ROOME, Jack

1939 - 2015

Jack Roome, formerly of Drumheller, passed away peacefully April 19, 2015, at the Red Deer Hospice with his family by his side.  He is survived by his wife Margaret and daughters; Lynlee (Alan), Bev (Jim), Trudy (Tony) and his two grandsons. Jack had taught both Junior and Senior High School in Drumheller and as well worked as a clinical psychologist at the penitentiary. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Leonard’s on The Hill Anglican Church, 4241 - 44 St., Red Deer on Friday, May 1st at 1:00 pm. Memorial donations may be directed to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 - Arnot Ave., Red Deer AB T4R 3S6 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 6,  5015 - 48 Ave, Red Deer AB T4N 1S9. Condolences to Jack’s family may be emailed to meaningfulmemorials@yahoo.ca.                         
MEANINGFUL MEMORIALS
Funeral Service
Red Deer   587-876-4944

SANDAU, Paula Beatrice (nee Newman)

September 1, 1949 - April 22, 2015

Paula Sandau of Drumheller passed away peacefully at Red Deer Regional Hospital surrounded by her family on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at the age of 65 years. Paula was born at Bella Bella, BC and later moved to Revelstoke, BC then to Calgary and to Hanna and then in 1998 to Drumheller where she resided until her death.  Paula is survived by her husband Vern Sandau and sons Darren and Adam all of Drumheller and one daughter Mirade Astra of Revelstoke, BC. Paula is also survived by her father Edwin Newman of Alert Bay, BC and one brother Earl at Bella Bella, BC. Paula was predeceased by her mother and four brothers. Paula will be remembered for her kindness she showed to others and her love for animals especially cats.  Thank you to the nurses and doctors at Drumheller Hospital and Red Deer Regional Hospital for being so nice to Paula and her family. Thank you to Home Care for the special care they gave to Paula over the years. And a special thank you to the staff and residents of the Sunshine Lodge for taking such good care of Paula and being her friend. Memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Drumheller on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Gone but not forgotten - until we meet again.   

CLIFTON, James (Jamie) Wayne

May 15, 1980 - April 26, 2015

James (Jamie) Wayne Clifton, beloved father of Gavin Clifton, son of Dale & Janet Clifton passed away suddenly April 26, 2015 in Drumheller, Alberta at the age of 34 years. Jamie was born May 15, 1980 in Raymond, Alberta.  He was raised in Hays, Alberta, where he was active in basketball and Volleyball.  Jamie was a part of the Hays 4-H Beef Club, he completed high school in Vauxhall, Alberta.  Jamie had many different jobs and hobbies, and came to find that he loved construction and moved to Drumheller to continue his career. Jamie is survived by his son, Gavin, parents, Dale & Janet, brother, Randy (Susanne) Brauer, sisters, Wendy Fox, Shawna (Don) Tanner, grandmothers’, May Clifton and Beth Kesler, his loving partner Jeanine and her son Aden, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins. Jamie was predeceased by his Grandfathers’, George Clifton and Reg Kesler, as well as his Aunt Kathy Wolfer. A service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday May 2, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. from The Hays Community Hall, Hays, Alberta. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.

HUME, Calvin Alexander

December 19, 1927 – May 1, 2015

Cal Hume died peacefully at the Drumheller Health Centre after an extended illness.  While under the excellent care of the dedicated staff, Cal was surrounded by his loved ones during his final weeks. Born in Hardisty, Alberta, Cal’s family moved to East Coulee to work in the coal mines. It’s there, as a young man, he met the love of his life, Marie McFarlane.  They married, and would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this June. Cal the milkman spent years in the service of Brown’s Dairy, delivering right to the doorstep, and then to stores and restaurants in Drumheller and surrounding area. Before that, he delivered groceries in East Coulee, and worked at the Commander Coal Mine. Cal is survived by his wife, Marie, his children Pat Hume (Diana) of Creelman, Saskatchewan, Penny Jarina (Joe) of Sparwood, BC, Terry Hume (Shelly) of Sparwood, BC, and Lynn Green (Mike) of Orangeville, Ontario, his sister, Doreen Ramsay of Calgary, and nine grandchildren, fifteen great grand-children, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Drumheller Elks Lodge #54, Box 2260, Drumheller, or to the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at the Midland Hall at 2 PM on Saturday, May 16.

SVATOS, Kelly Dean

December 17, 1960- May 8, 2015

We would like to express with great sadness the sudden  passing of our dearly loved brother. Kelly is survived by his father Ralph, his brothers Graham, Don, Gary, Jerry (his wife Nancy  and their children Ryan & Jessica) and Kelly’s sister Sandra. He was predeceased by his mother Verna and his brother Douglas. All of us who knew and loved Kelly recognize his zest for living life to the fullest. He loved motorcycle riding, travelling and his job as a mechanic. Kelly was always up for a challenge, an adventure, or a dare. He enjoyed a “lively debate” with friends, family and co-workers. Above all, Kelly was a good person who was deeply loved by his family and friends. At Kelly’s request there will not be a funeral. His quote was “I just want people to party and have a good time when I go.”

LAMSON, Linda Diane

January 20, 1955 - Hanna, Alberta
- May 2, 2015 - Drumheller, Alberta

It is with sadness we announce that Linda Lamson passed away after a brief battle with cancer on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the age of 60. Linda was born in Hanna, moving to Calgary following graduation. She worked at SAIT Student Housing where she especially enjoyed the interaction with the students. Linda moved to Rockyford, AB in 2002 where she and husband Mike bought a farm and built a home. Linda was active in the community volunteering at the curling rink and annual rodeo. Linda is survived by her husband, Mike Hofer; daughter, Melissa Bertrand; grandson Gage Ogonoski ; mother, Evange Lamson; sisters, Brenda (Keith) Campion, Lois (Brian) Chamberlain, Sharon (Tim) Annas, Wilda Housch, Deb (Brent) Olmstead; brothers, Allan (Marlene) Lamson, Doug (Jean) Lamson and Steve Lamson; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Linda was predeceased by her father Earl. The family would like to extend particular thanks to the staff of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the Drumheller Hospital. A gathering celebrating Linda’s life will be held at the Carbon Community Hall on Friday, May 22, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Tom Baker Cancer Center 1331 29 St N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 or the Drumheller Health Center, Drumheller  T0J 0Y1. Please forward condolences to the family to kneehillfuneralservices@hotmail.com.  Kneehill Funeral Services Ltd., Three Hills entrusted with arrangements. 1-403-443-5111.

LOWRY, Peter Terrence (Terry)

May 12, 2015

Terry Lowry (1939-2015) succumbed to lung cancer on Tuesday May 12, 2015 at the Drumheller Health Centre, Drumheller, AB. Terry was born in Sawyerville, QC, son of the late Hazen A. Lowry and the late Geraldine Forgrave Lowry, loving father to Pamela Lowry Derksen and dear poppa of Danielle and Reagan. Terry will be sadly missed by his brothers and sisters: Daryl (Elizabeth) Vergennes, VT, USA; Dawn (Andre Theoret) Salmon Arm, B.C.; Brian (Brenda), Whitby, ON and Jill (Germain Boutin), Island Brook, QC. Predeceased by his brother Duane (Australia). Also left with cherished memories are Margaret Winslow, Donna and Sheamus Breen, special aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends from Terry’s years of farming in Quebec and the racehorse industry in Alberta. Thanks to the staff at the Sunshine Lodge residence in Drumheller and to the excellent nursing staff at the Drumheller Health Centre. A memorial celebration to be held at a later date in Calgary, with interment of ashes in the Eaton cemetery in Quebec. Memorial tributes may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society.

GRAHAM, Jean Elizabeth (Weaver)

January 21, 1929 - May 3, 2015

Jean Elizabeth (Weaver) Graham of Airdrie, AB suddenly passed away May 3, 2015 at the age of 86. Jean Graham was born in Telkwa, British Columbia, Canada, January 21, 1929 to Alfred William Weaver and Elizabeth Jean (Wiseman) Weaver/Paulhus. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Brother William Weaver, and Husband of 56 years James Fredrick Graham. After her husband’s retirement from the RCAF they ran the ESSO bulk agency in Carbon. Jean was a masterful mother managing seven unruly children providing homemade bread, jams, wines, and baking to die for. She was an avid gardener, while in Carbon Jean and her husband James gardened 6 town lots filled with all manner of vegetables. Her prowess with knitting needles, crochet hooks was unsurpassed, creating original designs for many people. When personal computers were in their infancy she was transcribing the town history book. She is survived by her seven children - Charles William
Graham and wife Wendy (Weigel), children Ryan (3 great grandchildren - Hailey, Nathan, Alyssa), Tess and James (1 great grandchild Mina); Hilda Jean (Graham) Harsch and husband Terry, children Corie (great grandchild Sanez), Amberlie, Jileane; James Alfred Graham and wife Margaret (Myers), child Faith; Dawn Elizabeth (Graham) Hancock and husband Gordon, children Micah, Jessica; Robert Bruce Graham and Michelle (Lebsack) Graham, children Robert-James, Scott, Taliesin, Stepchildren Ryan Borson and Curtis Borson; David Frederick Graham and the late Barbara (Cunningham), child Steven; Duane Edward Graham, children Connor and Michelle. Memorial Service will be held at Carbon Alberta, (time as yet undecided),at the Carbon town hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Alberta, 200 119 - 14 St. NW, Calgary AB, T2N 1Z6.

STEEN, Helen Freda (nee Storch)

October 14, 1927 - May 15, 2015

Helen Steen, a longtime resident of the Rumsey Community passed away in Drumheller with her family by her side on May 15, 2015 at the age of 87 years Helen was born and raised in the Morrin area.  She was the 5th of 11 children born to the Storch family. Helen married Leonard Steen of Rumsey on October 8, 1950, the couple had 9 children and resided in the Rumsey farm community.  Her children remember all of her accomplishments.  Helen enjoyed baking, many family and friends enjoyed her donuts, pies and her many other treats.  Helen was a judge at garden shows all over Alberta.  Her talents go back to the age of 12, as she made her first wedding cake.  Over the years, Helen made 1500 wedding cakes for family and friends.  Helen entered in the Rumsey Red Deer River Garden show for 70 years.  Helen was truly masterful at all she undertook, she loved cooking, baking, painting, gardening, and the love of her family. Helen was predeceased by her loving husband, Leonard Steen on March 8, 2010, also predeceasing Helen were numerous siblings. Helen leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Susan Turkington, Randy (Vi) Steen, Tony (Beryl) Steen, Ernie (Laurie) Steen, Mike (Patty) Steen, Carolin (John) Schofer, Bonny (Andy) Nelson, Kelly (Marci) Steen, Vincent (Natasha) Steen, 46 grandchildren and great grandchildren, her siblings, Johnny Storch, Elsie LaRose, Betty Jorsvick, Richard Storch, and Linda Helmer.  Helen will be dearly missed. Funeral services for Helen will be held on Thursday May 21, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. from the Rumsey Community Hall, interment will follow in the Rumsey Cemetery.  If friends so desire memorial donations may be made to the Drumheller Community Cancer Centre, 351 9th Street, N.W., Drumheller, Alberta, T0J 0Y1.  Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.

HANNAH, Ken

June 10, 1928 - May 13, 2015

Ken Hannah was born June 10, 1928 in Tompkins, Saskatchewan.  He left this world on May 13, 2015 in a car accident at the age of 86 years.  He leaves behind his wife, Ruth, and one daughter Kathy (Darcy) Downs, grandson, Jeremy, and great granddaughter Leandra, brother, Bob Hannah, brother –in-law, Bill Burnham, sister-in-law Phyllis Bensen, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Ken was predeceased by his mother Eva Good, his son Jerry, grandson Trevor, and sister-in-law Ellen. Ken served in the Air Force for five years, where he learned to drive big trucks.  His true love was long distance trucking for much of his life.  He worked as a manager for Richards Transport for about 7 years.  His favourite hobbies were darts, bowling, fishing, along with his love of motorhomes, and boats.  Ken loved to travel, Ken and Ruth spent most summers on the road. A celebration of Ken’s Life will be held Thursday May 21, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at the Pioneer Trail Senior’s Centre, 160-3rd Avenue West, Drumheller. The family requests that in Honour of Kenneth’s Memory donations may be made to Answering TTP.org or Answering TTP, 22 Prince George Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M9A 1Y1. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.

DOYLE, Armida nee (Guidolin)

December 15, 1930 - Drumheller, AB May 7, 2015 - Calgary, AB

It is with immense sadness that our family announces the passing of our mother, grandmother and dearest friend, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren at her bedside singing music that she loved.  She now joins her beloved departed husband and best friend, Leonard, who passed away sixteen months ago, after 62 years of an extraordinary romance and exemplary love and commitment to each other.  She is survived by her children, Ann, Karen (Mark), Marina (Jerry), Arlene (Kim), John (Nancy), Kevin (Aubrey), Brenda (Adrienne) and Barbara (Wayne); eleven grandchildren, David, Jaimie, Stacy, Christopher, Jordan, Lindsay, Sydney, Adam, Aidan, Ryleigh and Kyleah; as well as eight great-grandchildren. Mom was born in Drumheller, Alberta, and grew up with her sister Rena and her brother Dino, now both deceased.  She trained in her youth to be an opera singer, but all of that changed when she met the love of her life, our father, and she moved to Calgary and had eight children.  She also imparted to us a love of music and singing, and the neighborhood was always filled with the sound of her exquisite voice singing an aria from Puccini or something from Sound of Music while she did housework or cooked dinner.  Mom was more than a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Not only did she love her husband, children and grandchildren unconditionally, she was also best friend and confidant to each one of us.  She could always be counted on for insightful, nonjudgmental advice and support, no matter the circumstances.  She was always there for us in each and every crisis or triumph.  She taught us how to sing, how to laugh, how to love deeply and unconditionally, and how to live life to the fullest.  She had remarkable warmth and charm, and an ability to connect with people from all walks of life, including strangers and the downtrodden.  She made friends easily, and was intensely loyal and supportive to those lucky enough to call her a friend.  She made both family and friends feel comfortable with themselves, and she taught us to love ourselves and one another, and to go out into the world to seek adventure, love and all the wonderful things the world has to offer.  Her strongest and deepest desire was always to see her husband and children happy and fulfilled.  She will be greatly missed by all of us. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church (835 Northmount Drive N.W.) on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church (835 Northmount Drive N.W.) on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Food Bank.

CONTENTI, Marjorie Evelyn (Madge) (nee Sparrow)

 July 5, 1919 - May 19, 2015

 With sadness, great respect and a sense of celebration, we announce that our Mother and Nonna, Madge Contenti, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in the presence of family and surrounded by the Drumheller hills she so loved. For 95 years, fiercely independent Madge shared her infectious smile and warm, vibrant personality with family, friends and everyone she met. She was much-loved by many including her six children; Tony (Maureen), Corinne Gerling (Irv), Marjorie (Adrien), Brian (Cathy), Nick (Joanne), and Reno (Wanda). “Nonna” is also remembered by the eight grandchildren she so proudly and unwaveringly supported: Sean (Megan), Benjamin and Marco, Ian (Samantha) and Sarah, Justina (Chad), Ryan and Curtis. She also leaves behind great-grandchild, Marlee Dawn Morin, and many nieces and nephews who fondly remember “summers in the valley” with Auntie  Madge. Madge was born in Empress, AB, and moved to Drumheller as a girl.  The eldest of five, she often shared stories of her colourful parents, Frank and Corinne Sparrow, and helped to raise her brothers and sisters while her mother worked in the local laundry.  She is survived by three of her siblings including Gerry Rowbottom, and Pat and Bill Sparrow, and was predeceased by her sister, Frances Duffin, and parents. Madge is also remembered by her best friend and sister-in-law of more than 70 years, Addy Contenti, and many relatives and friends too numerous to mention.  She was also Auntie Madge to several special neighbour families on 2nd Street SW. Madge proudly served in the RCAF WD (Women’s Division) during WWII with her sister, Gerry.  She met and married fellow Drumheller resident and veteran, Aldo Contenti, (deceased in 1975), and they quickly grew their large family. Madge continued to share love and laughter as a singer in Sweet Adelines and St. Anthony’s Church choirs, as a founding member and noted thespian in Ploeg Street Productions theatre group, as a long-time member of the Catholic Women’s League, and as Mrs. Santa Claus during the Christmas season with her brother Pat (Santa) Sparrow. Mom will be remembered for her quick wit and joyful attitude, her wonderful cooking (there was always room for one more at her table), her deep maternal energy and her positive attitude. In her later years, she survived surgeries and health challenges with flair and resilience endearing her to family, friends and caregivers. Relatives and friends are invited to prayers at St. Anthony’s Church, (151 3rd St. West, Drumheller, Alberta), Friday, May 22, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Church on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers at the Sunshine Lodge, Hillview Lodge, and Acute and Continuing Care wards at the Drumheller and Hanna Health Centres. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to Drumheller & District Seniors Foundation, 698 6 Ave. E, Drumheller, AB. T0J 0Y5 or Meals on Wheels, Drumheller. As granddaughter, Justina Contenti, wrote for her, “A brilliant light is gone from this world, and the rest of us will just have to try and shine a little brighter now.”      

JOHNSON, Randolph (Randy) Theodore

September 25, 1940 - Cereal, AB
May 20, 2015 - Bellevue, AB

It is with great sadness that we announce that Randy passed away on Wednesday May 20, 2015 at the age of 74 after a long and brave battle with cancer.  Randy was born on September 25, 1940 to Milton and Alma Johnson.  He was the eldest of three more brothers and two sisters.  Randy grew up in East Coulee, AB and moved to Calgary, AB where he and Clara, from Drumheller, AB, raised their family.  He always prided himself by providing for and keeping his family in a safe and friendly neighbourhood while working until retirement at AGT.  He enjoyed the outdoors and spent his retirement years camping during the summer months and living in his home in Bellevue, AB overlooking the spectacular view of Frank Slide. Randy will be dearly missed by his children Carmen (Rory), Shane, and Reid (Hilma); and his loving grandchildren Delia, Sean, Braeden, Brooke, and Erick.  He was predeceased by his brother Merlin and sister Sharon and survived by brothers Gene, Dwain and sister Gail. A Memorial Service will be held at Lakeview Cemetery (4302 – 50th Street, Sylvan Lake, AB) on Tuesday, May 26 at 11:00 am, where he will be laid to rest.  This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm at Dwain and Karen Johnson’s residence (#49 – 45 St Crescent, Sylvan Lake, AB).  Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

SIRKO, Anna Mae

August 8, 1946 - May 17, 2015

Anna Mae Sirko of Drumheller, born August 8, 1946, passed away on Sunday May 17, 2015 at the age of 68 years.  Anna Mae is survived by her daughter Korey Anne (husband Dan), her granddaughters Kayla and Dayle.  She was predeceased by her parents Steve and Elizabeth Sirko.  A memorial service for Anna Mae will be held Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. from Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so to the Drumheller & District Humane Society, Box 1474, Drumheller, Alberta, T0J 0Y0. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.

CONNELLY, Ronald Douglas

1947-2015

Celebration of life for Ronald Douglas Connelly will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Newcastle Hall in Drumheller, AB from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Lunch will be served.

NIXON, David Albert

May 1, 1924 - May 11, 2015

David Albert Nixon was born May 1, 1924 in Craigmyle, Alberta and passed away peacefully in Stettler on May 11, 2015 at the age of 91.  He was raised in the Craigmyle and Byemoor areas. In March of 1943, he enlisted in the Air Force where he was an airframe mechanic.  In June 1945 he was given a honourable discharge. Dave and Betty (Myers) were married on April 10, 1946.  They worked near Hanna on a farm until they bought land at Byemoor.  This is where they farmed and raised their family.  He was active in the Community, the Anglican Church, 4-H, and the Alberta Dairy Pool. He leaves to mourn his wife of 69 years Betty; four sons, Wayne and Loree Nixon (Donalda), Dale and Carol Nixon (Stettler), Terry and Anne Nixon (Stettler), and Dave and Lynne Nixon (Byemoor), who now farm the land that Dave Sr. farmed; three daughters, Pat and Stan Hansen (Delia), Linda and Larry Norlie (Craigmyle) and Wanda and Don Wilkie (Big Valley).  He will be greatly missed by twenty three grandchildren and their families; forty four great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. One sister, Amy (Frank) Bates and sisters-in-law, Isabel Nixon and LaVonne Nixon. He was predeceased by his parents; five brothers; three sisters; a son-in-law and one grandson.  Funeral services were held at the Byemoor Community Hall on Saturday, May 16, 2015 with Reverend Carolyn Langford officiating, interment took place at the Byemoor Cemetery. He was a hardworking man who lived a full, happy, and honourable life.  Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to the Byemoor Community Club or a charity of your choice. Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services – Stettler, entrusted with the care and arrangements.  Box 193, Stettler, Alberta  T0C 2L0.  4819 – 49th St.  403-742-3315.

JURREIT, Angelina Marie
(nee DeBernardo)

September 3, 1943 - April 27, 2015

Angie was born in Drumheller, Alberta, resided in Calgary, Alberta for several years and then moved to Kamloops, British Columbia in 1969 after her marriage to Bill.  She moved to Dawson Creek in March 2015 to spend time with her family while she could. As she loved food and people, Angie worked in the food industry most of her life.  She made many good friends along the way, working at The Bay and Thompson River University in the food department. Angie’s favorite pastime was gambling, she loved cards, slots and Lady Luck.  Often she would go on gambling trips and spend many hours with her friends at the Casino.  Her smiling face and witty sense of humor was always a welcome sight. In February 2014 Angie was elated when she became a great-grandma; her face would light up whenever her great-granddaughter would visit.  She loved family, laughter and life. Angie was predeceased by her parents; Herman and Marie DeBernardo and grandparents; Roger and Denise Ragon. Angie is survived by her loving husband, Bill, daughter; Melody (Spike), grandchildren; Vanessa (Kelly), Kamen (Jessie), VeraRay (Andrew), Katie (Darryl), great-granddaughter, Kinsley; her loyal little dog; Benny, several relatives and many good friends. Angie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the Kamloops and Dawson Creek medical staff who cared for Angie as well as to friends and family for their support, prayers and well wishes. Angie passed away on Monday, April 27, 2015 in Dawson Creek at the age of 71 years with her family by her side. With respect to Angie’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held.  For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Angie to the local SPCA, as she loved animals. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium.

JAMES, Ramona “Mona” Jean

April 21, 1933 - Drumheller, AB - May 21, 2015 - Calgary, AB

Mona James of Airdrie, beloved wife of the late Bert James, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at the age of 82 years. Mona was born and raised in Drumheller. She married Bert December 27, 1949 in Drumheller and began farming near Munson the following year. Their five children were born while on the farm. They retired to Drumheller in 1970 and later to Airdrie. Ramona is survived by her children Linda Baron, Connie (Doug) Lester; Fay Ann Wallace, Dan James (Marilyn Wallace) and Christine (Brad) Wiebe, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sister Pat (Phil) Grenier and sister-in-law Dale Palmquist as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ramona was predeceased by her husband Bert, son-in-law Howard Baron, brother Tony Palmquist and half-brother Howard Pitts. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, Alberta) on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.  Graveside Service to follow at Airdrie Cemetery.  Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandhollo
way.com. In living memory of Mona James, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Airdrie, 300 TOWERLANE DRIVE, AIRDRIE, AB. Telephone: 1-800-661-1599

PETERS, Johanne Lokken

July 30, 1924 - May 22, 2015

Friday, May 22, 2015 was a sad day for those who love Johanne Peters when her life of almost 91 years came to an end.   She was surrounded by family and was ready to leave this earth.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Flemming Peters, her children Sharon Mulder (Roy), Colin LaBerge (Jo-Anne), Dixie Gutwald (Dwayne), 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren as well as her older sister Dorthea Christianson and twin sister Martha Wagner (Jack), sisters-in-law Betty Wakeford (Dale) and Ebba Dyck as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her death was preceded by that of her father Christian Lokken Andersen in 1964, her husband Raymond LaBerge in 1968, her mother Ingeborg Stentebjerg Andersen in 1981 and her son-in-law Mark Gutwald in 2006.

Johanne Lokken Peters (nee Andersen and formerly LaBerge) was the surprise bonus baby delivered after her twin sister Martha on July 30, 1924.  Martha and Johanne were the first twins born at the Wayne, Alberta hospital.

Johanne lived almost all of her life in the Dalum area.  She spent her first years on the farm adjacent to the Blue Spring School. The family moved east to their Dalum farm above East Coulee in 1939. Johanne went to Olds College in 1943 where she took a program for farm wives (from carpentry to first aid to sewing) and moved to Calgary in 1946 where she was a cook at the Tea Kettle Inn.  She married Raymond LaBerge of High River in 1948 and they farmed in that area until 1951 when they moved to the home farm east of Dalum where they raised their family. Sadly Raymond died of cancer in 1968 but Johanne, with farming in her blood, stayed on the farm until a few years before her death.  

In 1975 Johanne married Flemming Peters and they farmed together until renting out the land in 1993.  They continued to live on the farm until they moved to their Drumheller condo in 2011.  They had loved farming together and missed living in the country.  Johanne used to drive the grain truck while Flemming drove the combine and he said, “I never had to wait with a full hopper, Jo was always there to unload on the fly which saved precious time…and she still somehow had hot meals ready”. They were a great team as she always knew what needed to be done to help Flemming with the farm work.  

Johanne loved gardening, preserving, sewing, knitting & crocheting.  Cooking and baking were her passions and she often said to guests at meal time, “Eat as much as you possibly can”!  She was a member of the Dalum Friendship Club for 64 years (although not active for the last few) and enjoyed the camaraderie.  

She cherished the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and as Bestemor, together with Bestefar, enjoyed entertaining and indulging them.  Sometimes grandchildren enjoyed extended visits experiencing farm life and in time there were wonderful visits from great-grandchildren too.

Johanne lived the last 2 ½ years of her life in Drumheller Continuing Care where Flemming visited her every afternoon. Unfortunately she gradually lost her ability to communicate over the last few years but was still cheerful. The family is most grateful to the staff there for the wonderful care she received in spite of how very busy they are.

There will be an open house and celebration of Johanne’s life at the Dalum hall on Sunday, June 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. No flowers or cards please, your thoughts are more than enough.  If you wish, donations can be made to Drumheller Continuing Care.

GRAHAM, Jean Elizabeth (Weaver)

January 21, 1929 - May 3, 2015

Jean Elizabeth (Weaver) Graham of Airdrie, AB suddenly passed away May 3, 2015 at the age of 86. Jean Graham was born in Telkwa, B.C., Canada, January 21, 1929 to Alfred William Weaver and Elizabeth Jean (Wiseman) Weaver/Paulhus. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Brother William Weaver, and Husband of 56 years James Fredrick Graham. After her husband’s retirement from the RCAF they ran the ESSO bulk agency in Carbon. Jean was a masterful mother managing seven unruly children providing homemade bread, jams, wines, and baking to die for. Jean and her husband James were avid gardeners filling 6 town lots with all manner of vegetables. Her prowess with knitting needles and crocket hooks was unsurpassed, creating original designs for many people. When personal computers were in their infancy she was transcribing the town history book. Jean is survived by her seven children - Charles William Graham and wife Wendy (Weigel), children Ryan (3 great grandchildren - Hailey, Nathan, Alyssa), Tess, James (1 great grandchild Mina); Hilda Jean (Graham) Harsch and husband Terry, children Corie (great grandchild Sanez), Amberlie, Jileane; James Alfred Graham and wife Margaret (Myers), child Faith; Dawn Elizabeth (Graham) Hancock and husband Gordon, children Micah, Jessica; Robert Bruce Graham and Michelle (Lebsack), children Robert-James, Scott, Taliesin, Step Children Ryan Borson, Curtis Borson; David Frederick Graham and the late Barbara (Cunningham), child Steven; Duane Edward Graham, children Connor, Michelle. Also survived by her sister, Ruth (Weaver) Herman, and her brother, Robert Paulhus, wife Roxanne (Balint) Paulhus and sister-in-law Doreen (Etmanski) Weaver . Memorial Service will be held at Carbon, AB, at the Carbon town hall September 5 2015 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Alberta, 200 119 - 14 St. NW, Calgary AB, T2N 1Z6.