May 16, 2019

By Obituaries on May 16, 2019.

1951 ~ CATHERINE AITKEN ~ 2019

Catherine Ann Aitken of Medicine Hat passed away on Sunday, May 12th, 2019 at the age of 68 years after a long but courageous battle with cancer. Catherine leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Pauline (Jerry) Fitzgerald; nephew, Philip (Anita) Fitzgerald and their children, Henry and Isabella; and nephew, Robert Fitzgerald. Catherine was predeceased by her parents, Ross and Lois Duke; first husband, John Parkins in 1976; and husband, Robert Aitken in 1986. Catherine began her life long journey in the nursing program at Toronto Western Hospital, graduating in 1972. She continued her education over the next several years; graduating in 1981 with a BSc from University of Toronto (York); and a BScN/NP from Ryerson University in 2000. Over the span of her career she acted and cared for patients in psychiatry, neurosurgery, and as a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner. Family was very important to her. She married John Parkins in 1973. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1976. In 1977, she married Robert Aitken. Together they moved to Montreal, QC, and then to Toronto, ON. Sadly, Bob passed away in 1986. Catherine was buoyed up by the births of her nephews, Philip Fitzgerald and Robert Fitzgerald. The boys brought her great joy. She spent many hours knitting, crocheting, and sewing for them. This love of family continued with the arrival of her great-nephew, Henry; and her great-niece, Isabella. Catherine devoted her time to her career and to volunteering. She was multi-talented and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and tending to her gardens. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew her. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5, on Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Thursday, May 16th, 2019 at 10:30 am with Father Vijaya Bathineni, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Catherine’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1or to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Catherine Aitken. 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.

---

GETZ

Lydia Bertha Getz of Medicine Hat passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019, at the age of 94 years, beloved wife of the late Karl Getz . She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Audrey (Ron) Moser, Stan (Susan) Getz, Chuck (Kim) Getz and Denise (Dean) Reinboldt; her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Cory Moser (son, Theron Moser), Carla (Jermey) Mann (children, McKenzie, Tia, Charlie); Chris (Jackalyn) Getz (children, Annabelle, Brennan, Dannick); Nicole (Troy) Adair, Dustin Getz (Emma Wallace), Kaylee Getz (George Beckton), Dayton Reinboldt, McKenna Reinboldt (Tye Opalinski), Derick (Carly) Getz, Devon (Taylor) Griffiths; her sister, Frances Schmunk; sisters-in-law, Veronica Getz and Rose Getz; two brothers in-law, Joe Wagner, Ralph (Frances) Getz, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Johann and Mary Heck; two sons, Brent Getz and Bradley Getz; five sisters, Monica McConnell, Elizabeth Bischoff, Barbara Wagner and Erma Wagner. The funeral mass will be celebrated in Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Vijaya Bathinen celebrant. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Kidney Foundation of Canada. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Lydia Getz, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.
Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2

---

HOPPER

Georgina “Gena” Ellen Hopper passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the age of 84 years, beloved wife of Ed Hopper of Medicine Hat. She also leaves to cherish her memory two children, Randy (Stacee) Hopper and Mark (Theresa) Hopper; five grandchildren, Jared Hopper (fiancé Taylor Hallas), Brandon Hopper (Kristin Perry), Robyn (Ben) Worthington, Stephanie Hopper and Paige Hopper; her sister, Marilyn (Stan) Antos and one sister-in-law, Donna Sawyer; Ed’s family, Dennis (Lorraine) Hopper, Ann (Bob) Ambrose and Ken (Julie) Hopper as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Bessie Sawyer; one brother, Innes Sawyer. Gena was raised in Edgerton, Alberta. On November 7, 1956 she married Ed Hopper and they had a wonderful life together for 62 years. They made a loving home wherever they lived, numerous cities including Sherwood Park, Red Deer, Calgary, Lethbridge, Winnipeg and Grande Prairie as well as numerous small towns in the prairies. Gena made an impact on everyone she met. Her kindness extended not only to family and friends but also to those she assisted by volunteering in care centres and at church functions. The family cabin at Clear Lake is where she was the most joyful and content; perfection was having a dog on her lap in the sun. The family is eternally thankful for the care Gena received at The Carmel Hospice at St Joseph’s Home and also the caring staff at Meadowlands ‘Revera’. The funeral service will be held in St. Barnabas Anglican Church (635 4th Street SE) on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. with The Rev. Dr. Oz Lorentzen officiating. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Gena Hopper, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.
Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2

---

HOUSTON

Cheryl Jean Houston passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at the age of 57 years, beloved wife of Doug Houston of Red Deer (formerly of Medicine Hat). She also leaves to cherish her memory her four children, Scott, Joel, Amy and Amanda; two grandchildren, Asher and Kyra; her mother Jean Knight; two sisters, Melanie (Harry) Petterson and Rhonda Knight; as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Keith Knight. Born in Estevan in 1961, Cheryl moved to Medicine Hat with her family where she was raised and attended school. She graduated and then attended SAIT College for Dental Assisting. She worked as a dental assistant for many years in Medicine Hat and it was while working that she met her future husband Doug Houston at a baseball game. They were married in June of 1986; living and raising their family in Medicine Hat for more than 20 years. After Medicine Hat, they decided to move to the mountains to Kimberley B.C. where they lived for eight years. They then moved to Estevan, Saskatchewan for two years before settling in Red Deer. Cheryl was blessed with two beautiful grandchildren whom she loved dearly and was completely devoted to her and the love for her family was always first and foremost. She also developed a creative painting talent, sharing her talent. Cheryl was always a blessing to all those around her. She was a committed Christian and shared her love for the Lord with all her friends and family. She leaves a legacy of love, kindness, humility and a deep devotion and love for the Lord. The funeral service will be held in the River Valley Community Church (1101 Queen Street S.E.) on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Larry Enslen officiating. Cremation has taken place and the interment of ashes will take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Cheryl Houston, or you may visit and leave a message of condolence
Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2

---

STRAUSS

Loretta June Strauss passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the age of 85 years, beloved wife of Henry Strauss of Medicine Hat. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held in Temple Baptist Church (606 7th Street SW) on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bob McGougan officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Temple Baptist Church or The Gideons (International in Canada) 3123 15th Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8K1. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Loretta Strauss, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.
Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2

---

11
-10