Saturday, January 3, 2026
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 3, 2026.
YAWORSKI, John John Yaworski 1938-2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Yaworski on December 30, 2025, at the Edith Cavell Care Centre in Lethbridge, AB. A private family service will be held at a later date.To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
CARUSO, Matilda “Tillie” TILLIE CARUSO 1936 – 2025 Matilda “Tillie” Caruso of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late John Caruso, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 89 years old. After a brief but courageous battle with cancer, Tillie’s life came to a gentle close, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion to family.
Tillie was born on October 14, 1936, in Herbert, Saskatchewan, to Raymond and Katherine Behm. She was one of eleven children, growing up alongside four brothers and six sisters. Those early years shaped the deep family values she carried throughout her life.
She later moved to Fort Macleod, Alberta, where she met the love of her life, John. The two were married on April 12, 1956, beginning a partnership built on love and commitment. Shortly after, they settled into Lethbridge, where they built their family home and raised three children. That home became the heart of countless memories, filled with love, laughter, and the quiet strength Tillie brought to everyday life. It was there that she lived for the remainder of her years, surrounded by the life she helped create.
Tillie is lovingly remembered by her son Rodney, her daughter Gina (Trent), her granddaughter Brittany (Luke), her grandsons Brandon (Laura) and Jason (Jill), and her cherished great-grandchildren Archer and Jovie. She is also survived by her sisters Agnes, Christina, Clara, and Patsy, as well as many nieces and nephews who were touched by her kindness and care.
She was predeceased by her husband John, her son John Gregory, her parents Raymond and Katherine, her brothers Leo, George, and Tom, and her sisters Hilda and Leona.
Tillie will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her quiet strength, loving presence, and unwavering dedication to those she cared for will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Foundation.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 5, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 ST S, LETHBRIDGE. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so during the hour prior (10:00 am-11:00 am).
A Private Family interment will be held in the Mountain View Cemetery at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
GIESBRECHT, William “Bill” WILLIAM “BILL” GIESBRECHT 1929 ~ 2025 Mr. William “Bill” Giesbrecht of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Elfriede Giesbrecht, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Coaldale Long Term Care on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 96 years.
A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the COALDALE MENNONITE CEMETERY, located just off of Highway 845 behind the Gem of the West Museum.
Following the Graveside, a Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 17 ST, COALDALE.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
POMMEN, Margaret MARGARET POMMEN 1924 ~ 2025 Mrs. Margaret Pommen beloved wife of the late Mr. Ed Pommen, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Thursday, December 18, 2025, a month shy of her 102 birthday.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, January 23, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL. 610 – 4 ST S, LETHBRIDGE.
A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY.
Following the Graveside, a Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 2406 11 AVE S, LETHBRIDGE.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MARTIN, Ella ELLA MARTIN 1935 ~ 2025 Mrs. Ella Martin of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Pastor Harold Martin, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, December 26, 2025 at the age of 90 years.
A Funeral Service will be held on 11:00 am on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at CHRIST TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 416 12 St S, LETHBRIDGE, AB., with Pastor Olivier Ravelojaona officiating.
A Graveside Service will be held at ROYAL VIEW MEMORIAL CEMETERY following the Funeral Service.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WESLEY, Elaine ELAINE WESLEY 1939 ~ 2025 Elaine Wesley of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the age of 86 years.
Elaine was raised on the family farm in New Dayton, Alberta.
Elaine is survived by her brother Ray Wesley, sisters Betty Stolte and Connie Wesley, as well as very special nieces and nephews.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Beth Wesley, as well as her nephew, Michael Stolte.
At Elaine’s request, a private family service will be held in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
HADDOW, Ruth RUTH NINA HADDOW 1922 ~ 2025 Mrs. Ruth Haddow of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. George Haddow, passed away peacefully at Bow Island Long Term Care on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the distinguished age of 103 years.
Ruth was born on February 5, 1922, on her family’s farm near Winnifred, Alberta, as the ninth child of John and Gunhild Krokom. She married George on March 11, 1960, and together they resided in several different places – including Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Montreal- before finally settling in Nanaimo, British Columbia, together. After George’s passing more than forty years ago, Ruth relocated to Lethbridge to be closer to her family members, where she remained until 2024. Subsequently, she moved to Bow Island to receive assisted care.
Throughout her long life, Ruth built many enduring friendships and treasured countless memories. An avid collector, she often received unique items from George’s overseas travels, each contributing to the stories within her home. Ruth was known for her keen intellect and exceptional memory, both of which remained with her throughout her years.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband George, parents John and Gunhild, as well as all 10 of her siblings and their spouses. Anna and Jack Prunkle, Melvin and Emily Krokom, Gladys and Jerold Hodgson, Mabel and Glen Robinson, Alice and Art Foster, Edna and Elmer Penrose, Jesse and Minnie Krokom, Hilda and John Jacobson, Arne and Ella Krokom, Doris and Jim Wallwork, as well as other cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A private service of remembrance will be held in the Spring of 2026.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
RABUSIC, Marie MARIE RABUSIC 1926 ~ 2025 Marie Rabusic of Lethbridge, passed away at St. Therese Villa on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 99 years.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 12, 2026, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB, with Father Kevin Tumback officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
D’AGNONE, Tony TONY D’AGNONE 1949 – 2025 It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of Tony D’Agnone following a brief but intense battle with pancreatic cancer.
Tony leaves behind his wife Laurie (Sewers) and three daughters, three sons-in-law and six grandchildren. Kristene (Ryan) Coller, grandsons Aiden and Devin. Shannon D’Agnone (Bryn Jones), grandsons Owain and Gareth. Nicole (Andrew) Penton and granddaughters Audrey and Vivian. He also leaves behind a special nephew Rob D’Agnone of Wrentham.
Tony is the youngest of nine children born to John and Philomena D’Agnone. He is survived by two sisters Amelia (Ken) Rollag and Delores (Phillip) Gurr. He was predeceased by brothers Joe, Domenico, Nick and Luigi (Bev) and sisters Mary Caruso and Rosina Mucciaroni, brothers-in-law Joe Caruso and Nick Mucciaroni.
Tony and Laurie are godparents to Christopher (Kandis) Santangelo, Ashley (Matt Sheridan) Santangelo, Michelle (Nathan) Jensen, Steven (Shaylee) Santangelo and godfather to Kelli (Phil) Sauers-Grossi.
Tony farmed for 60 years in the Judson area and 47 years at Skiff/Foremost. Tony planned his retirement for after harvest this year and was starting that process after finishing his harvest in September. Unfortunately, Tony did not get time to enjoy retirement as he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer October 31st. Tony loved everything about dryland farming, and he often would claim to have ‘dirt in his veins. In the off season, Tony loved playing the stock market and had a knack for selling his lentils, green and yellow peas, chickpeas and various grains
Cancer was not unfamiliar to Tony and had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2005. Shortly after his diagnosis, Tony was approached by National Geographic regarding an article they were planning on allergies. He was featured in the May, 2006 Edition.
Tony and Laurie were married October 11, 1975, in Lethbridge and have made their home on the farm at Skiff for 50 years. With three daughters, Tony often found himself attending figure skating competitions, decorating for skating carnivals, 4H public speaking competitions, hauling horses to lessons or events in all kinds of weather. Tony’s greatest adventure in life was when he became “Papa” to six grandchildren. He loved getting to know those little people and sharing his farm life with them. They all enjoyed going for combine, tractor and truck rides with him and sharing his chocolate bars and Gatorade from his lunch bucket. While Tony preferred the quiet life of the farm, he did travel to Hawaii many times as well as many of the U.S. states and much of Canada. His natural inquisitiveness and outgoing personality ensured he always made new friends and was able to share his own experiences with others.
In recent years, Tony was a Board Member of the Romulus & Remus Italian Canadian Cultural Club in Lethbridge where he enjoyed the monthly dinner/dances, and board activities alongside some of his closest friends.
A Vigil Rites/Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, January 5, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
THURSTON, R. Bruce THURSTON It is with great sorrow that the Thurston family announces the passing of R. BRUCE THURSTON, a devoted husband, loving father, and principled leader whose life was guided by integrity, community, a deep belief in education, and a commitment to leaving every person and place better than he found them.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Wendy; his daughters, Kasha (Koji) and Brynne (Tyson); and his siblings, Ron and Linda. He was predeceased by his parents, Ed and May Thurston, and his sibling, Pat. Bruce’s memory will also be held close by a wide circle of colleagues and friends whose lives he touched.
Through decades of consulting, including his leadership of Management Resource Services, Bruce championed small businesses, sharing his expertise, mentoring leaders, and supporting organizations through periods of change. He also shared his knowledge as a long-serving faculty member in the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge.
Bruce was guided by unwavering values in everything he pursued. He approached both life and work as opportunities to learn, evolve, and contribute. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, he earned numerous accolades and academic achievements throughout his career. As a CPA, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and most recently, the Legacy Award from the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, honouring his impact on the business community.
Growing up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Bruce found immense happiness in the outdoors and in the simple joys of life. He loved being in nature and cycling, skiing, camping, and walking. He cherished reading, coffee with friends, and staying up-to-date on the latest in technology and news. These activities reflected his spirit: grounded, curious, and engaged with the world around him.
Bruce embodied the belief that meaningful lives are built through connection, service, and the courage to reinvent oneself. His legacy lives on through his family, his colleagues, mentees, and the values he lived by every day.
R. Bruce Thurston, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, with family by his side, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 70 years.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Chinook Regional Hospital, the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, and St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit for their exceptional compassion.
Friends, colleagues, and peers are invited to celebrate Bruce’s life at the LETHBRIDGE TRADE & CONVENTION CENTRE, 101 Exhibition Way South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 1:00 P.M.
In honour of Bruce’s advocacy for heart health and local community access to cardiac care, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bringing Hearts Home Cardiac Campaign (Cardiac Sciences Capital Campaign), c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation: https://crhfoundation.ca/cardiaccare/
“Let’s keep building a community where businesses grow people – and people grow businesses.”
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LEAHY, Val Val Leahy
1960 – 2025
Valerie Lynn Leahy, beloved wife of Kevin Leahy, passed away unexpectedly in Pincher Creek on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the age of 65 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber, on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. Private burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Val’s name may be made directly to the Taber Food Bank, 5512 – 48 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1S4 or to the Taber Special Needs Society, Box 4912, Taber, Alberta T1G 2E1 (www.taberspecialneeds.org).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
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