March 21, 2020
By Destinee Mattson on March 21, 2020.
1160 Obituaries 1930 ~ YVONNE RINALDI ~ 2020 Yvonne Rinaldi of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Bruno Rinaldi, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18th, 2020. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children Brent (Edith) Rinaldi and Fredrykka (Eric) Rinaldi; grandson, Matthew Rinaldi; brother, Earl (Shirley) Lodge, and sister-in-law, Joni (William) Wowchuk; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Bruno, in 1964; her parents, Frank and Kathleen Lodge; and sister-in-law, Rene Rinaldi. Yvonne was a power woman before that phrase was invented. As a single mom she raised her two children, supported them through medical school, provided after hour care for her grandson all while continuing to work as a dedicated nurse for over 40 years. She was a force to be reckoned with. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her. At the family’s request the funeral service is private and therefore the service will not be available through live- streaming. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Yvonne Rinaldi. 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.1943~ JAMES “JIM” MIDDLETON ~ 2020 Jim Middleton of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of Doreen Middleton, passed away on Monday, March 16th, 2020 at the age of 76 years. He also leaves to cherish in memory his sons, Scott (Kelly) and Brent (Melissa); two grandchildren, Wren and Holden.; several cousins and many long-time friends and neighbours. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Isabel; niece, Michelle of Coronation, AB; brother-in-law, Bob, of Erskine, AB; numerous aunts, uncles and some cousins. Jim was a dedicated teacher for 37 years at Alexandra Jr. High School, retiring in 2004. Since then he and Doreen enjoyed annual vacations to Arizona for Baseball Spring Training, to Mexico, Hawaii and Florida. These trips always included family and/or friends and several books to read. At a young age Jim had a serious interest in all sports which he passionately continued as a coach or spectator when his son’s, and now grandchildren, participate. We need to mention his love of chocolate and home baking, especially gingersnaps and apple pie. Jim truly felt blessed to “grandparent” his sweet grandkids in Edmonton. Everyone agrees, although seemingly tough, he was loved and appreciated more than he realized. In honour of Jim’s memory, continue to enjoy your morning coffee with the daily news in print, on TV and on I-Pad. Family and friends will be notified of the Celebration of Life that will take place in the Spring. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the SPCA or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jim Middleton. 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.
BIDDELL Betty (Elizabeth) Kathleen Biddell passed away peacefully on the morning of March 16, 2020, surrounded by her daughters. Betty was the much loved mother of Cindy (Bill Tuer), Terry (Dean Brunner), Brenda (Barry Paxton), Donna and Tannis. She will be missed by her grandchildren: Tania, Lindsay, Kirsten, Brett, Evan, Zach, Sophie, Alexandra, Nat, Sam, Izzy, Allie, Jake, Paige and Madison. She also leaves behind 4 great grandchildren whom she adored. She will be missed by her sister, Joan Mills (Moose Jaw), and many other nieces and nephews. Betty was pre-deceased by her husband of many years, Ken Biddell, in 2013, and their much loved son, Kenny Biddell, in 1978. Betty and Ken shared many years of fun as they both enjoyed music, the arts, dancing, Stampede, travelling, sports, and family. They adored spending time with friends, new and old. An example of Betty’s tenacity can be seen when she was confronted with the fact that there was no schooling available to her young disabled son, Kenny. She fought to get him into a classroom and eventually paved the way for other parents of disabled children, when they set up an inclusive educational program in Medicine Hat. Betty was born May 18, 1933, in Crane Valley, Saskatchewan, to Evelyn Hall and James “Gordon” McAdam. She grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She completed the Nursing program in Regina SK and worked as a nurse in many hospitals over the years. One of her favorite positions was on the Alberta Hospital Review Board where she spent 9 years travelling the province. Again her tenacity could be seen when she completed the Nursing Refresher Course (in her 60’s) and returned to front line nursing where she worked into her 70’s! Betty created many beautiful and welcoming homes where she and Ken raised their family. She was an incredible cook, baker, gardener, decorator, and loved gift giving at birthdays and Christmas. They loved to host parties and house guests. Betty was an avid sports fan. She followed the Medicine Hat Tigers all the way to the Memorial Cup. She rejoiced in the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Success. She was probably the biggest fan the Toronto Raptors have ever had. She never missed a game and this gave her so much joy. Nobody was happier than Betty when the Raptors won the Championship this spring! Finally, Betty was truly a people person and genuinely interested in the lives of those around her. She cared about her friends and neighbors and loved meeting new people. Betty cherished her bridge club of 40 years and it was difficult leaving them and her many other friends. This love of people helped her thrive when she moved to Calgary and into Trinity Lodge 4 years ago. Trinity’s exceptional staff (and residents like Anne) enriched her life and created such a fun, engaging environment. She cared so deeply for all of them as well as her friends there. Their compassion and support continued right to the end and our family is eternally grateful. Trinity’s homecare staff were absolute angels. Finally thanks to all those who helped Betty in her last years. She kept her wits and sense of humour right to the end. A special and sincere thank you to Dr Todd Anderson for going over and above with his compassion and friendship over the years. Words can’t express the gratitude we feel for your help. Mom continually expressed her gratitude to her daughters in her final years. This was a priceless gift to us. For those wishing to pay tribute we ask you to spend time with a senior in your life. Due to current circumstances a memorial service will be postponed until after Trinity Lodge is open to visitors again.
VELMA HEEBNER November 14, 1936 ~ March 15, 2020 Velma Ann Heebner passed away at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at the age of 83 years. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ira; children, Glenda (Myles) Fichter and Verla (Shaun) Henderson; son-in-law, Carmon Lindquist; nine grandchildren, Ceanna (Colin) Tajcnar, Kelsy (Ty) Wigemyr, Tess and Lais Lindquist, Lorin, Morgan and Shayna Fichter, Brenna and Connor Henderson as well as one great-grandchild, Major Tajcnar. Velma is also survived by two younger brothers, Ron (Linda) Engel and Wayne (Geri) Engel as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Theodore ‘Ted’ (Ena ‘Anna’) Engel and her oldest daughter, Debbie Lindquist. Velma was born in Gravelbourg, SK., on November 14, 1936, and raised on a farm four miles north of Woodrow, SK. She attended Woodrow Country School, then moved to Herbert, SK., to complete her Grade 12. She furthered her education at Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw, SK., and then moved to Glen Bain, SK., for her first teaching job where she met and married Ira Heebner. The wedding was held in a Woodrow country church in 1957. They farmed at Glen Bain for 45 years and raised three girls. She taught school for 9 years and was a lifelong music teacher in the community where she was involved in music festivals and later MYC (Music for Young Children). She used her talent to serve as church organist/pianist as well as playing piano for many weddings, funerals and other events including accompanying choirs. Velma had a wide variety of interests on the farm including baking, sewing and gardening. She was known for her homemade buns, bread and tins of cookies that she would generously give away to friends and neighbours. She treasured family and was very involved in her children and then grandchildren’s lives. She loved to spend time with them camping in their RV, hosting tea parties and attending many music, dance and sporting events. Velma was over-joyed to welcome her first great-grandchild on March 13, 2019, born to the eldest grandchild, Ceanna. After retirement in 2002, Velma and Ira moved to Medicine Hat where she cared for her father and enjoyed spending time with numerous other relatives. She cherished coffee times and Bible studies with many wonderful friends. Her deep faith and gracious spirit touched many lives as she encouraged and prayed for them. A Memorial Service is to be held at Hillcrest Church in Medicine Hat with the date to be announced in the coming months. (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”
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