February 21, 2025

By Obituaries on February 21, 2025.

SHARON CLAY

SHARON CLAY 1943 ~ 2025 It is with sadness that the family of Sharon Patricia Clay announces her passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the age of 81 years. A Celebration of Sharon’s Life will be held at Westminster United Church, 101 – 6 Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Margaret McCulley officiating. Those who wish to attend the service virtually via livestream may do so by visiting the Cook Southland website and selecting the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com)
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”

HELEN ABERLE

HELEN ABERLE 1926 2025 Our family is sad to announce the peaceful passing of Mrs. Helen Aberle, beloved wife of the late Kasper Aberle, on February 18, 2025. She was the youngest daughter of eight children born to John and Agatha Heck at Lemsford, SK. Born February 23, 1926, she passed away just five days short of her 99th birthday. She is survived by her five sons: Dennis (Carol), Edward (Judy), Jerry (Brenda), Ross (Cindy†) and Tracy (Denyse†). At present, there are 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren, along with many extended family members including her youngest brother, Tony. Along with her husband Kasper, she is predeceased by her daughter, Shirley (Melvin†).
Helen grew up on the Heck family farm and was a happy, outgoing child. Even through the difficult years of drought and wartime that challenged so many, she had an optimistic outlook and found joy in the company of others. She moved to Medicine Hat as a young woman and found the handsome Kasper. They married January 11th, 1949, and farmed in the Schuler area, enjoying 66 years together. Helen was a happy Mom and took great pride in her cooking skills. We will miss her wonderful family dinners and the mountains of food she always made for all to enjoy. She loved social gatherings, playing cards, bowling and was a lifelong member of the CWL. She had a strong faith in God and looked forward to reuniting with everyone who has gone to their Heavenly home.
We would like to acknowledge and thank the kind, caring staff of Meadow Ridge Seniors Village and Good Samaritan South Ridge Village for the excellent care Helen received.
The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 24th, 2025, at 1:30PM at Holy Family Parish with Father Iqbal celebrant.
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

MARGUERITE LEMIRE

MARGUERITE LEMIRE 1930 – 2025
Our beloved Matriarch, Marguerite Germaine Agnes Lemire (nee. Arnal) affectionately known as “Gran” or Auntie Marge, passed away peacefully at Riverview Age Care in Medicine Hat, AB on February 12, 2025, surrounded by love. She blessed her family with more than 94 amazing years!
Born on November 10, 1930, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan to Clement & Olive Arnal, Marguerite was sister to 3 brothers, Clarence, Raymond and Clifford. Marge married Bob Lemire, Sr. on July 19, 1952, in Eastend Saskatchewan.
Marge’s first years were spent growing up on the farm north of Ravenscrag. She helped her dad with his custom combining operations, travelling to Kansas. She later worked in Regina for T. Eaton Co. and as a study supervisor at North Bench school before marrying Bob Sr. in 1952. Together they raised 9 children in the communities of Orkney, Claydon, Val Marie, Manyberries, and Ravenscrag, before the family settled in Claydon, SK again in 1973.
Marge was postmistress in Claydon for many years which she ran concurrently with “Marge’s Grocery”. In 1995 after Bob passed away, she retired from Canada Post and moved to Medicine Hat where she worked along side her daughter-in-law Mary at their clothing and craft consignment store.
Marge was a very accomplished knitter. What started as a necessity to clothe her large family soon became a creative outlet. Every child and grandchild, as well as many others, has been the recipient of beautiful sweaters of all kinds and colors (with their favorite animal on the front and back, sweaters with beautiful designs, pull over sweaters, zipped sweaters, shawls and even capes). She has also knit numerous baby blankets & sweater sets (including bonnets and booties) mitts, hats, scarves, slippers, socks and dishcloths and large afghans. She spun and dyed her own wool and taught beginner to advanced knitting classes. If it could be knit, she could do it.
Sewing was always a great love of Marge’s. Her children continue to brag that as youngsters most of their clothing was hand made by Mom. She was a very accomplished seamstress who made at least 5 grad dresses, 4 wedding dresses and numerous bridesmaids and flower girl dresses. She was also the go to for clothing repairs and alterations for many friends and neighbors.
Marge has always loved to entertain and cook and bake. She has even compiled 4 family cookbooks! Bread, cinnamon buns,100s of donuts for school fund raisers and her chiffon cakes were the BEST!
While living in Val Marie, Marge noticed that there was no fellowship opportunities for women in the church. She worked with the priest and other interested women to bring the CWL to the Catholic church in Val Marie, becoming their first President.
As the only girl in her family, she formed a very special bond with her Lemire sisters-in-law.
Family was her strength; unconditional love and kindness her superpowers! No friend, family, or stranger ever left her house hungry, thirsty or lacking love, creating a lasting Lemire Connection legacy.
Marge’s life’s work was her family. She leaves to mourn: Bob Lemire Jr. (Mary), Bernie Lemire (Karen), Roberta Wheeler (Roy), Corrinne Hassett (Ken), Marc Lemire (Jackie), Jeff Hyam (widower of Cathy), Bernice Lemire (widow of Denis), Yolande Kuystermans (the late Arnold), Rochelle Christie (Charlie), her baby brother, Clifford Arnal (Brenda), her in-laws, Margaret Arnal, Lionel Lemire (Alice), Maurice Lemire (Pat), Alice Hammond (Maurille), as well as 26 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended and “adopted” family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Louis Joseph Lemire Sr.; her daughter, Cathy Hyam; her son, Denis Lemire; her son-in-law, Arnold Kuystermans; her brothers, Clarence and Raymond Arnal; her granddaughter, Lynn Hassett; her grandson, Tyler Wheeler; and her great granddaughter, Reese Hassett.
Funeral mass for Marge Lemire will be on Feb 28 @ 2:00 at St Pat’s in Medicine Hat. Mass will be followed by a time to honour and pay tribute to her life and of course, lunch!
Interment will take place at a later date in Ravenscrag, Saskatchewan.
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

DENNIS BECKER

DENNIS BECKER 1954 ~ 2025 Dennis Edward Becker passed away in Medicine Hat on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the age of 70 years. Dennis was predeceased by his parents as well as by one son, Daniel. He is survived by his son, Donald as well as numerous other extended family and friends, including his close friend, Jenn. Dennis joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1973, embarking on a fulfilling career that shaped much of his life. While balancing the demands of military service, he raised his two sons with love and commitment. Dennis achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in June 2001, shortly before he retired in 2006 when he returned to Medicine Hat and embraced a quieter pace of life. In his early retirement, Dennis dedicated himself to visiting and caring for his father until Ed’s passing in 2017. In the years that followed, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life sharing a game of cribbage or a meal with his dear friend Jenn, enjoying home-cooked meals from generous neighbours, or indulging in his favourite Chinese food. His memory will live on through the stories shared and the friendships cherished. A Celebration of Dennis’ life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Major Murray Jaster officiating. A time of fellowship will follow thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. Dennis’ celebration will be live streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience his service should visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast button on the home page at service time. (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”

JOE PHILLIPS

JOE PHILLIPS August 6, 1933 ~ February 15, 2025
Joseph Laurence ‘Joe’ Phillips was born on August 6, 1933, in Bromhead, Saskatchewan to John and Katherine Phillips and passed away in Medicine Hat on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the age of 91 years.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Doreen. His memory will be cherished by daughters, Nadine (Bob) Dewar and Kathy (Kent) Wang; six grandchildren, Erin and Matthew Dewar, Jordan Carr, Alex, Tori, and Mary Wang; one great- grandson, Luca Carr; siblings, Harold (Grace) Phillips, Joan (Willie) Mullenbeck and Tom (Alice) Phillips; brother-in-law, Glen ‘Tiny’ Carlson as well as many nieces and nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his mother, Katherine; father, John, and stepmother, Cecilia; son, Kirby Phillips; siblings and their spouses, Ralph & Georgina Phillips, Margaret & Roy Dodds; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Helen Millington; nephews, Brian & Gary Dodds and Willie Millington; niece, Shelley Carlson; sisters-in-law, Gloria Carlson, Leona Millington and Bette Millington and brothers-in-law, Art and Bill Millington.
Joe grew up in the farming community of Watson, Saskatchewan and moved to Medicine Hat as a young man. He married his dear wife, Doreen Millington on July 16, 1966. Joe worked for the City of Medicine Hat for many years before starting his own business, Phillips Excavating, alongside his wife, Doreen and his brother, Harold.
Joe and Doreen were avid golfers and curlers, winning numerous trophies and making life-long friends along the way. Joe was heavily involved in the construction of the “new” Connaught Golf Course where he and Doreen spent countless hours enjoying the fruits of his labour. He enjoyed camping, bowling, gardening and Happy Hour with his wife and friends. He loved his family above all else and took great joy in caring for them each day in subtle, unassuming, and thoughtful ways.
Joe will be missed by those who loved him, and it is a measure of his great success that so many truly will. His memory and legacy as a devoted family man will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched throughout his 91 years.
The family offers its sincere thanks to the staff at River Ridge Retirement Residence, and at St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice for their loving and attentive care over the past months and weeks of Joe’s life.
A Celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Iqbal Khurshid officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a time of fellowship to be held thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. The Chapel Celebration will be live streamed. Those who cannot attend that wish to experience Joe’s celebration should visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast button on the home page at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at 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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