- Alberta, Canada, Marriages Index, 1898-1944 -
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- Shop now for incredible insights into your wellbeing -INA SPAN
2008
FRANCINA MARIA “INA” SPAN, beloved wife of Robert B. Span of Lethbridge, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 6, 2008 at the age of 75 years.
Besides her loving husband of 56 years, Francina is survived by her children; Netty (Fred) Tolsma of St. Albert; George Span of Lethbridge; Sadie (George) Tolsma of St. Albert; Fran Ovis of St. Albert; Arlene (Allan) Miedema of Kelowna; Anita (Doug) Tolsma of St. Albert; Richard (Marsha) Span of Lacombe; and Timothy (Lorrie) Span of Stirling.
Ina was the beloved Oma to 40 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
She is also survived by 5 sisters; Ellie Vandenberg, Annie Wolters, Wilhelmina Konynenbelt, Jan de Klerk and Corrie Blenke, and 3 brothers; Arie, Dick and Jack de Klerk. She was predeceased by 2 sisters Agnes & Rite, a daughter Sylvia, 2 granddaughters Nicole & Regina and her parents Derk & Agnes de Klerk.
Ina (Mom) immigrated to Canada with her family from the Netherlands. She married Robert (Dad) and had nine children. Mom’s main interest was her family. She was a great cook, loved gardening and the outdoors and found great joy in music. Mom loved the Lord her Savior and this was demonstrated with her generosity and willingness to help others. Mom will be sadly missed by all who loved her and crossed her path.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, on Thursday, October 9, 2008 from 7:00-8:00 P.M.
A Memorial Service will be held at TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100-40th Avenue North, Lethbridge, on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Candidate Hank Van der Woerd officiating.
A private family interment will precede the service at the Archmount Cemetery.
In memory of Ina, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, #207, 542 7th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2H1.
POLLY SWATKOFF
1926 - 2008
PAULINE “POLLY” SWATKOFF, beloved wife of Joseph Swatkoff, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on Saturday, September 20th, 2008 at the age of 82.
Besides her loving husband, she is survived by her son Ken (Marion) Boyd of Regina, Saskatchewan and daughter Susan Boisson of Lethbridge, Alberta.
She is also survived by her brothers Len (Maggie) Winkler of Medicine Hat, Alberta; Dave Winkler of Medicine Hat, Alberta; and Don (Elaine) Winkler of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; her sisters Evelyn (Bill) Plummer of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan; and Dorothy Sayler of Red Deer, Alberta; her four grandchildren Nicole, Brian, Jonathan and Christopher; and her great grandson, Alex.
Polly was predeceased by her parents Theodore and Susan Winkler; her sister Freda Christink and husband Bill; her brother Walter Winkler and his wife Viola; Sophie Winkler, wife of her brother Dave; and Vern Sayler, husband of her sister Dorothy.
Polly was born on February 11th, 1926 on the family homestead near Golden Prairie, Saskatchewan and was raised in a loving family full of music and happiness. She met her husband Joe in Sioux Lookout, Ontario and they married in 1947. Polly and Joe moved to Watson Lake, Yukon for 12 years before moving to Lethbridge in 1959. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
Polly loved gardening and her home always had a large garden. She grew more than they could eat and gladly shared the remainder with her friends and neighbors. Polly’s home was instantly recognizable by the many flowers that surrounded it. In the summer, Polly would often be found in her yard tending her garden and flowers.
Polly suffered a massive stroke in 2005 and was paralyzed on her left side and confined to a wheelchair. She never gave up and put up a brave struggle to overcome her disabilities. Polly never complained and seemed more concerned about the health and well-being of those around her.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Friday, September 26, 2008, at 1:00 P.M.
In memory of Polly, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, #207, 542-7 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2H1.
MARY SLEMKO
2008
MARY SLEMKO passed away August 20, 2008 at the age of 84 years.
Mary is survived by three brothers; Steve (Frances), Pete (Diana) and Bill (Jean) and their families; nephew Ron Nastiuk; sister-in-law Anne Slemko and their families.
Mary is predeceased by her mother Paraska and father Samuel, brother John, sister Annie Nastiuk, brother-in-law Nick Nastiuk and nephew Brian Slemko.
Mary spent much of her life as a school teacher in schools across the province. She had also ventured into being a policewoman, a stenographer and a librarian. In World War II, she enjoyed being in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in Ottawa. She was a world traveler and had many good and not so good memories of Asian, European and Australian, New Zealand adventurers.
Having been brought up on a farm, Mary had a love of the outdoors, of it’s plants and animals, especially her cats.
When she was ill, she greatly appreciated all the help and encouragement that her brother Pete and her niece Sharon Bobinec gave her. Bless them.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Friday, August 22, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 917 – 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 9:30 A.M. with Reverend Raul Hernandez, Celebrant. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
In memory of Mary, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
CLAUDINO SANTANGELO
1930 - 2008
CLAUDINO SANTANGELO, beloved husband of Vincenza of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the age of 78 years.
Claudino was born in Civitanova, Del Sannio, Italy on May 7, 1930. He married the love of his life Vincenza on February 12, 1953. In 1966 they immigrated to Canada with their 4 children and made Lethbridge their home. He began working in construction, then shortly after, he worked at Catelli’s for 27 years until his retirement.
His passion for his garden became his life, along with the joy of making wine and cheese.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and recently a great-grandfather. He will always be remembered and forever missed by his loving family and friends.
Claudino is survived by his wife Vincenza, his son Mike (Tina) and their children Brian, Jennifer & Cristina; his son Dominic (Patti) and their children Jamie, Tammy (Jerry) and their daughter Addisen; his daughter Maria (Bill) Weiler and their children Amanda, Tania and Derek; his son in law, Ralph Francescone and his son Mike. Claudino is also survived by his sisters Gilda and Anna of Italy, his sister Filomena of Brazil and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Gaetano and Caribina Santangelo, his brothers and an infant daughter all of Italy, and his daughter Lucia Francescone of Calgary.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge on Friday, August 1, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Raul Hernandez Celebrant.
Entombment will be held at QUEEN’S PARK MAUSELEUM, 3219 - 4th Street NW, Calgary on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 11:00 A.M.
In memory of Claudino, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care, 1400 – 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 – 10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2M7.
GRACE SUYKER
2008
GRACE SUYKER (nee Overes) beloved wife of the late Art Suyker of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on July 15, 2008 at the age of 83 years.
Grace was the loving mother of Ed Suyker of Camrose, AB, Henry (Cindy), Conrad, Mary Gordon (Rick Somerville), Karen Beebe (Doug) all of Lethbridge and Andy of Lincoln, Nebraska. She had three grandchildren Quinton and Justin Suyker and Spencer Somerville. Grace was also survived by Casey (Margaret) Overes, Bill (Martha), Hubert (Marge), Agatha Aben (Hank), Corry Ham (John), Augrey Muyers (Don), Travis (Martin) of Holland, Jake of Winnipeg, and sister in laws Ria, Peitja and Jo, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Grace was predeceased by her parents Simon and Catherine Overes. Brothers John, Simon, Ben, Peter, and twin brother William.
Grace came to Canada from Holland in 1952 with her parents and most of her siblings. As the oldest child of 14 kids, Grace had a lot of responsibilities and always put others needs ahead of her own. She was married to Art for 52 years prior to being widowed in 2004. Her greatest joy was her six children and three grandchildren.
She took on motherhood with passion, dedication, loyalty and most of all with her sense of humor. She worked tirelessly and without complaint. Raising a large family on a limited budget was a self taught skill she mastered. Her children never thought they were “without” and what Grace lacked in material goods she made up with her love and devotion. Grace was deeply spiritual; her faith in God was her strength. Grace had many challenges over her years from rheumatic fever as a teen, serious car accident, heart attacks and many other health issues. Her determination to fight to survive allowed her more time with her kids and for that she was grateful to the “GOOD LORD”… As she would say Grace believed in giving back to her community. Her thousands of volunteer hours helped her Church, serving CWL over 30 years, BINGO’s, Birthright, canvassing for cancer, Heart and Stroke and so many others… you name it Grace helped. She was the neighborhood AVON Lady for over 27 years. She had the gift to “gab” and could turn a total stranger into a friend in no time! She touched a lot of people, Grace will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Our memories of her will be etched in our hearts forever. She is truly LOVED.
In memory of GRACE SUYKER, donations may be made to any charity of your choice.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME at 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on July 17, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will also be Celebrated at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH at 318 10 Street South, Lethbridge on July 18, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Raul Hernandez Celebrant.
Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
DOUGLAS SMEREK
2008
DOUGLAS MICHAEL SMEREK passed away at his home on Monday, July 14, at the age of 66 years.
Doug is survived by his children and grandchildren who were all a great source of pride to him: His two daughters: Kelly (Rob) and children, Courtney, Danielle and Brooke; Kim and her daughter Maggie; His son Michael (Eva) and a baby on the way that Doug will have to boast about in Heaven. He is also survived by nephews Michael (Adele) Boudreau and Mathew Smerek. Doug will especially be missed by his long time friend Cinette Kado.
He was predeceased by his parents, his sister and brother, as well as aunts and uncles.
Doug loved life to the fullest and will be sorely missed by his many friends. We’ll never have another with Doug’s wit. Bruce and Martin (Doug’s pets) followed him to Heaven where they now all run without pain.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH , 318 – 10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Raul Hernandez, Celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the charity of your choice. Doug’s choice would be to the St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus Council #10547, P.O. Box 30022, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4X3, St. Vincent de Paul Society, 917-4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N6, or any animal shelter.
LARRY L. SCHULTZ
1939 -2008
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father and brother at the age of 68 years.
Born October 12, 1939 in Lacombe, AB, Larry joined the military at the age of 17 and during his career spent 11 years in Germany and several tours in Cypress and Egypt. Larry then spent three years in Ottawa in charge of the Ceremonial Guard of Canada. He retired in 1991, with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.
Larry was predeceased by his mother June, father Utz, a step-father Edward Baker an infant grandchild and a nephew Trevor.
Left to mourn his passing are his children, Michael, Lonne, Lori, and Larry Jr. and nine grandchildren, sister Pennie Hengerer (Bob), her children Todd & Token and sister Lynne Hammond (Bruce) and children Lance & Jody.
A Private Family Service will be held at a later date.
Memorial Donations may be made to S.T.A.R.S. Box 570, 1441 Aviation Avenue Park NE. Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8M7.
ZOFIA SZPAKOWSKI
1925 - 2008
MRS. ZOFIA SZPAKOWSKI, beloved wife of the late Eugeniusz Szpakowski of Lethbridge, passed away at home on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at the age of 83 years.
Zofia is survived by her 2 children Jerzy (Krystyna) Szpakowski and Miroslawa (Andrew) Sadza of Lethbridge, 3 grandchildren; Natalia, Karolina and Jacek as well as extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Eugeniusz “Eugene”, parents and 2 sisters.
Zofia was born on April 1, 1925 in Guzow, Poland. She married Eugene in 1953 and together they raised a family of 2 children. Zofia immigrated to Canada in 1983 from Poland. Zofia stayed at home to raise her family as well as other children. Zofia and Eugene loved to be snow birds, spending many winters in Southern U.S.A. and Mexico. She also enjoyed visiting many new places in their motor home as well as travelling around the world.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 2:00 P.M.
Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
In memory of Zofia, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Southern Alberta, 1254-3 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0J9.
BEATRICE STROMSMOE
2008
BEATRICE DAISY STROMSMOE (nee Wright) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Allan Stromsmoe of Warner, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at the age of 94 years.
She is survived by her children Keith (Betty Anne) of Edmonton, Janet Johnson of Fort St. John, B.C., Rex (Ann) of Fort St. John, B.C. and Gordon of Campbell River, B.C., 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 sisters; Hazel Dick of Lethbridge and Kathleen Otto of Lethbridge.
Beatrice was predeceased by her husband Allan, brother Walter, sister Frances Coates, parents James and Annie and parents-in-law Olaf and Laura Stromsmoe.
Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Sunday, June 8, 2008 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Terry Shillington officiating.
A private Interment will follow at Archmount Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
LAWRENCE STRAND
1931 - 2008
The family of LAWRENCE MERVIN STRAND, husband of the late Iris Strand, are saddened to announce his passing on May 17, 2008 at the age of 76.
He was cared through his final days by the deep love of his family and the kind and supportive care of the staff and doctors at the Raymond Hospital and Long Term Care Unit.
Lorne was born on November 5, 1931 in Preeceville, SK. In 1956 he married Iris McLean and moved to Lethbridge where he resided until her passing 4 years ago. Then he moved out to his daughter and son-in-law's acreage near Raymond and never looked back. He absolutely loved it there and was so determined he could leave the hospital and move back to his house as long as his quad was parked out front so he could get around. Even though his mind was clear and strong, his heart was just too worn.
Lorne was employed with Canadian Freightways, retiring in 1984. He had fond memories of when he belonged to A.C.T. and the Rotary Club. He was Past President and lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Lorne was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved camping. He loved his many trips to Reno. Lorne was happiest on his quad or riding on the John Deere. He’d beam whenever he’d hear Debbie or Breanne sing.
He leaves a legacy of love, laughter and unbreakable spirit.
He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Strand of Taber and Darlene (Darren) Urban of Raymond. He also leaves to mourn his granddaughter, "his little peanut" Breanne Urban of Lethbridge, who was the love of his life, and her fiancé, Brad Callaghan whom he loved so very much and considered him as his grandson. He will also be missed by his dog, Balou.
Lorne is survived by his brothers Ron, John and Jim Strand and his sister, Linda West as well as numerous sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
We will all miss you Papa.
A Celebration of Lorne’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, May 23, 2008 at 2:00 P.M., with Reverend Elizabeth Brown officiating.