Obits | DrumhellerMail
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Last updateThu, 12 Dec 2024 5pm

Condolences to the family of Mary Agnes Coe

MaryCoe bw

August 30, 1934 - November 13, 2024

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of longtime Drumheller resident Mary Agnes Coe, widow of Richard (Dick) Coe and beloved mother of Steven, Brian and Greg Coe. Mom passed away peacefully in the presence of family at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the age of 90.
Mom was born on August 30, 1934, on her parents’ small dairy farm located in the Pembina River Valley at LaRiviere in southern Manitoba. In this idyllic setting, she was raised by her loving parents, Edgar and Janet Boyd. The youngest of 4 children, she tagged along after her much older siblings Kathleen, Edgar and Edith, working hard at farm and household chores. Mom was an excellent student and also enjoyed the many adventures available to free-range farm kids in those days, including swimming in the river that ran through their pasture, picking wild strawberries and tracking down new-born farm kittens in the woods. A fond memory was skipping school one day in Grade 7 to deliver farm-fresh milk to the townsfolk of LaRiviere while her father was busy cutting hay. Having no idea how to drive a car, Mom was perched on a wooden box so she could see out of the windshield, given a short course by her dad on how to use the clutch, gas and brakes, then sent on her way with strict instructions to stay in first or second gear and not to back up! Somehow, she made the rounds that day, the milk was delivered, and no lives were lost in the process!
Upon completion of high school Mom attended business college in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Following graduation she headed west to Calgary, Alberta where she found employment as a secretary with Gulf Oil. Shortly after her arrival in Calgary a former school classmate from her hometown introduced her to a friend of his, a handsome young RCMP officer by the name of Richard (Dick) Coe. The relationship subsequently blossomed, and Mom married the love of her life July 31, 1953. Mom and Dad were soulmates for 63 years, until Dad’s passing in 2016.
Mom and Dad moved from Calgary to Drumheller, Alberta in 1959 to pursue an opportunity in the insurance industry, opening their own successful claims adjusting business, Crosland Peacock (Drumheller) Ltd. While busy raising their 3 sons, mom also worked hard as a housewife and as a vital part of running the family business for many years.
Following retirement in the 1990’s, Mom pursued her loves of gardening, travel, golf, bridge and fitness. Mom could often be seen around Drumheller well into her 80’s riding her bicycle on the bike trails out to Rosedale or the Little Church or working out at the gym in the Badlands Recreational Facility. Mom was also very active in the community, serving as President of the Drumheller Kinette Club and the Ladies Golf Club as well as volunteering with The Salvation Army raising money at Christmas and looking after the kitties at the Drumheller Humane Society.
Mom also had quite a sense of adventure, probably left over from her childhood days on the farm. She obtained her Private Pilot’s License while in her late 30’s, learned to downhill ski in her 40’s and for her 75th birthday she bungee jumped off one of the highest bridges in New Zealand. As her many Drumheller friends will attest, she was a feisty gal!
Mom is survived by her three sons, Steven (Johara) and Brian (Theresa) of Calgary, and Gregory (Heather) of Stettler. She is also survived by her brother, Edgar Boyd, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, as well as by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom also leaves behind her beloved feline companion KatyKat. She was predeceased by her husband Richard as well as by her parents, Edgar and Janet Boyd, and her sisters, Kathleen and Edith.
At Mom’s request there will be no funeral service. An internment alongside Dad in the columbarium at the Drumheller Municipal Cemetery will take place at later date, arrangements courtesy of Courtney Winters Funeral Homes of Drumheller. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Drumheller Humane Society or Peggie’s Feline Rescue Society of Drumheller would be appreciated.
The family would also like to extend a very special thanks to the doctors, nurses and other staff at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary who provided outstanding care and kindness to Mom and our family during her final days. They could not have been more caring and respectful during this very difficult time.


Condolences to the family of Helen Anne Berlando (née Looten)

HelenBerlando

May 3, 1932 - November 21, 2024

Our beloved Mother, “Nonie,” aunt, and friend, Helen Anne Berlando (née Looten) passed away peacefully at the Drumheller Health Centre with family by her side on November 21, 2024, at the age of 92 years.
Helen was born on May 3, 1932, in Drumheller, Alberta to parents Jeanne and Henri Looten. She had three older siblings: Jeanne, Henry, and Johnny. When she was four years old, her family returned to France—where their ancestors were from—for a few months but came back to Canada before the onset of World War II. Helen’s mother, having survived World War I, could feel the war coming. After they returned to Drumheller, her father built a new home in Newcastle overlooking the Red Deer River and worked as a miner and mechanic.
In 1953, Helen married the love of her life, Roger Berlando. They enjoyed over 61 years together raising their three sons, Dwayne, Perry, and Darrell. Roger initially worked in the Star Mine, and they later moved so he could work in the Alberta Hotel in Rosedale. They went on to own and run the Rosedale Hotel for three years. After selling the hotel, the family moved to Drumheller. Helen enjoyed many jobs and excelled at everything she did, including bookkeeping and Secretary-Treasurer for St Anthony’s School.
As a young lady, Helen loved spending time with her girlfriends—walking uptown and in the hills of the Badlands and going out to the movies. One of her early joys was riding the first girl’s bike her brother Henry brought back from his time serving in the War. Later, Helen developed a love for curling that never faded. After she no longer played the sport, she continued to watch it with enthusiasm. Helen adored her friends and belonged to her cherished card group that faithfully got together biweekly for fun and fellowship. Helen’s passion for travelling was ignited after she took a trip to Europe with her older sister Jeanne. She went on to explore other locations with friends and family, journeying as far as Taiwan with her son and daughter-in-law to visit her granddaughter. She also enjoyed baking and visiting casinos, but her favourite activity was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—especially bringing them together to celebrate family occasions.
Beyond all that she did for her family and friends, Helen believed in fostering community and was an active volunteer and Catholic, volunteering with the CWL for over 60 years. She valued visiting community members at the lodge, hospital, and Continuing Care to help with mass. Helen received a certificate of Honour for her contributions to the Drumheller District Health Services (DDHS).
She will be missed by her sons, Dwayne (Laura Lee) and Darrell (Laurie); daughter-in-law, Tish; grandchildren, Maria (Tyler), Michele (Luc), Amy (Jordan), Jeremy, Ashley (Ross), Liana (Aaron), Nicole (Jack), Talon (Teryn), and Tarren (Corey); 17 great-grandchildren and one more on the way; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Besides her loving husband, Roger Berlando, Helen was predeceased by her son, Perry, her parents, Henri and Jeanne Looten; siblings, Jeanne Pallesen Fields, Henry Looten, and Johnny Looten; as well as many other friends and family.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish 151 3 St W, Drumheller. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 29, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish. A reception and lunch will follow the service at the St. Anthony’s Parish Hall.

Condolences to the family of Lorne David Graham

LorneGraham

November 30, 1932 - November 17, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Lorne Graham.
Lorne was born in Tompkins, Saskatchewan, to parents, Muriel and Alexander Graham. He was the second of four children.
He married Grace Halliday on May 6, 1955. They moved to Calgary, Alberta that same day where Lorne began work for the Union Milk Company, a job he truly enjoyed. They soon welcomed a daughter Shirley and two sons Kenneth and Cameron. They followed their hearts back to the farm and bought some land north of Delia in the Victor area in 1965. They enjoyed their life together raising their family, crops, cattle, pigs and chickens. Grace passed away in 2006. Lorne continued to work and live on the farm until he moved to Drumheller to start his semi-retirement. He reconnected with a childhood friend, Dolly Schermerhorn and they enjoyed many activities together including square dancing, travelling, camping and still some harvest duties. Lorne proudly drove the combine for the last time in 2022 at the age of 90.
Lorne was predeceased by his parents, his son Ken, his wife Grace, his brother Cliff, his son-in-law Bob Greer, and his special friend Dolly.
He is survived by his daughter Shirley (Paul), grandchildren Jodie, Stacey, Tamara (Mark), and Nathan. His son Cameron (Tammy), grandsons Colby (Nicole) and Connor. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren; Kaylea Greer, Kendra Greer, Chloe Greer, Phoenix Minor-Greer, Broxx Minor-Greer, Ryder Graham, Parker Graham, as well as his chosen family Betty and Lloyd Klassen, Harvey and Heather Schermerhorn, sisters Helen Mickey, and Jean Caron, sisters in law Joan Dimmock and Margaret Graham.
A Funeral Service honouring Lorne’s life was held Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at the Delia Community Centre, and a luncheon followed. Donations may be made in memory of Lorne to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation (Continuing Care).