Obits | DrumhellerMail

Condolences to the family of Winnifred (Winnie) Fay Peake

WinniePeake

PEAKE
Winnifred Fay
(Winnie)

October 12, 1943 - July 7, 2024
(Age 80)

It is with the greatest sadness and everlasting love that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mom, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma, daughter, sister, and aunt, Winnie Peake.
Winnie was born Winnifred Fay on October 12, 1943, in Bassano, AB to Jack and Jessie Kirkpatrick. She was the 4th of 5 children, growing up with her 3 brothers and 1 sister.
In June of 1962, she married Hugh Peake of Dorothy, AB, and their 62-year love story began. Winnie took great pride in her family and her home and asked for very little in return. She was very much respected by her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as all those who were blessed to have known her.
Winnie is survived by her husband Hugh, and their 4 children; daughter Videll Arsenault, her children Chase (Chelsea), Mason, and Logan, as well as her stepchildren, Reid, Danae (Sarah), Kelsey, and their children, Kinley, Emmy, and Elliot; daughter Jackie Fraser (Geoff), their sons, Ryan (Becca), their children Cy and Wren, and Brendan (Erin); daughter Connie Williams (Clay); and son Ross (Karen), their children Morgan, and Laura. She is also survived by her sister, Sis Munro, and brothers Andy, and Dave (Judy), sister-in-law, Maxine Peake, brothers-in-law Ed Peake (Diane), and Jim Peake (Betty), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Jessie, and her brother, Doug, just 26 days before her own passing. She was also predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law Hugh and Claudia Peake, sister-in-law Shirley Kirkpatrick, and brothers-in-law Nick Munro and Russ Peake.
It is also necessary to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many doctors, nurses, and support staff, that helped make Winnie’s final days as comfortable as possible. An extra special thank-you to Dr. Olfert for his decades of care. He has continually gone above and beyond for our family, and we cherish him as a medical professional, a kind, supportive friend, and an overall compassionate human being.
A celebration of our wonderful Winnie will be held at 2:00 on July 19 at the Hussar Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to STARS, the Hussar Cemetery Fund, or the Drumheller Area Health Foundation.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Homes in care of arrangements. 403-823-2666.

Condolences to the family of Vella Dean McGechie (Byer)

VellaMcGechie

McGECHIE (Byer)
Vella Dean

May 22, 1932 - June 29, 2024

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Vella Dean McGechie at the Drumheller Hospital. We have lost our family matriarch.
Vella was born in Morrin, Alberta on May 22, 1932, and was the youngest of 4 children of Buzz and Lily Byer. She married her husband Robert (Bob) Davies McGechie in 1951. They raised their family of 4 daughters and 1 son in Morrin.
Vella and Bob worked together managing Imperial Oil in Morrin and Drumheller. They also worked together as custodians at the Morrin School, MD of Starland, and The Prairie Inn. She also volunteered at the Morrin United Church, Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary #67, Morrin Hall Board, and a list of other organizations.
After Bob’s passing in 2007, Vella moved to Drumheller to Manor 2, followed by moves to Sunshine Lodge, and finally Hillview Lodge. The family would like to thank the management and staff at both Sunshine and Hillview Lodges for their caring and the support they have shown our mother over the past several years.
Vella never lost her sense of humor and loved to “kibitz” with friends and family. A very strong woman, she would laugh equally hard on jokes about her, as jokes she told on others. She was a good listener, confidant and supplied us with so much loving advice over the years. Her door was always open, coffee on, and sometimes it was happy hour.
Vella is survived by her children: Sharlene Ryks, Lynn Orr, Gordon McGechie, Janice Brereton (Darryl), and Ellie Rosgen (Jeff). Grandchildren: Shawn, Jamie, Robert, Wayne, Elyse (Jeremy), Whitney (Adam), Tyler (Amanda), Chris (Farnaz), Steve (Eloise), and Dan (Jana). Great Grandchildren: Kiera, Aiden, Brooke, Madison, Dasha, Joni, Lily, Colt, Tommy, Lyanna, and Reyhan. Extended family: Wayne, Lenore, Angie, Cameron, Shantel, Erin and Ryan.
Vella was predeceased by her husband Bob, parents Buzz and Lily Byer, brothers Floyd and Bud, sister Betty, and son-in-law Leonard.
She will be forever missed by those who loved and knew her. She touched the hearts of many.
A memorial service for Vella and Bob McGechie will be held on Saturday, August 17 at 1:00 pm in the Morrin Community Hall.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements 403-823-2666.

Condolences to the family of Neil Cunningham

NeilCunningham

CUNNINGHAM
Neil

November 13, 1941 - July 2, 2024

Neil Cunningham, beloved husband of Marlene, passed away peacefully on July 02, 2024, at the age of 82 in Drumheller, AB from a combination of Aspiration Pneumonia, Dementia, and a broken heart (Marlene passed only 49 days prior).
Neil was born on November 13, 1941, in Lamont, AB but in 1944 the family moved to Alliston, ON. The family once again relocated, this time to Shelburne, ON in 1954. Neil spent his time playing sports and working on the family farm, but in 1975 he decided to make the move to Alberta, settling in the Drumheller area to continue his love of farming. Over the years, he worked as a farmhand at various farms in the Drumheller/Hanna area, making friends wherever he went. While in Hanna, he met the love of his life, Marlene and the two could be found bowling on the local league or at an area dance. After moving a couple of times, they made Drumheller their final home for over 30 years. When farming came to an end, Neil worked for the Town of Drumheller and Highway 9 but could always be found doing odd jobs for friends around the area. Neil was quiet and enjoyed time at home with family, playing cards and crokinole and was affectionately known as Pops by those close to him. He enjoyed bowling, watching/cheering for the Calgary Flames & Toronto Maple Leafs, and listening/dancing to old time country music. The last year of his life was spent in the Victoria Wing of the Drumheller Health Centre, being adored by the staff.
Neil is survived by his daughter Sherri (Trevor) Sitter of Calgary, AB, sister Lois (Bruce) Mason of Penticton, BC, brother Bob (Hilda) Cunningham of Mississauga, ON, sister Margaret Shoren of Rocky View County, AB and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. Neil was predeceased by his wife Marlene Cunningham, mother Iva Cunningham, and father John Cunningham.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Drumheller Municipal Cemetery (900 S Railway Avenue, Drumheller, AB) with Funeral Director Sean Grande officiating; a celebration of life & luncheon will follow at 12:00pm at the Nacmine Community Hall (119 3rd Street, Nacmine, AB).
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, or a charitable organization of your choosing.
Neil was a kind, quiet soul like his mom, and will be dearly missed by all.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 403-823-2666.

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