All Obituaries

Miss. Barbara (Barb) Abe of Lethbridge, passed away after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the age of 60 years.

She is survived by 2 sisters: Linda (Keith) Ransome and Elaine Davie (Abe); 1 brother, Duane Abe; 3 nephews: Matt Black (Jackie) and their children Kalex, Lakelyn and Willow; Kynan Ransome (Elyse) and their children Miya, Sonny, Presley and Everly; and Dylan Davie (Cindy); as well as best friend Gail and her family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Delima and Noboru (Nobby) Abe. Barb graduated from Coalhurst High School and later attended business school at Lethbridge College. She started work on April 8, 1986, at First Choice Credit Union as a Financial Service Representative. She was hardworking, dedicated, and loved by many members and staff. When not working she was a passionate volunteer, volleyball player, traveler and adventurer, often with her family and friends. She was looking forward to dancing in heaven and holding her cat, Joey.

Barb will be missed by her loved ones and relatives, and all whose lives that were touched by knowing her.

We would like to thank all the medical teams throughout the years my sister courageously battled her cancer for their best care and concern. We are very grateful to all of you.  

We’d also like to thank all of the prayer warriors for blessing us with your time, dedication and sacrifice of love, care and support for my sister and family, as well as continued prayers as we transition into our new journey without our loved one. We are deeply blessed for having all of you praying on our behalf. 

Thank you to everyone who made themselves available to be a part of Barb’s Celebration of Life, and to the Westside Community Church for opening your doors to us. It is a very meaningful gesture because my sister's faith and spiritual journey began in a little Pentecostal Church in Coalhurst and now she will end her journey in a Pentecostal Church. Truly, thank you for blessing us with this gift.

Lastly, we would like to thank everyone at Martin Brothers for your exceptional care, patience, and support through this challenging time. 

To anyone else we may have missed, we thank you for all you done and being a part of Barb’s life. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m, on Friday, April 26, 2024, at WESTSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 480 McMaster Blvd W, Lethbidge, Alberta.

A private family interment will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, https://giving.albertacancer.ca/donate/cancer-centres

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Kenneth Douglas Ewashen, beloved partner, uncle, father/stepfather, grandfather, and friend passed away suddenly on April 14, 2024, in Lethbridge, AB.  

Kenneth “Kenny” was born on August 7, 1947, in Blairmore, Alberta to the late Florence and Peter Ewashen and spent his early days on a farm north of Lundbreck, AB.  He then chose a career as a plumber, earning his certificate of apprenticeship in 1973.  Although Kenny is likely more well known for his post-retirement job of over 20 years as a courtesy driver for Bridge City Chrysler in Lethbridge, AB.   

Throughout his life, Kenny was known for his love of motorcycles, his passion for cooking, and a love of sports.  Anyone that knew Kenny knew he loved the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Lethbridge Hurricanes.  He spent many years as a member of the Hockey Hounds and was quite involved in the community as he was always willing to lend a hand to whomever needed it. 

Kenny was probably most known to everyone for his sense of humor and infectious smile.  He always had a joke on hand and a witty comeback, and you would always leave with a smile your face after a meeting with Kenny.

Kenny was predeceased by his parents Peter and Florence Ewashen (nee Potapoff) and sister Jeannette Anderson.

Kenny is survived by his partner in crime Carole Everts; sister Gladys Kozlow (Fred); brother-in-law Raymond Anderson; niece Jolayne Anderson (Brenda); nephews Doug Anderson (Tasha) and Trevor Kozlow; son Torry Ewashen; stepchildren Kimberly, Duane (Kerri), Cathy (Bryan); grandchildren Leta, Mikayla Calleigh, Teigan and Brenden; as well as a host of dear friends and colleagues.

A come and go, non-formal celebration of life will be held on April 20, 2024, at the Parkbridge Estates Hall, in Lethbridge, AB from 1pm-3pm. Friends and family are invited to come pay their respects and are encouraged to wear their Lethbridge Hurricanes jersey or favorite motorcycle attire in typical Kenny fashion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canada Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Jack (Victor John) Simmons of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mary Simmons (Falconer), passed away after a lengthy illness at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the age of 81 years.

Jack was born in London, England during WWII. He came to Canada in January of 1945. His early years were spent on the family farm near Minto, Manitoba. When he was 12, the family moved to Lethbridge, Alberta. After high school, Jack joined the military and travelled a bit before leaving it in 1963. In 1964, he met the love of his life, Mary Falconer. They married at Easter in 1965 and spent the next 59 years together.

Jack loved to make people laugh. From the soldier on the Mauritania when he got away from his Mum all the way to the staff at Saint Michael’s in his last days, laughter and joy were the emotions he liked to invoke. Many of his friends and family remember his laugh. His children found him by the sound of his laugh when they were in crowds.

In 1967, he rejoined the military and he and his young family travelled western Canada, expanding their horizons. In 1987, he retired from the military and rejoined civilian life. He and Mary returned to Lethbridge for their retirement years in 2003.

His accomplishments through the years included being an excellent husband, father and grandfather. According to his sisters, he was a pretty good brother. In his lifetime of service to others he was a soccer coach, a Legion president and during his retirement years in Lethbridge he volunteered with The Salvation Army’s Disaster Services, the thrift store and spent many hours working with the Christmas Kettles.

Besides his loving wife Mary, Jack is survived by his daughter Trudy Simmons; sons Victor (Michelle) Simmons and Trevor Simmons; grandsons Allan Simmons (Mal Bogdane) and Christopher Simmons; sisters Lyn Nishimura, Dayle Deal and Judy (Rob Jack) Leschasin.

He was predeceased by his parents Harper and Edith Simmons.

We would like to thank all the staff at Saint Michael’s Palliative Care Unit for their loving care for Jack at the end of his life.

He has been promoted to Glory.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the SALVATION ARMY COMMUNITY CHURCH, 1302, 4 AVENUE SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Major Brian Beveridge, officiating. Lunch to follow at the church hall.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.

Mr. Nicholas Brandhorst of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Tressa Brandhorst, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the age of 91 years.

Nicholas was born in Leiden on January 11, 1933. He was raised in Moerkapelle, the Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada at the age of 17. After many years of working for the LNID, he started his studies to become a Journeyman Carpenter, and soon after started his own construction company, NEB Construction.

Nicholas is survived by his loving wife Tressa, and his 3 children; sons Jim (Heleen), Dirk, and daughter Joyce; 7 grandchildren Neil (Miho), Dustin (Julie), Troy, Luke (Ayca), Ramona, Cameron, Tyler (Sarah); sister Teuntje; 4 stepchildren Deborah, Kevin, Jeff, and Corwin; 14 great grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; and 2 step great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents Jacobus and Teuntje Johanna; siblings Janny, Dirk, Cor, Marie and Nel.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at GRACE REFORMED CHURCH, 1402 – 8 Avenue North, Lethbridge, with Pastor Paul Van Stralen officiating. A private graveside service will be held prior in Archmount Cemetery.

To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://youtube.com/live/zfklRwxi9mE?feature=share

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Christian School Society, 802-6th Ave North, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1H 0S1.

Mrs. Helga Nekich of Lethbridge, formerly of Edmonton and beloved wife of the late Mr. Giuseppe Nekich, passed away at Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the age of 86 years.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

It is with sadness we announce Arline Wickersham passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on Monday, April 22, 2024. Her body has lost the fight, but her soul triumphs through Jesus Christ, her Saviour, whom she loved and served. Since receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in March, Arline faced her illness with grace and courage, fiercely holding on to Philippians 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Besides her loving husband Tom of 62 years, Arline is survived by her children, Kevin (Anita) Wickersham, Keith (Elisa) Wickersham and Marilee (Dana) Terry, daughter-in-law Rose (Gery) Wickersham-Strohschein, 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Elvera Wickersham-Siemens, Vicie (Tedd) Walcott and Victor (Cathy) Dyck. She was predeceased by her parents, Cornelius & Anna Dyck, brother Albert Dyck and son, Cameron Wickersham.

She was often quiet publicly and preferred to be behind the scenes, however, her heart for people of all ages was evident by the love people showed her.

Our family would like to thank the Chinook Regional Hospital doctors and nurses on floors 4B and 3C; also, thanks St. Michael's Health Centre for the professional and compassionate care they gave to Arline.

All are invited to a Visitation that will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, May 10, 2024 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Interment will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at ARCHMOUNT  CEMETERY, 2710 WESTSIDE DR WEST, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at PARALLEL CHURCH, 211069 TOWNSHIP RD # 90A, #8, Lethbridge, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to MyCityCare, 435 5 Street S, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2B6.

Patricia (Trish) Diane Henderson passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital after a long and complicated battle with Crohn’s disease. She was 54 years old.

Trish was born May 22, 1969 in Lethbridge and resided here for most of her life. She was an avid animal lover and spent many happy years training and showing her beloved quarter horse Sassy Jack Pine. Her best friend and fur baby Jake provided her much comfort and happiness throughout her illness.

Trish is survived by her father Scott Henderson, sisters Kelly (Walter) Dyck, Debi Henderson (John Jacobson), nieces and nephews Nicole, Jordan, Jared and Jesse and their families.

She is also survived by aunts Betty Moriyama and Sheilah Henderson, and her five cousins.

She was predeceased by her mother, Bev Henderson and her dog Jake.

We would like to acknowledge the incredible care Trish received throughout her illness and extend our sincere gratitude to the many medical professionals who provided such compassionate support.

At Trish’s request, no funeral service will be held, and flowers are gratefully declined. If so desired, donations can be made in Trish’s memory to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation or the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.

Frederick Alfred Nielsen of Milk River Alberta, beloved husband of the late Irene Jean Nielsen, passed away peacefully at home in Milk River on October 2, 2023, at the age of 72 years.

Fred was born in Oakville, Ontario to Alfred Peter Nielsen and Mary Ellen Varley Nielsen on November 22, 1950.

Fred was the owner/ operator of Silver Spoon Antiques in Calgary and the Milk River Area. He loved collecting, purchasing, and selling various types of antiques and collectables. His other interests included building, buying, and selling Vintage Vehicles. A hobbyist at heart, Fred loved cooking for friends in Alberta and Utah, making homemade wine, amazing jams, playing the slots, and writing beautiful poems.

Fred is survived by his sister, Laura Judith Grice (Ralph); brothers Peter Nielsen, and Eric Nielsen; he was a beloved uncle to many nieces, nephews, and a loving grandfather to Jennifer and Jodie and their families.

Besides his loving wife, Frederick is predeceased by his parents Alfred Peter Nielsen, Mary Ellen Varley Nielsen, and sister Gwennith Nielsen.

Mr. Lucius Dillabough of Lethbridge, passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the age of 49 years.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Vera Rose Schwartzkopf of Coalhurst, beloved wife of the late Bert Schwartzkopf Jr., passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the age of 84 years. Vera was born in Poland on October 3, 1939, the only child of Marion and Pauline Pelech who immigrated to the Coalhurst area from the Ukraine in 1949.   Vera attended Coalhurst School where she completed Grade 12.  She was an excellent student and was active in the local 4-H club where her love of gardening first began. During high school, Vera met the love of her life (Bert Schwartzkopf Jr.) and they were  married in Lethbridge on September 10, 1960. Vera and Bert made their home on the Schwartzkopf family farm just outside of Coalhurst where they first grew sugar beets and managed a small cow/calf operation.  Their eldest daughter Laurie was born in the spring of 1961, their second daughter Karen in 1964 and their youngest child Brian was born in 1971.  Vera was a hard working dedicated wife and mother that selflessly and tirelessly supported all activities of the farm.  Together Bert and Vera  expanded their operation along with the help of both of their parents to include a 10,000 head feedlot that they owned and operated along with Brian up to present day.  They continued to farm even though Bert was diagnosed with MS and Vera took care of him in their home until his passing. Vera was also a caring grandmother that helped raise her grandchildren and encouraged them in all their endeavors. She was well known for her love of cooking and you could never come into her home without having some food, even if you didn’t want it.  In addition to cooking, Vera was an avid and passionate gardener. There was never an empty flower pot or patch of soil around her home that did not have cascades of multi colored flowers or vegetables.  Her kind and generous spirit, persistence and feisty and mischievous personality will be missed by all who knew her.

Besides her loving children, Vera is survived by eight grandchildren Jordan, Brandon  and Wyatt Baker (sons of Laurie (Schwartzkopf) and Brant Baker); Ryan and Amanda Genswein  (son and daughter of Dr. Karen (Schwartzkopf) and Bernie Genswein); Braiden, Emily and Zofia Schwartzkopf  (son and daughters of Brain Schwartzkopf and Crystal Fulford) and 3 great grandchild Everly and Aroura Baker (daughter of Jordan and Raelyn Baker) and Weston Baker (son of Brandon and Kelsey Baker). Vera was predeceased by her parents and Aunt (Donna Pelech) and survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service that will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please visit https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Vera-Schwartzkopf and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page to find the link.

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of my beloved mother, who was also a grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Magda Varga on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the age of 83 years.

Mom was in the Crowsnest Pass, enjoying a weekend retreat worshiping her Lord and Savior when God called her home.

Mom was born March 3, 1941, in Puspokladany, Hungary. She was the youngest of five children.

Mom moved to Canada in 1970 and married her husband, George Varga. She then earned her beauticians certification in 1971 and spent the next 20 years working in the beautician industry. For about 10 plus years she owned and operated her own salon called Magda’s European Hair and Skin Care. Later in life she joined the Walmart team, and worked there for over two decades, until her retirement. She loved all her clients and made friends with them, and coworkers easily.

Mom was a very creative person. Throughout her life she mastered flower arranging, jewelry making, rock painting, watercolor painting, and most recently oil painting. She had a very unique gift. She shared her artwork with many friends, and I am sure a lot of people have some of her rocks. She loved gardening and grew herbs, vegetables, flowers, and house plants. Her favorite one she insisted was called Jesus Heart but was actually a Bleeding Heart. Two of these big plants have given life in many friends homes. Everyone got cuttings if they liked. She would have two or three cuttings being rooted at any given time throughout the year, that she would share. She had a very colorfully decorated balcony that she used for her little garden and enjoyed many hours out there. Mom didn’t have a lot but felt more than blessed with what she did have.

Throughout her life, she had the opportunity to travel back to her home country Hungary, a couple of times, as well as Hawaii then Israel. Her journey in Israel changed her life. From that point on she dedicated herself to Jesus. She shared her knowledge and messages to many people. Magda was involved with bible studies. Ministry work, and prayer groups, and has been a part of the congregation at Joyful House of Prayer for many, many years. She loved her church family, and she was loved back by so many.

Magda is survived by her only daughter, Maggie (Gord) Curran; Grandchildren Shaun, Ryan (Crystal), Craig, Kayla Curran; daughter in law Patty Varga; grandchildren Jenna, and Brendan Varga; Great granddaughter Chelsea Curran, as well as family in Hungary.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, two sisters, and her beloved son Zsolt Varga.

A special thank you to all those who have called, visited, and sent meals to us throughout this most difficult time. Thank you!

Mom, if there are holes in the floors of heaven and you can see us now, know how much you were loved, and will be forever missed.

A Celebration of Magda’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at JOYFUL HOUSE OF PRAYER, 336 13 STREET NORTH #334, LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Martha MacRae passed away peacefully in the Lethbridge Extendicare Fairmont on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the age of 96 years. Her six years in the Extendicare were special due to the residents, staff and Dr. Smith. They will all miss her.

Martha is survived by her four children Marlene (Frank) Van Deurzen, Jean (Gerard) Van Deurzen, Betty MacRae, Dave (Michelle) MacRae; eight grandchildren Josh (Jen), Jeff (Whitney), Ben (Livia), Greg, Lyndsey (Jason), Nick, Ashley, Jennifer; twelve great-grandchildren Danielle, Brooke, Zac, Samuel, Thomas, Joanna, Madden, Keenan, Makenna, Madelin, Georgia, Brock; brother-in-law Bill Goward; her special friend Lucille Duke as well as many nieces nephews and their families.

Besides her loving husband of 39 years, Dave MacRae, Martha was also predeceased by her parents Marta and Emil Wackershauser; two brothers Art Wackershauser, Hans (Jeanette) Wackershauser; sister Anna (Henry) Schmiemann and sister-in-law Helene Goward.

Martha was born in Durlach, Germany. She immigrated with her family to Edmonton when she was four years old. Her life with Dave was full of many moves in Canada. Mom was so good at writing stories about herself and our family. She wrote “I’ve got a million memories and boxes of pictures.” She made a book and dedicated it to her family.

A private family graveside celebration of Martha’s life will be held at a later date.

 For those who wish, memorial donations in Martha’s name may be made to the Lethbridge Food Bank, 1016 2 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 0C9.

 Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.