January 6, 2023
By Obituaries on January 6, 2023.
ALAN GEORGE BROWNE
BROWNE, Alan George March 10, 1952 – Medicine Hat, Alberta December 16, 2022 – Kelowna, British Columbia Alan George Browne, beloved husband of Irene Browne (nee Lewis) of Calgary, AB, unexpectedly passed away in Kelowna, BC, on Friday, December 16, 2022, at the age of 70 years.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Irene, daughter Lana Scott, and grandchildren Abby, Dominic, and Jackson; son and daughter-in-law, Byron and Naomi; and granddaughters, Mia and Ava; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon and Noman Frank; Gwen and Marvin Trout, Fay Wadman; and his brother, Brent Browne and Jackie Herron; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Al was predeceased by his parents George and Olga Browne; his father and mother-in-law, Don and Aurline Lewis; and daughter Monique.
Al was born and raised in Medicine Hat, AB, and graduated from Crescent Heights High School in 1970. Al went on to SAIT, completing Hotel and Restaurant Administration. Al has operated many hotels and restaurants over the years, including Red Carpet Steak House and the Lake Okanogan Resort. He served as a President of the Alberta Hotel and Restaurant Associations, as well as serving on the National Board.
Al had a lifelong commitment to the Alberta Conservative party and has been very active right to the end. He was the chair of the 33 Alberta Riding Presidents, most recently stepping down as Riding President for Calgary-Hays. Al served six years on the board of Governors of SAIT during its expansion and was recognized in 2008 as a Distinguished Alumnus.
Al enjoyed his time with Irene skiing, fishing, crabbing, prawning, cruising the west coast on their boat, scuba diving, along with numerous winter trips south with friends. His Harley Davidson thrilled the grandchildren during their rides.
A Celebration of Al’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to Foothills Advocacy In Motion Society (F.A.I.M.) at https://faims.org/donate/.
In living memory of Alan Browne, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
BERNICE FELESKY
BERNICE FELESKY The family of Bernice Felesky sadly announces her passing on December 28, 2022, in Medicine Hat, AB. Bernice is survived by her daughter, Bonnice Iwasiuk, grandson, Derek (Anita); great-grandchildren Amelia and Emmett; grandson, Kevin; great-grandchild, Carter of Winnipeg, MB; daughter, Treva (Aric) Heron; grandsons, Camden and Lincoln of Medicine Hat AB; and her beloved dog, Star.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Anne Manchulenko; son, Bruce Carter; brothers, George and Jerry; and sisters, Mary and Helen.
Bernice was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB. She really enjoyed being a volunteer for the 1967 Pan Am Games held in Winnipeg. She wore many hats throughout her life, always working a variety of jobs that allowed her to work with the public. She moved to Medicine Hat, AB in 1969. She again volunteered for the 1999 Pan Am Games and was an organizer for the Pan Am Games Reunion. She loved her cruises and travelling in her motorhome always meeting new people along the way. Her dog, Star, was her everything.
In keeping with Bernice’s wishes, there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Bernice’s memory, may do so to the Children’s Wish Foundation at makeawish.ca.
Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by
Grace Memorial Affordable Burial & Cremation 1924 10th Ave N.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 http://www.gracememorial.com 403-905-0440
ELVA JOYCE BERTSCH
1926 ~ ELVA JOYCE BERTSCH ~ 2023
Our Mother, Elva Joyce Bertsch began her journey to Heaven in the early morning hours of January 03, 2023 passing away at The Haven of Rest in Medicine Hat, Alberta at the Grand Age of 96 years, the beloved wife of the late Elmer Bertsch. Cherishing her memory are her dearly loved children, Stan (Erika) Bertsch of Edmonton AB, Louise (Ivan) Schlaht of Bindloss AB, Murray (Cindy) Bertsch of Medicine hat AB. Also cherishing are her Beloved Grandchildren, Jennifer (Susan) Bertsch, David (Candace Henry) Bertsch, and Lexie (Vincent) Lalli; Tara (Jeremy Good) and Telisha (Mike Ftichar) Schlaht; Evan (Allison) Bertsch and Andrea (Shane) Bennett; Darling Great Grandchildren, Luca and Cora Bertsch, Mihayla, Rowenna & Tavynn Schlaht, Paisley & Kinsley Good, Rylee & Hattie Ftichar; Merek & Raya Bertsch, Ethan & Blayke Bennett. Elva is also survived by one sister, Amy Brusky and a sister-in-law, Ramona Bertsch; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Elva was born to Louis & Winnie (Fenton) Western on September 16th, 1926 at Maple Creek, Sask and raised on the farm in the Richmound, Sask area. She taught school at Green Corn and Horsham from 1946 to 1950. Wedding bells rang for Elva on September 28th, 1949 when she married Elmer Bertsch in Medicine Hat. Following a short honeymoon to Banff, they made their home on the Bertsch Farm near Horsham, Sask. Besides being a wife and mother, Elva wore may hats during her life on the farm. Taught school, milked cows, raised chickens ducks, geese, turkeys, pigs and a great joy of hers was welcoming the baby calves in the spring, truck driver at harvest, grew an impressive vegetable garden. She also liked doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, knitting, sewing and embroidering, She never waivered at her responsibilities and her memory was outstanding right to the end. She welcomed her Grandchildren and the Greats as they came along and shared her years of wisdom with them. In October of 1986, they retired to Medicine Hat. Elva continued her gardening skills and also published a history of the Fenton side and wrote family histories of the Western and Bertsch’s. Elva bought a computer to compile these histories. She enjoyed and relived many events by keeping all the photo albums up to date and that resulted in album after album filled with history. A thrill of her lifetime was when she accompanied Stan, Erika & family on a trip to Disneyland in 1990. It was her first airplane ride and first trip out of Canada. When her house and yard became too much for her, she moved to the Wellington in 2007 and from there to the Haven of rest in January of 2020. Mom spent almost three years there amidst the Covid Pandemic. Our family thanks everyone there for looking after her. Many of the care workers stopped to chat with her. They always asked her to come join the session “Remember When”? as she had some interesting stories of her childhood. Elva was pre-deceased by her parents, Louis & Winnie Western; husband, Elmer (2008); granddaughter, Tanya Schlaht (2011); brother, Donald Western (2012) and sister- in- law Joyce Western (2008); niece, Karen Western (2006); brother-in-law, Floyd Brusky(2017); nephew, Doug Western (2019). In one of her last emails, as she knew her time was coming near, she wrote, “LOVE & BLESSINGS AND MAY THE FUTURE HOLD MANY TREASURES FOR ALL OF YOU”
LOVE MOM
The Memorial Service will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Saturday, January 7th, 2023 at 3:30 pm with Dr. Shane Andrus officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Elva’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Elva Bertsch. Funeral arrangements by
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.
AMALIE FENRICK
1932 – AMALIE FENRICK – 2023
With much sadness, I have to announce that at the age of 90 years old, my mom, Amalie Fenrick passed away peacefully on New Year’s Day 2023 in the home that she and my dad built. She was born 9 March 1932 to Heinrich and Anna Roth and grew up in a loving home with a brother, Gottlieb, and a sister, Lena, until her mom passed away. Heinrich remarried and mom got three new sisters, Herta, Elisabeth, and Katharina. Sadly, at the age of about 12, about the time that her father was killed during the war, she and her family had to flee their home. Amalie was separated from her family during that time. She and her younger brother made it to Canada and were reunited a little while later, while the rest of her family remained in Russia. Amalie met Walter Fenrick in 1953 while she worked as a waitress and a few years later, on 15 September 1956 they were married and started to build a life together. A year after that, they built a house together, and in 1962 when their son Dennis arrived, they began to build a family and a lifetime of memories together. As an avid and dedicated gardener, she continued to garden for her entire life at the home that she and my dad built. Even though Walt passed away in 2018, mom continued to garden and work to maintain the countless flower beds that surrounded her home. During our conversation over Christmas Eve supper, mom was already planning what she would plant in the garden next year, despite knowing that regardless of what she planted, the deer would likely eat whatever came up. At the age of 82, after a heart attack and developing coronary artery disease in 2014, mom was able to maintain her vigor with the help of some wonderful folks in the healthcare community. In particular, I want to thank Dr. Catherine Horsman and her assistant Sarah; as well as her cardiac nurse, Pam Whitfield from the heart function clinic in Medicine Hat. With their help, and genuine love and care of my mom, she was able to remain in her home and continue to do the things she loved until the very end. I have probably said it a dozen times, but I’m not sure how we got so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Given her failing heart and complications from a bout with Coronavirus in the fall, her passing wasn’t completely unexpected, but still a surprise. I spoke with her on Friday and got a grocery list from her for the few things that she needed. At that time, she seemed quite happy and sounded well. She said that she wasn’t in a hurry for the groceries and that we should just bring them when we came on Sunday, so that is what we did. We picked up some groceries and went over at our usual time. That’s when we found her peacefully lying in the living room.

My mom was 90 years old, living in the house that she and my dad built, and was planning what she was going to plant in the garden next year. She passed away peacefully in her own home after living a full life. If I had a choice, I’m pretty sure that’s the path I’d like to take. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 on Saturday, January 7th, 2023 from 10:00 to 10:50 am. The Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL with Pastor Maury McNeil officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Amalie’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Memorial gifts in Amalie ‘s memory may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Amalie Fenrick. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.
LYDIA MCANDREWS
LYDIA MCANDREWS 1927 ~ 2023 Mrs. Lydia Evelyn McAndrews of Medicine Hat passed away at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at the age of 95 years. Lydia was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan on January 16, 1927, a daughter to proud parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Klettke. As a young girl, the family moved to Oliver, B.C., where she was raised. Lydia was well known and recognized as a longtime employee of Woolworth’s. Through her years there, she met numerous people and developed many lasting friendships. She was community minded and served with numerous organizations including the Royal Purple, Moose Lodge and the Elks. Lydia also volunteered her time at the Post, Good Samaritan Society and South Country Village. Following her retirement from Woolworth’s, she enjoyed to travel and would often go to Yuma, Arizona. She was the pillar of her family and always put them first. She especially loved to spend time and support her grandchildren in all their endeavors. Lydia will be deeply missed by her daughter, Betty Critchlow and her children: Tara (Doug) and their family, Cole and Taylor; Crystal and her daughter, Emma and Chuck and his daughter, Kylee; daughter-in-law-, -Cheryl; a sister, Margaret as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Roy McAndrews; son, Wayne Bitz and son-in-law, Dale Critchlow. A Celebration of Lydia’s life will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 758 – 8 Street SE, Medicine Hat on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Lydia’s name may be made directly to St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 St N.E., Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5M1. Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”
GABRIELE SCHUH
GABRIELE SCHUH 1960 ~ 2023 Gabriele Schuh (nee Sievert) passed away at the River Ridge Seniors Village in Medicine Hat on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at the age of 62 years. Left to cherish Gabriele’s memory are her father, Manfred; brother, Peter and her good friends, Nick and Christina Davy. She was predeceased by her mother, Hildegard. Gabriele was born in Medicine Hat on November 2, 1960. As a young girl, she was a member of the Girl Guides where she obtained her Canada Cord which was a huge accomplishment for Gabriele. She graduated from CHHS and furthered her education taking some courses at the Medicine Hat College. Gabriele volunteered for many years at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital before gaining employment with AGT. She worked there for many years prior to receiving the diagnosis of having Multiple Sclerosis in 1995. Before Gabriele lost her ability to do the things she loved, she enjoyed working in the garden with her flowers and plants, and doing needlepoint as she was very artistic. A Celebration of Gabriele’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 3:30 p.m.with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made directly to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 8E8 or to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101 – 1201 Kingsway Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 2Y2. Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”
LYNNE DONNELLY
LYNNE DONNELLY Lynne Elaine Donnelly passed away in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the age of 79 years. Lynne will be silently remembered by family and friends. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”
BETTY LEE SURINA
1962 BETTY LEE SURINA 2022 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Betty Lee on December 29th, 2022 at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL. In lieu of flowers, and in honour of Betty’s memory, donations may be made to the Victory Lutheran Church or the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Betty Lee Surina. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.
FLORENCE BISHOP
1945 ~ FLORENCE BISHOP ~ 2022 Florence Bishop of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, December 29th, 2022 at the age of 77 years. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – Southridge 7 Sierra Boulevard SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4N5. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Florence Bishop. Funeral arrangements entrusted
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.
SHELLI SHAW
SHELLI SHAW 1957 – 2022 Shelli Renee Shaw of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2023, at the age of 65 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Tanis Shaw; her grandchildren, Caeden, Maren and Gracelyn; four brothers, Greg, Darren, Barry (Sheri) and Bruce (Wanda) McKenna; her good friend Cathy Regier and her “bonus” office family. Shelli was predeceased by her parents Robert and Joan McKenna and her son Tyler Shaw. Shelli was born in Lethbridge on July 21, 1957 and her parents Bob and Joan McKenna raised their family in Medicine Hat. She graduated from McCoy High School and went on to attend the University of Alberta. Her daughter Tanis and son Tyler were born in Edmonton. Shelli began her career in law as a receptionist at a law firm in Edmonton. She retired from Pritchard and Co. Law Firm where she worked for 25 years. She loved her work family, often including them in her love of all of the holidays. Shelli enjoyed gardening and feeding the neighborhood with the fruits of her labour. She also loved to belly dance, dancing around southern Alberta for 20 years. Eventually she opened a belly dance studio, Ana Wa Okti (meaning My Sisters and I) with her partner Cheryl Kenny. She was a much loved teacher and met many wonderful women. Family was precious to Shelli. She was a kind and compassionate woman who loved to spoil her grandchildren. She loved to laugh and make others do the same. Her little leprechauns and love of Scotch tape will be missed on the holidays. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Life CelebrantDavid Townsend officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and select live streaming, then select the youtube (arrow). To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2 22
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