston, AB, they immigrated to Canada in 1973. Their son, Savio, was born in Lethbridge, where Bosco and Prisca made their home. With the friendship and support of their new Stewart family, the family settled happily into their new lives. After working at Young, Parkyn, McNab Accounting, Bosco found a position as Assistant Secretary Treasurer at the Lethbridge Catholic School Division, until his retirement. Well-respected, his many accomplishments included writing a published centennial history book of the school division. Following retirement, he served three terms as a Trustee on the Catholic School Board.
Dad lived for his children and grandchildren. He played an active role in their faith journey and took a keen interest in their educational and athletic endeavours, often driving them to piano, sports, and other activities after feeding them Grandpa’s Famous Soup. He was a great listener who gave everyone the gift of his time. He was always thrilled when friends and family indulged his longstanding obsession with ABBA. Dad really enjoyed making people laugh with his quick wit and quirky humour. He kept his children and grandchildren laughing at his silly jokes and funny antics, especially while playing games like charades and Minute-to-Win-It.
Dad was well respected for his tremendous intelligence, unsurpassed general knowledge, incredible generosity (even with his beloved Kit Kats and Pineapple Fanta), and immense kindness. Our jovial, well-spoken, patient, and gentle dad will be sorely missed. As a humble man and devout Catholic, he passed away as peacefully as he lived. All of us who were blessed enough to be part of his life would have chosen his passing to be many years hence, but, in his easy going way, we are certain that he went happily to his Maker.
Dad had many causes that were close to his heart and to which he donated generously. We ask that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Kenya Mission http://www.omilacombe.ca.
We love you, dad. Please keep looking out for us, until we meet again.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with Francis and Lisa Noronha officiating.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Valentine Suum celebrating. Both the Prayer Service and the Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Bosco’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Reception, Bosco will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MEABRY, Alison MEABRY ALISON MARIE MEABRY, the beloved wife of Ryan Meabry, of Nobleford, passed away on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, at the age of 49 years.
Arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BRUNNER, Lydia BRUNNER LYDIA MARY BRUNNER, of Lethbridge, AB, beloved wife of the late John Brunner, passed away at Buffalo Grace Manor on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the age of 93 years.
Lydia is survived by her children: Linda (Murray, deceased) Dueck of Lethbridge, David (Mona) Brunner of Cochrane and Nancy (Shannon) Dawson of Lethbridge; grandchildren: Natasha (Jason) Clifton, Byron Dueck (Tash McLeod), Matt Brunner, Sara (Taylor) Brown, Shane (Claire) Dawson and Mitch Dawson; five great-grandchildren: Kingston and Paxton Clifton, Teddy and Calvin Brown, and August Dawson. She is also survived by her two sisters, Rose Chollak-Hamel and Jennie Machacek; and one brother, Frank Velba, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Lydia was born August 16, 1932 in Raymond, Alberta and was raised on a sugar beet farm north of Raymond. As a young woman, she moved to Lethbridge, where she gained employment at local restaurants. In November of 1958, she married John Brunner and they settled in Spring Coulee for a short time, before moving to Magrath for the next 36 years. While in Magrath, Lydia worked for 16 years as a Homemaker Supervisor for the Chinook Health Unit.
Lydia was a devoted mother who taught her children values of compassion, resiliency and integrity. Family gatherings, holiday traditions and simple weekday dinners were where Lydia’s loving care and practical wisdom shone brightest. She took pride in sharing her Czechoslovakian heritage through the many different decadent pastries, buns and cakes she would make for sharing with family and friends. Lydia volunteered for the CWL, Catholic church, and community groups; she supported local events and was known for her willingness to lend a hand to neighbours and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Lydia’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LEFFINGWELL, Darin DARIN LEFFINGWELL 1970 ~ 2025 Mr. Darin Edwin Leffingwell, of Pincher Creek, passed away in Pincher Creek on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the age of 55 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00PM on Sunday, November 16, 2025, MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL 610 4TH STREET S, LETHBRIDGE.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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