March 22, 2019
By Obituaries on March 22, 2019.
1926 ~ DOROTHY HANLEY ~ 2019 Dorothy Evelyn Hanley of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late William "Gerry" Hanley, passed away on Monday, March 18th, 2019 at the age of 92 years. Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory her children, Bill (Sherry) Hanley and Sharon (Dean) Junkin; five grandchildren, Candace (Chris) Jones, Will "Curtis" Hanley, Cory Hanley, Deanna (Layne) Fossen and Derek (Leeza) Junkin; four great grandchildren, Calico, Indigo, Layla and Orlynn. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Gerry Hanley; her parents, Charles and Vesta Banks; one brother, Henry Banks; and three sisters, Ruby Gardner, Evelyn Banks and Eva Rinke. Dorothy was born and raised in Medicine Hat. She attended Montreal Street School and Alexandra School. Dorothy worked for TD Bank, the Health of Animals, Midland Doherty Ltd. and was also the treasurer for St. John's Presbyterian Church. She loved performing in the Medicine Hat Symphony Orchestra, the Medicine Hat Concert Band, Elks Band and could play any instrument she picked up. A private family Memorial Service will be held at the Saamis Creekside Centre on Saturday, March 23rd, 2019 with Pastor Bob Cruickshank officiating. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Dorothy's memory may be made to St. John's Presbyterian Church, 504 – 2nd Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0C6. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Dorothy Hanley. Funeral arrangements are entrusted toSAAMIS 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.
1928 ~ VIOLINA SCHNEIDER ~ 2019 Violina Schneider, beloved wife of the late Hector Schneider of Medicine Hat, passed away on Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 at the age of 90 years. Violina leaves to cherish her memory her son, Doug Schneider (Nasim Karimi); daughter, Gerri Schneider; son-in-law, Brian Langevin; grandchildren, Josh Schneider (Brooke Knies), Jesse Schneider (Vicki Schira) and D-Jay Schneider; sister-in-law, Irene Eaton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Violina was predeceased by her son, Robert Dale Schneider, in infancy; daughter, Marilyn Langevin; her parents, Sidney and Augusta Eagle; and brothers, Jack (Maureen) Eagle and Tom (Mary) Eagle. Violina was born on April 26th, 1928 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan and was raised in the Maple Creek district. She married Hector Schneider on June 30th, 1949 in Medicine Hat. Hector and Violina bought land in Maple Creek and created a successful purebred Hereford cattle herd for the next 25 years. In October of 1976 they sold the ranch and moved to Wetaskawin where Hector became a Hereford cattle promoter. In 1983 they moved to Medicine Hat and worked the purebred Hereford cattle circuit promoting the Hereford breed. Violina enjoyed playing bridge weekly with her friends in their private bridge club. She also followed Hector to as many events as possible. Violina took great pride in knitting and crocheting many items of clothing. A Private graveside Service was held at SAAMIS PRAIRIEVIEW CEMETERY yesterday. 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.
AUDREY EDITH MERLO At the age of 80, following a lengthy struggle with her health, Audrey Edith Merlo passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 with her immediate family at her side. Her final days and moments will be forever cherished by family and friends, as her sense of love and humor shone through, leaving precious memories.
Audrey was born in Medicine Hat, AB on August 6, 1938 where she grew up with her 8 brothers and sisters. Audrey met and married Lee prior to moving to Grande Prairie in 1961.
Audrey was blessed with a large loving family, and countless great friends. Through her kind and caring nature, Audrey always put others first. She had the gift of making close friends out of complete strangers, be it at the bowling alley, curling rink, or golf course. This continued throughout her life and into her final years, including close relationships garnered with her many precious caregivers.
Audrey is survived by Lee, her loving husband of 63 years; children: LeeAnn (Francis) Kinderwarter, Pete (Lori) Merlo, Laura (Rob) MacLean, and Lena (Gord) Buechner; 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents Lois and Fred Rance.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 11:00am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church (10404-102 St., Grande Prairie, AB). A luncheon will follow at 12:30pm at the Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club (711040, Resources Road).
In lieu of flowers, Audrey and her family have asked that memorial donations be made to the Salvation Army (9615-102 St., Grande Prairie, AB).
Condolences may be sent by visiting
http://www.oliversfuneralhome.com
DIRK Gerald Steven Dirk died on March 3, 2019, at the age of 52 years, after a valiant battle with cancer. Gerald was born in Empress, Alberta to Philip and Jean Dirk. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Empress, then Acadia Valley, AB. After finishing high school in Whitecourt, AB, he had a long, and proud, career as a professional truck driver. Gerry was predeceased by his dad, Philip Dirk, in 1984. He is survived by his sons, Steven (Diana) and Harley (Rachelle) of Grande Prairie, AB, his grandson Xzaviar and Diana's children, Damon, Emily and Destiny. He is also survived by his mother, Jean Dirk of Medicine Hat, three brothers: Len (Deye), Blaine (Maureen), Rob (Pam) and his sister Pat Dirk, along with several nieces and nephews and his little fur buddy, Sally. His acerbic wit and positive attitude, even in the last weeks of his life, will be missed by all who knew and loved him. There will be a memorial service for Gerry at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church in Medicine Hat at 1 pm on April 6, 2019. Rev. Dave Pollard officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends may support Cancer Research, St. Joseph's Home Carmel Hospice, S.P.C.A. or any other charitable organization.
EILEEN OLIVE FELESKY (NEE COOKE), CWAC, RN May 31, 1924 ~ March 17, 2019 We give thanks for the life of our treasured mother, Eileen “Billie” Felesky who passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 17, 2019, at the age of 94 years. We will miss her gentle soul, loving words of wisdom and sense of humour. Mum’s cherished memory will remain in the hearts of her children: Nadine Felesky (Bruce Laflamme), Warren Felesky (Nancy Mann) and Tanis (Patrick) Lockert; grandchildren, Ryan Felesky (Linda Korbyl), Tanner Felesky, Geena Felesky, Spencer Lockert and Jamin Lockert (Alison Dickson); great-grandchildren, Rylan and Reid Felesky and their mother, Shawna Felesky; numerous nieces and nephews as well as her classmate, faithful friend and confidant, Dorothy Hope. Our family is eternally grateful to Mum’s loving caregiver, Teresa Alocada, mahal ka namin lahat. Mum was predeceased by her husband, Harry; her parents, Florence (Dutton) and Edgar Cooke; sisters and brothers-in-law, Doreen (Cecil) Sangster and Kathleen (Vernon) Foss. Mum was born on a very cold day in Medicine Hat on May 31, 1924, and raised and educated in Redcliff, Alberta. She often reflected on her wonderful childhood growing up above their family grocery store, the freedom to ride a bicycle on the open prairie, walking to the river, swimming in the pool which was a foundation of a building that never materialized, knowing all the Redcliff neighbours and citizens, and the safety and security of a small community. At the age of 18, Mum enlisted in the Canadian Woman’s Army Core (CWAC) and served in the Code and Cypher Unit in Ottawa from 1942-1945. Upon discharge in 1946, Mum attended SAIT in Calgary. She then entered Nurses Training at the Medicine Hat General Hospital where she received her RN in 1951 with the award for General Proficiency. Mum and Dad were married in 1951. After working a few years as an RN as Head Nurse on Flat Two, Mum chose to stay home to raise her three children. We were so fortunate for her tender loving care. She was always there to heal our wounds, listen to our problems and offer sound advice. Mum’s words of wisdom will resonate forever: “Be honest and true to yourself and others.” Mum returned to work for several years at the Dr. Dan McCharles Auxillary Hospital as Head Nurse. After retirement, Mum served as a volunteer at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital Gift Shop. Mum was an active member of the Nurse’s Alumnae, Ex-Service Women’s Group and monthly CNIB meetings. She looked forward to her weekly phone calls with her devoted sisters. The happy and peaceful times spent at the Elkwater cabin with family and friends were cherished. Mum had a wonderful sense of humour, was quick witted and always had a come back for those who dared to take her on. We wish to especially thank Kathy, Pam and Suzy Q for keeping Mum beautiful; Dr. Jani, PCN Cathy and all the doctors at Healthworx; mobile lab technicians, Karen and Sandy; as well as her housekeeper, Karen…. it truly takes a village. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, March 22, 2019, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Billie’s Life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend David Pollard officiating. Memorial donations in Billie’s memory may be made to the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation c/o Education, 666 – 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 4H6. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455
LAFRANCE, Catherine Anne October 4, 1932 – St. Brides, Alberta
March 17, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta
Cathy Lafrance (nee Leroux) of Calgary, AB, passed away into the arms of our Lord on March 17, 2019 at the age of 86 years.
Cathy was a kind, loving woman who caught the eye of Marcel Lafrance and were united in holy matrimony for thirty three years from 1951-1984. She was a very devout catholic and was an active volunteer for many organizations including president of the CWL Catholic Women’s League, board member of St Theresea Auxiliary Hospital and was a volunteer for the Civil Defence. Throughout her lifetime she worked as a AGT Telus phone operator, one of 7 sisters who were employed by AGT but most of all she was a loving homemaker. In her spare time she loved to spend time curling, bowling, aquasize, dry flower arranging, oil painting, sewing, crocheting. Cathy was very witty with a great sense of humour, she was a good sport, competitive in games, a generous host and loved social gatherings and having fun. Cathy often assisted in many different ways when others faced tough times.
Cathy is survived by her children, Jeannette (Dan) McLachlan, Marcy Hannah, Martin (Kim) Lafrance, Jaret (Alixe Ryane) Leah, Phil Lafrance, Allan (Pam) Lafrance; grandchildren Robin Scobie, Dana Scobie, Jamie Hannah, Karla (Mat) Thomas, Amanda and Marc Wenger, Camille Lafrance, Braye Ryane, Casey Ryane, Layne Lafrance, Marc Lafrance; great-grandchildren, Jordan Scobie, Micheala Scobie, Emma Scobie, Dexter Scobie, Mae Thomas, Madeleine Wenger, Sarah Hannah; her siblings Therese (Ian) Rudiger, Trudy (Bill) Perkins, Liilian (Bill) Perkins; her brother-in-law and sister-in-laws Roger Goulet, Marge Leroux, Laurette Leroux Denis Saito, Esther Leroux; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Cathy was predeceased by her loving husband Marcel Lafrance.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 – 24th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Condolences may be forwarded through http://www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Cathy will be greatfully accepted towards to Medicine Hat and District Food Bank, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/medicine-hat-and-district-food-bank-1992-association/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3umJi92O4QIVNB-tBh1SYATcEAAYASAAEgIx0PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds.
In living memory of Cathy LaFrance, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th STREET S.E., Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.
VERNA SWEENEY 1938 ~ 2019
Verna Sweeney, beloved wife of Dennis Sweeney, passed away peacefully at the Masterpiece Southland Meadows in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at the age of 80 years. Verna will be silently remembered by family and friends. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cook southland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455
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