Tuesday, January 6, 2026

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 6, 2026.

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.

GOOSEN, Leonard

LEONARD GOOSEN 1956 ~ 2025 Leonard (Len) Bryan Goosen, of Coaldale, beloved husband of Sherry Goosen, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 69 years.
Len was born April 7, 1956, in Saskatoon. He grew up with strong family values amongst his five brothers. As a child, he fondly enjoyed vacations back at the family farm, where he loved using and operating the equipment and machinery. He had many loving memories of his adolescence with his brothers that he often enjoyed sharing and reminiscing about.
Len had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and spent many long years fishing and camping with his wife and sons as they grew up. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, who always put his family’s needs before his own. Other than his family, his biggest passion was his career as a truck driver – he was always happy when he was driving those big trucks. He also had a strong passion for football and NASCAR.
Len’s most cherished moments were spent with his four grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and he will live on through precious memories and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Besides his loving wife Sherry Goosen, Leonard is survived by his two sons Brian (Krista) Goosen, and Bradley Goosen (Meghan Sinclair); his grandchildren Emily Goosen, Julia Goosen, Emma Goosen-Gladue, and Jackson Goosen; his three brothers Dennis (Louise) Goosen; Garth (Sherry) Goosen, and Gary Goosen, he is also survived by his sister-in-law Wanda Goosen; in-laws Lonny & Vickie Andre, Cindy Lakey, Jeff & Lena Andre, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Melvin & Elsie Goosen, his brothers Glen Goosen & Pete Goosen as well as his nephews Bryce Goosen & Steven Goosen.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
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 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 the 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 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 US 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 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.

DELORME, Bev

BEV DELORME 1944 ~ 2026 Beverley Ann Delorme, of Lethbridge, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the age of 81 years. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by those who knew her.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lethbridge and District Humane Society, or the Last Chance Cat Ranch.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

RABUSIC, Norma

Norma Rabusic
1928 – 2026
Norma Ivy Rabusic, beloved wife of the late Frank Rabusic, passed away in Taber on Friday, January 2, 2026 at the age of 97 years. Norma is survived by her children James (Brenda) Rabusic of Taber, Rod (Debra) Rabusic of Taber, Frank (Belinda) Rabusic of Surprise, Arizona, Richard Rabusic of Des Moines, Iowa and Maryann (Ted) Wiedener of Calgary; seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Maryann Andree and Florence Hoffort as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Frank and numerous other family members. Norma was born at the family farm in Aquadell, Saskatchewan, near Central Butte on October 17, 1928 to George and Esther Jennings. She attended one room Grafton School for grades one to nine, for grades ten to twelve she attended an all girls private school run by the Sisters of Sion in Moose Jaw. Following high school Norma attended Normal School in Moose Jaw and earned a teaching certificate. After teaching school for five years in Saskatchewan country schools, she got a job teaching at the South Side Taber School. Soon after, she met her future husband Frank and married a year later. The first five years of marriage were spent on the Rabusic Farm outside of Raymond. Here two sons were born, Jim and Rod. In 1957 they purchased their first farm in Taber where they welcomed three more children Frank, Richard and Maryann. In 1981 they moved to town allowing the older sons to gradually take over the farming. This allowed Norma and Frank time to travel. Norma was happiest when surrounded by family, her deep faith and devotion to family gave her strength through challenging times. She was an amazing matriarch, a kind hearted soul who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber, on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 7:30 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber, on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. A private burial will follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com. Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Norma’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Friday, January 9, 2026. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Norma’s name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 (www.tdhf.ca) or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

LANDER, Richard “Rick”

LANDER Richard “Rick” John Lander peacefully passed away Dec. 25, 2025 in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 86. Rick loved reading historical novels, telling stories, camping, long walks, and enjoyed a life of travel, and service.
Born on May 10, 1939 in Wolverhampton, England, he experienced the realities of having a father serve in WWII, and cherished the day Jack lander returned home. His dad was his hero. Richard was the “doted on” big brother to Cheryl and Sharon. He was musically and artistically inclined and used those skills throughout his life. At the age of 18, he entered the British Army and played clarinet in the Army band. While stationed in Germany, he first encountered the “Canadian troops” and seemed to think they were somehow “better off” than the British troops. He never lost that feeling.
Nearing the end of his army service, he met and married Valerie Christine Smith on April 3, 1961. In 1962 they welcomed their first son Stuart and chose to follow that dream of a better life in Canada. Landing in Ontario, Canada with $100 in his pocket, he was here to change the future of generations yet to come.
Shortly after their arrival in Canada, they experienced great loss, as Valerie delivered a baby girl, who would only live a matter of a few days. Julie was buried even before Valerie came home from the hospital. This darling daughter would be the turning point for Richard. He renewed his faith in which his parents had raised him and returned to activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he would serve as a scout master, teacher, ward mission leader, and a temple worker and many other callings throughout his life.
Three more girls were yet to be born, Alexis, Deana and Carrie. Two years after the birth of Carrie, John would complete the Lander brood. Hardship would hit once again, when in November of 1973, their home would be engulfed in flames, and once again Rick and Valerie were starting over. This loss would solidify their decision to move west.
Rick would go on to work in various fields from advertising and design to machinist, to home builder to an oil fields inspector. Often these jobs would take him away from home for weeks, and sometimes months at a time. Finally, Richard retired from the world’s workforce, and began a 16 year service mission with the Church History Department. This was where his true passion and love was found. He loved recording, editing and preserving church videos and records and loved the opportunity to serve with area seventies and record the experiences of the European saints.
Richard is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife Valerie Christine Smith, 5 of his children-Stuart Richard (Julie Anne Castleberry) Lander, Alexis Valerie (Brent Ellis) Parrott, Deana Christine Lander (Marcell Langenberg), Carrie Angelina Lander (Barry Bezire), and John Howard Lander. He is also survived by his sister Cheryl (Norman) Cope, and Sharon (Neal) Harvey; 19 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Lander and Elsie Mae Buckingham; his daughter Julie Lander and grandson’s Skyler Potrie and Darian Lander.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday January 10th, 2026 at 10:00 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 560 Highlands Blvd, West Lethbridge, Alberta.
Interment to follow at Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond, Alberta.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

WESTLING, Ronald “Ron”

WESTLING RONALD “RON” ELDON WESTLING, aka Duke, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Lillian (Blanchard/Blair) Westling, born June 22, 1948 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully at home in Lethbridge on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the age of 77 years.
Beside his loving wife, Ron is survived by his four siblings: Sandra Hunt, Murray (Gale) Westling, Janyce Sudo, and Greg (Monica) Westling; one brother-in-law: Robert (Giselle) Blanchard; six children: Bill Blair, Lana Chao, Lila (Glen) Blair, Sean (Yukari) Blair in Japan, Sheila Westling, and Heather (Jon) Westling; two grandchildren/ children: Teegan Westling, and Tia (Tony) Westling; five granddaughters: Maya, Shana, Carissa, Aliyah, and Luna; one special grandson: Tyson; and one great granddaughter: Ophelia. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ron was predeceased by his parents: Verna and Eldon Westling; his In-laws: Minnie and Bill Blanchard; his son/brother: David Westling; his brothers-in-law: Don Hunt and Ron Blanchard; and his special cousin/sister: Gail Goetz.
Ron had a love for watching old comedy movies like “The Three Stooges” and series like “MASH” with friends and delighted in sharing his love of model vehicles and old cars. Ron also enjoyed his time going for breakfast and coffee with his many friends. Ron enjoyed his camping trips with the extended family. Being involved with folk music with his friends was one of his passions but riding his motorcycle, (alone or with friends and family) and teaching his family members that love, was his main passion. It was his alternate love to the very end. To his friends and family, Ron was grumpy with a sense of humor, loyal and caring.
At Ron’s request, no funeral will be held. A Celebration of Ron’s life for friends will be announced at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
Rest in Peace, my Love.

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

BRUNEAU, Simone “Terry”

BRUNEAU SIMONE “TERRY” BRUNEAU, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Roch Bruneau, passed away at home on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the age of 77 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

QUINTIN, Lanny

QUINTIN LANNY GENE QUINTIN, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Connie Quintin, father to Heather and Derek, and grandfather to Lukas, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, following a long battle with illness, on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the age of 75 years.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

FLETCHER, Margaret

FLETCHER MARGARET ROSE FLETCHER (née Wuttunee) It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and Nokum, Margaret Rose Fletcher (née Wuttunee), who passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Margaret was born on the Red Pheasant Cree Nation Reserve in Saskatchewan to her parents, James and Priscella Jane (nee Clarke) Wuttunee. She was deeply proud of her Cree heritage and carried that pride throughout her life, sharing her culture, values, and strength with her family and community.
In 1955, Margaret married, Thomas Ewan “Ian” Fletcher, in Battleford, Saskatchewan. Together, they raised their five children, making homes in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Rosetown, Calgary, Kelowna, British Columbia and after dad’s passing, Lethbridge became her home.
Margaret will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children: Debra Fletcher, Derek Fletcher, Peggy Fletcher (Len Buttazzoni), and Karen Fletcher; her grandchildren: Tamara (Ryan) Palmer, Chelsey Wyght, Haydn Stringer, Valena-Rose (Shawn) Bevans, Justin (Jessica) Stringer, Clay (Francis) Wyght, and Cheyenne (Alex George) Fontaine; her great- grandchildren: Brock, Duke, Lilah, and Piper Bevans, and Kash and Shae Palmer and her nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at GSS West Highlands for their care, compassion, and support. We would also like to thank the Cornerstone Funeral Home, in particular Doug, for his dedication in providing exceptional support.
There will be a Celebration of Life held on Thursday, January 8th, 1:00 pm at the LDS Church 2213 6a Ave N, Lethbridge, AB. Interment will be held at a later date on Red Pheasant Cree Nation.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

WHALEN, Maxine

Maxine Whalen
1950 – 2026
Maxine Louise Whalen (née Santoni), beloved wife of Pat Whalen, passed away in Taber on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the age of 75 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber, on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

HOLTHE, Marie

MARIE HOLTHE October 20, 1935 – January 5, 2026 Leona Marie Holthe, beloved wife of the late Mr. Allen Holthe, passed away in Magrath on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the age of 90 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

OVERES, Hubert

OVERES HUBERT MARTIN OVERES, beloved husband of the late Marjorie Overes, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the age of 90 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

NOWLIN, Everett “Evy”

EVERETT “EVY” NOWLIN 1940 ~ 2025 Everett “Evy” Wayne Nowlin, of Lundbreck, Alberta, loving husband to Patricia Nowlin, passed away at the Pincher Creek Health Center on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the age of 85 years. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his friends and family.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
A Celebration of Evy’s Life will be held later this Spring.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.