May 17, 2019

By Obituaries on May 17, 2019.

1938 ~ IRENE NITZ ~ 2019

Irene Nitz of Medicine Hat, AB, passed away on Monday, May 13th, 2019 at the age of 80 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Darlene (David) Tessman of Medicine Hat, AB, Brenda (Bill) Rose of Vernon, BC, Dean Nitz of Medicine Hat, AB, Charlene (John Grona) of Strathmore, AB, and Mary (Steve) Seitz of Medicine Hat, AB; granddaughters, Lynn (Jonas) Wells, Erin (Jason) Straarup, Michele (Cameron) Dakin, Shauna Rose, Darnyll (Lance) Nitz-Jacober; Shareen Nitz, Christa Grona (Mike), Kayla Grona (Nathaniel), Lisa (Josh) Crawford, and Stephanie (Sam) Seitz-Akehurst; great-grandchildren, Jonah, Kaylem, Ryler, Avery, Ashlyn, Austin, Aeon, Zaidin, Ethan and Leigh; sisters, Georgina (Morris) Stenger and Annie (Harvey) Sackman; and numerous nephews and nieces. Irene was predeceased by her husband, Gotlieb “Gus” Nitz; parents, Valentine and Paul Bischoff; sister, Evelyn Kobley (Mike); and daughter-in-law, Charlene Nitz. Irene was born and raised in Fox Valley (God’s Country) and attended Eaglebright Elementary where she learned to spell. Irene finished school in grade 8 to help on the farm. Irene worked at the Glass Factory, The Shell and Best Western. Gus and Irene were married on October 6, 1956. They lived in Redcliff and started a family. Irene and her family moved to many places in the Medicine Hat area including Elm Street, a Ditch Rider home on a farm, Kingsway, Collier Road, Seven Persons, Southview Drive and The Good Samaritan Society. Irene loved her coffee along with her favorite activities such as puzzles, visits with friends, card games, bingo, debate, hockey and sports. Irene fought a long hard fight with COPD. She was a very strong willed, feisty lady. Irene had a way of showing affection by touching, pinching and tugging ears. Vigil Rites will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Sunday, May 26th, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 1451 Strachan Road SE, on Monday, May 27th, 2019, at 11:00 am with Father Vijaya Bathineni, Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Roman Catholic Section at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Irene’s ‘s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, c/o The Medicine Hat District Health Foundation, 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat AB,T1A 4H6 or the The Lung Association Alberta/NWT Division, P.O. Box 4700 Station South, Edmonton, Alberta. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Irene Nitz. 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.

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1943 ~ TONY ANDREAS ~ 2019

Tony Andreas, beloved companion of Roxy Schimpf of Medicine Hat, passed away on Sunday, May 5th, 2019 at the age of 76 years. Tony also leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Mike (Sandra) Andreas, Tim Andreas and their mother, Bev; grandchildren, Nicholas (Angela), Dallas and Thomas; great-grandchildren, Trinity, Chase, Zoey and Xander; step-daughters, Nathalie Castets (Harley Kessler) and Valerie Carlson (Brett Farr); step-grandchildren, Luke Carlson (Hailee), Colby Carlson; step great-grandson, Benson; brothers, Don, Ben (Janice) and Dave (Shelly) Andreas; sisters, Alice (Ralph) Boser and Cathie (Bruce) Heidinger; brother-in-law, Henry Just (Laurie); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle, countless cousins and Roxy’s family. Tony was predeceased by his parents, Anthony “Tony” and Elizabeth (Betty) Andreas; sister, Dolores Just; brother, Ed; sister-in-law, Loretta; nephew, Roger Just; and one niece, Crystal Andreas. He was a kind, gentle, trusting and generous man with a great sense of humor who was willing to help anyone in need. Tony loved country music and playing his accordion at different Jams around the city. The Celebration of Life will be held at HOLY FAMILY PARISH HALL, 1451 Strachan Road SE, on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. Memorial gifts in Tony’s memory may be made to S.P.C.A., 55 Southview Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Tony Andreas. 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.

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1951 ~ CATHERINE AITKEN ~ 2019

Catherine Ann Aitken of Medicine Hat passed away on Sunday, May 12th, 2019 at the age of 68 years. The Funeral Service was held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNREAL CHAPEL on Thursday, May 16th, 2019 at 10:30 am with Father Vijaya Bathineni, Celebrant. Memorial gifts in Catherine’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1 or 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.

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CAROL ANN ROSS

1940 ~ 2019

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Carol Ann Ross passed away peacefully at the Christian Science Broadview Nursing Facility in Los Angeles, California in the early morning of Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at the age of 78 years. A Celebration of Carol Ann’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. (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

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HORNUNG

Rachel Hornung of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at the age of 95 years, beloved wife of the late Arthur Hornung. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday morning from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. with Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Rachel Hornung, 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

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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 Saskatoon 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

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SANTOS, JOSEPH

February 7, 1939 – Bombay (Mumbai), India

May 11, 2019 – Cochrane, Alberta

An outstanding figure who enriched the lives of many in the community of Medicine Hat, Alberta, for over 40 years, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 11, 2019 in Cochrane, Alberta.
Joe Santos was born on February 7, 1939 and raised in Bombay (Mumbai), India. His family heritage hailed from the predominantly catholic state of Goa. To his articulate and elegant family members in Goa and Bombay he was affectionately known as “Joe-boy”.
He was predeceased by his father, John Marshall D’Souza Santos; his mother Rose Adeline D’Souza Santos; his older sister Yolanda (Joe Monteiro); and his beloved aunty Maggie and uncle Jock Mendoza; and his cousin Tony Santos.
Joe is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 55 years, Irene; son Paul (Marina); daughter Pamela (Chris); proud grandsons Lewis and Evan; younger sister Prisca (Walter) Fernandes; niece Joanita; nephews Sonjoy, Floyd, Glenn, and Dion. He will be fondly remembered by all of his in-laws from the McAtear and McCafferty families in Scotland and England.
He was somewhat of a “career and cultural polymath”; he was educated, enjoyed life, and contributed to the culture in three different countries; India, United Kingdom, and Canada where he was a chef-de-cuisine, welder/ foreman, and finally a high school teacher.
He obtained his B.Ed at age 45 in 1984 and was so pleased when he secured a full time position at Medicine Hat High School in 1992. After retirement, he was a regular fixture on the substitute circuit until he was 76 years old!! He was well respected and loved by his students, neighbours, soccer players, and those who benefitted from his assistance and friendship. To many he was quite simply a gentleman, scholar, and Renaissance man.
Always the giver and never the taker, Joe was known for his warm-heartedness, exceeding generosity, infectious smile, and unyielding desire to advance the fortunes of others, particularly those on the down side of advantage. He was a ubiquitous and prominent figure in the volunteer community: a successful boys and girls soccer coach, director, and vice president in the Medicine Hat Minor Soccer Association; active member in the catholic community assisting many refugees and immigrants of all walks with the challenges of being a newcomer; and numerous other pursuits related to the well-being of others.
Joe’s final four years with Irene were spent in Calgary being close to daughter Pamela and the medical expertise that was required due to his aortic stenosis and onsetting dementia – leaving his neighbours and social network in Medicine Hat was challenging for him.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Drive NW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Brian Hubka officiating. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Condolences may be forwarded through http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
If friends so desire, the family encourages memorial donations to a charity of their choice.
Joe’s family wishes to thank the staff of the cardiology and neurology teams at the Foothills Hospital and all of the medical community that attended to him.
In living memory of Joseph Santos, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

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STRAUSS

Loretta June Strauss, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
She is survived by her husband, Henry Strauss and four of her five children; Neil (Judy) Strauss, Brian (Cheryl) Strauss, Kathy (Ralph) Korner and Karla (Gerrit) Vermeer. She was predeceased by her daughter Lynnetta. She was blessed with nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews – all who brought sunshine and joy to her life. She often celebrated God’s faithfulness towards her family and saw her loving legacy bloom in front of her.
Loretta was born June 19, 1933 in Odessa, Washington. She loved growing up as a farm girl. She was predeceased by her parents Adam and Lydia Roth, sisters Elsa (Walt) Tanke, Martha (Perc) Henkleman, brothers Bob (Evelyn) Roth and Delbert (Marj) Roth and brother-in-law Wes Henkleman. She is survived by her sister Ruby Henkleman in Oregon and sister-in-law Ella Binder in B.C.
Loretta accepted Jesus at a young age and was baptized at Odessa Baptist Church. After graduating from Marlin High School she moved to Edmonton to attend Christian Training Institute (CTI). It was here she met and married Henry Strauss in 1953. They worked in Edmonton for one year, then moved to a farm in the Sandy Point where Loretta helped Henry develop their farming enterprise for 25 years. Loretta and Henry lovingly raised their family on the farm. They were in involved in the Burstall and Hilda communities as active members at Hilda Baptist Church. Loretta joyfully served in ladies, children’s and music ministries. In 1977, they moved to Medicine Hat making Temple Baptist Church the hub of their fellowship and social activities. The Thursday morning Bible study group was a regular commitment and joy to her in recent years.
Loretta enjoyed travelling with Henry. Their trips took them across Canada, many parts of the USA, Africa, Cuba, Israel, Mexico, Panama Canal and Hawaii. In 2012, they moved into a condo in Heritage Heights, where Loretta was involved on the social committee. She was a voracious reader of fact or fiction inspirational books, often sharing tidbits she had learned in loving notes, emails or cheerful phone conversations.
Loretta was a loving and faithful wife to Henry. Her sparkly, supportive approach as a mother, grandmother and great grandmother was priceless to her family. As a ‘chatty’ warm friend, she brightened so many lives around her. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed!
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. A celebration of life 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 Prairie View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, in her honour, as an expression of sympathy donations may be made to The Gideons (International in Canada) 3123 15th Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8K1 or to Temple Baptist Church Ministries. 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

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