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MARY TOMIE
1913 - 2007
MARY TOMIE was born in Lethbridge on January 5th, 1913. She left us peacefully in her sleep on the evening of August 29, 2007 in the Edith Cavell Care Centre at the age of 94 years.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Andy and her sons Phillip and Larry. Remaining to remember and celebrate her life are her daughters-in-law Sheelagh (Phil) and Dianne (Larry) Tomie, her grandsons; Dean (Lucy) Tomie and Donald (Lynn) Tomie, her only granddaughter Brenda (Bob) Parkyn as well as four great grandchildren; Matthew and Kathleen Tomie and Jarret and Crystal Parkyn.
Mary is also fondly remembered and very much missed by her honourary daughter, Terry (Don) Moore. She was cherished as well by her numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Mary loved to cook and worked lovingly for her family and home. She was also a member of St. Basil’s C.W.L. for a short period of time.
Mary will be remembered by many former students of the U of L where she worked for many years with her sister Violet (Steve) Gall in the University residences. She was a ray of sunshine to all she met and endeared herself to everyone who knew her. Mary had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh.
Mary loved to travel; her favorite places (of course) being Las Vegas and Reno where she and the machines became very good friends. She was one of the few to come home with more coins that she took. Mary had a zest for life and a positive attitude to the end. We will all miss her.
In lieu of flowers, please make Memorial Donations to a charity of ones choice, or if you are in Las Vegas or Reno, put a dollar in Big Bertha for Mom. Who Knows!
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, August 31, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASILS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604, 13th Street North, Lethbridge on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Tim Boyle officiating.
Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
FRANCIS UYTDEWILLIGEN
1933 - 2008
Francis Adriana Uytdewilligen (Cis), beloved wife of Cornelius, of Coaldale, passed away at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on Sunday, October 19th, 2008 at the age of 74 years.
She is the loving Mother and Oma of Harriet (Tom) Evans, Katie and Leanne, of Beaumont; Joanne (Peter) Coldham, Karen and David of Calgary; Andrew (Kim) Ryan of Coaldale; Ken (Serena), Lucas of Lethbridge; Jackie (Dave) Reich, Nick, Ben, and Emily of Beaumont; Margaret (Kevin) Munchrath, Rebecca, Sarah, Camryn of Beaumont; and Michael of Coaldale.
She is also survived by her sisters Johanna (John) Machielse of Coaldale; Ad (Jan) Vande Burght of Holland; and her brothers Kees Vergouwen and Jan (Corry) Vergouwen in Holland. She is predeceased by her mother and father.
Francis passed away peacefully after a very brief battle with cancer. She was born in Oudenbosch, Holland, on December 7, 1933. Francis met and married Cornelius in Holland, then moved to Canada in 1959 and settled in the Coaldale area. They farmed and raised a family of 7 children. She was a very active member of St. Ambrose Parish, the St. Ambrose CWL, the Rosary Guild and Lethbridge Soup Kitchen. She was a tireless volunteer for anyone in need and was very generous with her time and talents. She loved her garden, flowers, chickens and large family gatherings. She will be sadly missed by many people whose lives she touched.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff on 4B, 4C at the LRH, FMC and St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit, Dr. John Geers, Dr. Lee, Dr. Siem for their compassionate care and support through this difficult time.
Relatives and Friends are invited to Prayer Services at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513-23rd Avenue, Coaldale, AB on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.. The Prayer service will be preceded by the Rosary at 6:30 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 23rd Avenue, Coaldale, AB, on Friday, October 24, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Wilbert Chin Jon and Reverend Tomy Manjaly celebrants. Interment to follow in the Coaldale cemetery.
In memory of Francis, donations may be made to St. Ambrose Parish (for Flowers), 1513 23 Avenue, Coaldale, AB T1M 1E2 and the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen 802-2A Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 0C9 or to a charity of your choice.
BERTHA VAVRA
1914 - 2009
Mrs. Bertha Vavra- passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, July 20th, 2009 at the Coaldale Health Care Center, where she had resided for the last 3-1/2 years.
Bertha will be lovingly remembered by her sisters, Albina Perickova and Martina Praskachova of Lopasov, Slovakia, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families also of Slovakia, her sons Steve (Murdean) Vavra, Stan (Anne) Vavra, her grandchildren Cheryl Vavra, Greg (Jody) Vavra, Terry (Gabe) Ollivier, Karen Vavra, Murray Vavra, Mark (Lori) Vavra, Chris (Karen) Vavra, Louise (Jack) Peacock, great-grandchildren Mitchell, Tyler, and Jade Vavra, Rachel, Elyse, and Eric Ollivier, Kyle, Kristy, and Brianne Vavra, Kailey, Courtney, and Karissa Vavra, Riley, Taylor, Cole, Austyn, and Shaye Vavra-Peacock.
Bertha was predeceased by her husband Louis in 1960, and her sister, Maricia Sebestova, and her parents, Blazy and Rozaria Hurban of Slovakia.
Bertha was born May 7th, 1914 in Lopasov, Slovakia, the oldest of four daughters. At the age of 24 Bertha and her husband Louis, and their two young sons immigrated to Canada by boat, arriving on Canada’s East Coast on May 1938. They traveled west to Alberta by train where they ended up in Lethbridge, initially settling in the Keho Lake area, then Shaughnessy, Barrhill, and finally Picture Butte.
Bertha loved to cook, travel the world, garden, crochet, and play bingo. The most important part of her life was her family and friends. Bertha’s opinion was very respected in family matters and among her friends, and she was the first to listen and offer wise and loving advice on any matter. Friends and family often stopped by for coffee or a meal, and would never leave without a delicious fill of her traditional home cooking or baking. Bertha loved to visit with her friends who came to the house often. Up to the time of her passing, Bertha was a woman of unwavering Catholic Faith. She was a lifetime member of the St Catherine’s Catholic Women’s League (CWL). She will be deeply missed by all those she knew and loved in her lifetime.
Our thanks to all the exceptionally kind and caring staff of the Coaldale Health Care Center who contributed their love and compassion through their care making her final years dignified and comfortable.
Funeral Mass to be held Thursday July 23, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at ST. CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 762 Crescent Avenue, Picture Butte, Alberta with Reverend Tomy Manjaly Celebrant. Interment to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Lethbridge.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation in Bertha’s name may do so to Coaldale Health Care Center, 2100 11th St, Coaldale, Alberta, T1M-1L2
ALLEN VELDHUIS
2009
RICHARD “ALLEN” VELDHUIS beloved husband of Margaret “Joan” Veldhuis, of Nobleford, AB, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at the age of 67 years.
He is the loving father & grandfather of: Roxane (Dale) Erickson & family, Keith (Jackie) Veldhuis & family, and Kevin (Kim) Veldhuis & family, 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters: Johanna Wilson, Dorothy May & Bernice (Bill) Hofman and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Ben & Mabel Veldhuis.
A Memorial Service will be held at THE MONARCH REFORMED CHURCH, Monarch, AB (in the country) on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Bob Derrick officiating.
A Private Family graveside service will be held at the Monarch-Nobleford Cemetery.
In memory of Allen Veldhuis, donations may be made to Alberta Lung Association, Box 4500 Station South, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6K2.
HENRY VAN DYK
2009
HENRY VAN DYK, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2009 at the age of 76 years. Henry came to Canada in 1952 with his parents and brothers and sisters.
Besides his loving wife Audrey, he is survived by his son Mitch (Laurie) and their daughter Dallas and by daughter Carol Van Dyk and her children, Jordan “the dude” Sailer (Ashley Coe) and Taryn Sailer (Jon Hawkins).
Henry was a good and decent man who provided well for his family. He loved his garden and his daily coffee outing with his buddies. He especially loved their political “debates”. He was also a faithful member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Choir. We will miss you, Hen.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. at ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 – 5th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, with Reverend Hugh Jack officiating.
PAM VANDER HEIDE
1923-2009
Pam Van Der Heide, beloved wife of the late Fred Vander Heide, was called home by her Lord and Savior on April 19, 2009 at the age of 86 years.
Pam is survived by her children Anne (Laddie) Pavka, Jack (Ihsan) Vander Heide, Ben (Beth) Vander Heide, Margaret (Fred) Bailey, Bill (Joanne) Vander Heide, Peter (Noemi) Vander Heide, Alice (Terry) Tinordi, Tom (Winnie) Vander Heide. She is also survived by 20 grand children and 24 great grandchildren. Pam was predeceased by her husband Fred in 1970.
Pam was born as Tjimkje Vander Heide on April 14, 1923 in Friesland, the Netherlands. She married Fred in 1942. Six children were born of their marriage in the Netherlands. In 1954, the family came to Lethbridge, where two more children were added to the family. For Pam, life evolved around her family. She loved the simple things in life; her garden, cooking, music, knitting, as well as her little dogs, especially “Teddy”. She was dedicated to every member of her family and made each one feel loved and special. She will be deeply missed.
The funeral service will be held, d.v. Friday, April 24, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the CANADIAN REFORMED CHURCH Hwy #3 West, Coaldale, Alberta with Reverend Dirk Poppe officiating. A private family interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery prior to the service.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In memory of Pam, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, #20, 542-7th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2H1.
NANCY VANCE (MEAD)
1963 - 2009
NANCY LYNN VANCE (MEAD), beloved wife of (Pat) Patrick Vance and loving mother to Tara-Lynn and Terry, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2009 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer at the age of 45 years.
She is survived by her husband Pat, children Tara-Lynn and Terry, brother Brad (Shari) Mead and their children, Tyson and Colten; her father Larry Mead, all of Lethbridge, AB. Her mother in-law, Louise Vance of Balzac, AB, father in-law David (Wilma) Vance of Raymond, AB, her sister in-laws; Maureen (Robin) Payne, Cindy (Steve) Uwazny, Shannon (Kevin) Vance–Collins and Ruby (Jamie) Hall, brother in-law, Sean (Charlene) Vance and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was the most fun “Aunti” to all her nieces and nephews, but most of all she was the best wife, mother and sister.
She was predeceased by her beloved mom Pat Mead on December 13, 2005, her grandma, Penny Mead in 2002, grandma and grandpa Safarik, both in 1988, aunt Emily in 1967 and grandpa Mead 1967.
Nancy was born in Coaldale, AB on June 25, 1963 and moved to Lethbridge with her family at the age of five. She attended school at Our Lady of the Assumption, St. Francis and graduated from Catholic Central High School. After graduating from high school she attended Henderson College of Business.
She worked several years for Harker’s Autobody, now known as Bridge City Collision, Sunrise Poultry, Maple Leaf and most recently at Lethbridge Dodge Body Shop. She was a loyal and dedicated employee, colleague and friend to all.
She met her childhood sweetheart at the age of 14 and they have spent 31 years together. They were married on September 5, 1987 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church.
On May 20, 1990 Tara-Lynn (the Princess) was born, followed by Terrance (Terry) Patrick on April 19, 1993. They raised their children with good family values and did everything together. Family was top priority for Nancy. She was involved in every aspect of their lives.
Nancy was always an entertainer. She could always make you laugh, even in her time in Calgary at the hospital, she was cracking jokes. It was hard to associate the pain she had with her positive attitude and lighthearted humor. She loved to join in on any fun …. No matter where it took her! She was just so layed back “Going with the Flow”. Her partners in crime “Carol Noren and Lenora Broadbent” joined her in many adventures. They were more favorably known as the “Three Musketeers”. She was also proud to be a member of the Lady Luck Chuckwagon Team.
Nancy touched so many people’s lives. She and Pat had so many circles of friends throughout the area, there isn’t many who didn’t know them in some way.
She was a skating mom, hockey mom, hunting wife, camping wife, snowmobiling wife and many summer weekends were spent at Koocanusa Lake with her family and friends. She was an all-around kind of gal, into everything and everyone!
She was very determined and strong-willed person. She decided this was not happening to her and her family and she was going to fight it; and indeed she put up a valiant fight, right up to the bitter end. Never once did she throw in the towel.
She was very close to her mom “Nana” and was deeply saddened when she passed away three years ago. We all have peace knowing that she is joining Nana and will be waiting for the rest of us.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, April 20, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Raul Hernandez, Celebrant.
Interment to follow at Taber Cemetery, following the reception.
In Memory of Nancy, donations may be made to the Royal Bank, Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, for a Trust Fund to be set up for her children.
ANN VAN SLUYS
2009
MS. ANN (WIERSMA) VAN SLUYS, passed away in Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at the age of 77 years.
She is the mother of children, Rita (Barlow) Neville, Jack (Trish) Wiersma, Simon (Danelle) Wiersma, Anna (Duncan) Currie; grandchildren, Tracy, Lindsay, Ben, Amy, Mark, Christopher, Robbie, Jamie-Lynn, Kirsten, Jared and Sydney and great grandchildren, Rebecca and Byron. She is also survived by longtime friend Reggie Whiteman; brothers Bill, Case and Bart.
Ann was predeceased by her husband Simon Wiersma, granddaughter Cassidy, two sisters and one brother.
Born in Holland, she immigrated as a teenager to Vulcan, AB and worked at the hospital where she met the love of her life Simon Wiersma and married in 1957.
They raised 4 wonderful children, Rita, Jack, Anna and Simon. They ran Simon’s Bakery in Picture Butte, AB for many years till Simon passed away. Ann moved to Lethbridge with the children and there she became a successful entrepreneur. Ann was a warm and friendly person always ready to help anyone who needed it. She enjoyed taking her motor home out on the road as well as she enjoyed biking around Henderson Lake. Reggie and Ann were friends for over thirty years. Our mother was a very strong and loving mom. We loved her with all our hearts and she returned that love everyday. She will be missed and heaven will open its gates to let her shine on in eternity hand in hand with her loving husband Simon.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday. February 6, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. with Pastor John Moerman officiating.
Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
In memory of Ann, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, #207, 542-7th Street South, Leth. AB T1J 2H1.
MR. JOHANNES (JOHN) VAN VLIET
February 2, 1934 – January 25, 2009
Psalm 43:3
O send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy Holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
passed away on Sunday January 25, 2009, at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Center following a long struggle with cancer at the age of 74 years.
John was the loving husband to his wife, Linda and a dear father of daughter Alice (Ken) Folkerts of Innisfail, AB, and their four children, Kristen, Kayla, Erik and Kendra; daughter Joyce (Harold) Funk of Coaldale, AB, and their two children Justin and Nathan Sharpe; son Henry John (Belle) Van Vliet of Lethbridge, AB; daughter Debbie (Darrin) Westerson of Lethbridge, AB, and their two children Dylan and Jolane.
He is remembered by his sister Elisabeth (Kees) Van Oosterom, brother Henry (Alta) Van Vliet and also by his sister-in-law Elizabeth (Cornelis) Van Vliet, Tina (Ralph) Tamming of Ontario and Gwen (Harry) Snoeyer of Coaldale and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Hendrik and Johanna Van Vliet and brother, Cornelis Van Vliet and by parents in-law, Alice and John Snoeyer, brother in-law Albert and Harry Snoeyer.
John was born in Maassluis, The Netherlands on February 2, 1934. He immigrated to Canada with his family to Strathroy, Ontario in 1953. There he met and married his beloved wife Lammigje in 1959. She was born in Beilen, The Netherlands and later immigrated to Strathroy with her family in 1955. He and Lammigje (Linda) were married on June 24, 1959 and lived in Sarnia, Ontario until John, Linda and the children moved to Coaldale, AB in 1972, then again moving to Lethbridge in 1987.
John had a passion for singing and was a long time member of the Lethbridge Christian Men’s Choir.
Memorial tributes may be made to the “John Smith Caring Hearts Fund for Palliative Care”, Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB. T1J 1W5 or on line at www.caringhearts.ca .
A Funeral Service will be held At CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Wednesday January 28, 2009 at 2:00 P.M., with Pastor John Moerman officiating. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
LEIDA VAN DELLEN
1919 - 2008
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God –
not because of works, lest any man should boast.” ~ Ephesians 2:8, 9 RSV
LEIDA VAN DELLEN, beloved wife of the late Robert Van Dellen, went to be with her Heavenly Father on December 3rd, 2008, at the age of 91 years.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her brother, Cornelis (Adri) Vander Woude, her sister Elizabeth (Johannes) Lowys, her sisters-in-law Annie Vander Woude-Sels, Lydia Vander Woude-Rothfusz, and Bregt Vander Woude-Mantel and many dear nephews and nieces, all in the Netherlands. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Maria (Renze VanderMei) and her brothers Libbe (Map Hageman), Gerrit, Jacob (Riek Venema), Marinus, and Jan. She also leaves to mourn her cousins, Wilma and Linda, in Calgary and the rest of her “family” in Canada – her many dear friends, who enjoyed her warm hospitality and whose hospitality she also treasured. She loved children and was an honorary “Auntie” and “Oma” to many.
Leida was born on January 1, 1917, and grew up in the Haarlemmermeer area in the Netherlands. She immigrated to Southern Alberta in 1949, working as a cook for a road crew and on different farms. In 1953, family commitments saw her back in Holland for a couple of years. When she came back in 1955 she opened a restaurant in Nobleford and often mentioned the good times she had there with her regulars. She married her dear husband Robert in 1961 and worked with him on the family farm in Granum, until their retirement to Lethbridge in 1970. Robert passed away suddenly in 1976. God used Leida’s talents and generosity in her Christian community. She often worked behind the scenes, making meals, baking, and visiting those with special needs and sharing with others. Gardening, reading, cooking, baking, playing games and good conversation were the hobbies she was allowed to enjoy to the end. She also had a deep appreciation for beautiful scenery and fine music. Through everything, Leida strove to serve God, thankful for His Grave and forgiveness, and dependant on His strength.
Those who wish may pay their respects at the CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, on Saturday, December 6, from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
A Graveside Service will be held at the GRANUM CHRISTIAN REFORMED CEMETERY, Granum, on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 11:00 A.M.
A Memorial Service will be held at the TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 – 40th Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 1:30 P.M. with Candidate Hank Van der Woerd officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rehoboth Christian Ministries, Box 1312, Coaldale, Alberta T1M 1N1.
