CASTONGUAY: Norma  1939 - 2006

It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother, Norma. She died suddenly on Friday, September 8, 2006 at the Drumheller Hospital. Mom was born May 28, 1939 in Wilkie, Saskatchewan. She grew up in Rosetown where she met and married Edmond.

Norma is survived by Edmond, her husband and best friend of 47 years; her daughters Corrine (Don), Bonnee (Murray), Sandra (Marty); and son Joe (Shawna). Mom was blessed with 10 grandchildren and they were the light of her life - Ron, Ryan and Shaun Collett, Nicole, Lindsey and Brendan Shanks, Mitchel and Jared Weymark, Cort and Rhylan Castonguay. She is also survived by her sisters Rita Ehr, Janette Sapsford and Mary Jensen. Brothers Ed and Rick Fahl. Welcoming Norma in Heaven are her two infant sons, her parents, Peter and Agnes Fahl, brother Harold, and sister Johanna. Mom’s personality and zest for life shone through many avenues from her colourful wardrobe complete with matching accessories, nails and lipstick to her beautiful yard that she and Dad loved to work on together to her immaculate home. Her job that she loved most was that of librarian at St. Anthony’s School that she held for 19 years where she was affectionately known by the staff and students as “Mrs. C”. After taking some time off from the work force she started helping out at the One Stop Paint Shop. She loved the customers, picking out colours and keeping the store in tip-top condition. She was very active in the community and volunteered with the CWL, the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary and the Passion Play choir. Mom also prepared the altar cloths and linens for the church for 37 years. She was an active bridge player, member of the Red Hat Society, and an avid card and board game player with her grandchildren and friends. She loved golf and making crafts for her family. Mom and Dad were able to spend many enjoyable winters in Arizona where they made many good friends and memories. She also loved entertaining in her home where she made you feel welcome anytime.

Prayers were held Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. at Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 2 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Norma to the Drumheller Hospital Foundation towards the purchase of the new ultrasound machine.

MERKEL: Joseph Francis

Joe was born in Drumheller, AB on September 4, 1922 to John and Katherine Merkel. He spent his early years working in the mines in the valley and later trained to become a certified welder. He worked for Mannix and owned his own welding shops before moving out to the farm in the Wintering Hills area in 1952. He farmed and operated his own mobile grain cleaning business for many years before retiring to Drumheller in 1977. He passed away peacefully in Drumheller Hospital on September 6, 2006. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosa, of 62 years who was by his side through all the many moves, challenges and endeavors that life presented them with. He is also survived by his daughters Linda (Clifford) Christensen, and Sandy (Joe) Sinclair, grandchildren Sheldon (Katherine) Christensen, Wendell (Jodi) Christensen, Tara Sinclair, Tanya (Rad) Tulan and eight great grandchildren, Brett, Brandon, Jennaya, Jerad, Erin, Austin, Kalie, and Daran, sister Mary Gratz, brothers-in-law Neils and Tom Mortensen and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be forever missed by his family and friends. Memorial service was held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dalum, on Saturday, September 9, 2006, with Pastor Dan Hendrickson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to S.T.A.R.S.

PAVICH: Karolina  1917 - 2006

After a long struggle, Karolina Pavich passed away at the Drumheller Hospital on September 9, 2006. Born in Liesek in the Republic of Slovakia, she is survived by her daughter Mary and her brother Martin. Karolina was predeceased by her parents Tomas and Anna Bucek, and by her loving husband Frank. She worked at the former Corner Restaurant and then at the T.R. Ross Nursing Home for a number of years. She loved her garden and flowers, along with reading.  A prayer vigil will be held on Thursday, September 14th at the funeral home and funeral services will be held at St. Anthony’s Church on Friday, September 15th at 11 a.m. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.