Obits | DrumhellerMail - Page #177
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Condolences to the family of Bessie (Elizabeth Irene) Smith (nee Martin)

BessieSmith

SMITH (nee Martin)
Bessie
Elizabeth Irene)

April 13, 2021

Bessie passed away suddenly and peacefully on April 13, 2021 at Drumheller Acute Care subsequent to her 94th birthday.
She has happily gone on to join Jim, her beloved husband of 55 years. She is lovingly remembered by her son George, her daughter Darlene, her grandchildren Jason
and Leanne, her sister-in-law Edythe Martin and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. We not only remember her quiet, shy manner but also her
wonderfully wry humour.
Bessie was born to Ed and Emily Martin at the farm south-east of Michichi----finally a girl after five boys. She rode horseback to attend a small country school (Nicolls) from Grade 1 to Grade 9. She attended high school in Drumheller and stayed at the dormitory. She studied to become a teacher in Calgary and returned to teach in the Starland Division at Handhills, Golden Grain, Munson and Lloyd George schools. On August 3rd, 1949 she married the love of her life, Jim Smith, moved to the Smith farm and stayed home to raise her 2 children. Bessie returned to teaching in 1962 at Majestic School and taught between there and Delia until her retirement in 1986. And yes, she could still remember most of her students. She and Jim moved to Delia in 1972 and she moved to Drumheller in 2004. In her retirement, Bessie was involved with volunteering at Riverview Terrace Condos where she lived. Bessie always loved music and playing her organ and keyboard (mostly by ear). She also loved to knit and made many baby sweaters and pairs of socks. Most of all she adored her grandchildren.
Bessie was predeceased by her parents, her five brothers (Oliver, Willis, Harold, George and Vernal) and four sisters-in-law (Edith, Muriel, Doris and Margaret).
A special thanks to her loving caregivers (Chris, Karen and Monica to name a few), her home care workers and nurses who she came to know and love over the years and the doctors, nurses, neighbours and friends who cared for her and helped her stay in her condo until the last day.
Due to COVID and Bessie’s wishes, there will not be a formal funeral service. Memories can be shared online at Courtney-Winters Funeral Home. Internment at the Delia Cemetery will follow at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Bessie’s memory may be made to STARS, Delia Cemetery Committee (nelsonkarg@gmail.com) or a charity of your choice.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements 403-823-2666.


Condolences to the family of Vincent Clifford Maruzs

VinceMaruzs

MARUZS
Vincent Clifford

February 3, 1958 - April 3, 2021

Vincent Clifford Maruzs, 63, of Carbon, Alberta passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 3, 2021. Our hearts are completely devastated by his unexpected passing, and the lives of those who loved Vince have been changed forever. We have sadly lost a man who meant so much to so many people. Vince had the most kind, generous, and genuine heart. His presence in our lives will be deeply missed. Although Vince may be gone from us in body, take solace in knowing we all carry a piece of him with us in our hearts that can never be forgotten.
Vince is lovingly remembered by his mother Dorothy Maruzs whom he dearly loved, his children Ericka Anderson (Travis), and Logan Maruzs (Jessie) who all
meant the world to him as well as his granddaughter Alaina Anderson who was his most precious treasure on earth. Also left to mourn Vince are his three sisters,
Sandra Schneider (Rob), Karen Wells (Simon) and Kimberly Stuckless (Rick), as well as numerous other relatives, friends and neighbours. Vince was predeceased
by his father Vincent Maruzs Sr., his grandparents Vincent and Lydia Maruzs and Golsby and Jessie McCracken as well as his Uncle Fred Maruzs and Uncle Don Langley.
Due to current restrictions, a small private family service will be held to honour Vince’s memory. At a later date, when permissions allow, a Celebration of Life will be arranged for those who would like to come together and remember Vince.
We would like to encourage friends and family to share written condolences on Vince’s obituary page. This can be done by going to myalternatives.ca and searching for Vince’s name under obituaries. There will be an option to leave a message if you would like. The family would find comfort in any kind words or special memories you may have to share about Vince.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to S.T.A.R.S.

Condolences to the family of Kathleen "Kate" Ann Lindsy Heptonstall

KateHeptonstall

HEPTONSTALL
Kathleen “Kate”
Ann Lindsy

April 25, 1948 - April 2, 2021

It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of KATHLEEN “KATE” ANN LINDSY HEPTONSTALL, at home in Lethbridge, where she was comfortable in her surroundings, on Friday, April 2, 2021, at the age of 73 years.
She leaves to mourn her loving son, Matthew Patterson, niece and nephew: Natasha and Rylee Clark and Aunt Vera Brumwell in Victoria B.C., as well as other relatives, and a host of friends across the country.
Kate was born to Robert and Winnie Boyd in Stettler, Alberta on April 25, 1948. She was best friends with her sister Shannon Boyd, and the two defeated every speed bump life threw them.
She attended school in Stettler, and upon graduation met the man she married; Robert Bruce Patterson. Kate and Bruce had a son, Matt, adopted another boy, Kelly, and in 1973, moved to the town of Drumheller, as Bruce was transferred for Alberta Power.
In 1975, Kate schooled herself to become a secretary, and that blossomed into working with handicapped children and administrating the Outreach Program, which is still operating to this day.
Kate met Dale Heptonstall, and began a long relationship as husband and wife, happily living their dreams and travelling around North America to see the sights and sounds. She adored Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Peggy’s Cove, as well as the mountains in Waterton. She loved the ocean most of all.
Kate was well known and respected wherever she lived, as people who came in contact with her frequently ended up becoming friends with her.
Always lending a hand to underprivileged people, or a hurt/stray animal, she was an unselfish person to people who came in contact with her. As a woman who had seen almost everything, she always bounced back from troubles and remained positive through it all. Kate always found the light in situations, and that spread to the people in her close circle, showing what a fine role model she was for her family. Always having a great sense of humour, she kept things positive even in the darkest of times. Her home was always filled with love and laughter, proving Christmas at Kate’s for the holidays was as good as going to Grandma’s house for the festivities.
In 2010, she moved to Claresholm, then Lethbridge, where she could be closer to her son, sister, and her niece and nephew.
Kate greatly enjoyed live concerts, and entertainment, finally getting to see as many as possible on a regular basis, from Celtic Thunder, to meeting Randy Bachman, or sitting on stage with Dr. Hook playing mere feet away, to actually seeing a live Kiss concert with her son Matt. As a regular entertainment connoisseur, she even enjoyed the Lethbridge Airshows and live stage plays. She was the ultimate mother for her son, who enjoyed seeing every show with her, no matter what the genre.
Kate had a curious nature where she would constantly consume information about anything and everything; spiritual and meditational pursuits, homemaking, as well as a sizable book collection which she would delve into frequently. Never leaving a stone unturned, Kate was wise in many aspects of life, and that made her indispensable to her family.
She was the best mother/aunt a child could have. Being a loving friend, disciplinarian, and nurturer made Kate a confidant to many people. She could see a skill in
someone, and coax it out of the person. She bought her son Matt his first small drum set for Christmas in 1983, which turned into a 20-year drumming career, as well as enabling him to work in the music business for a long time with veteran professionals. This all due to her one act of motherly love nearly 40 years ago. She was iconic.
“There is still a beat, but the music is gone, and you’re the song my heart wants to hear.”
“I wish you knew how much of you is in everything I do. It can be the smallest thing...trivial...mundane...but you’re in there. Under the surface of it somewhere.
I wish you knew how I carry you with me always...everywhere I go.”
At Kate’s request, no formal funeral will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Last Chance Cat Ranch, P.O. Box 30025 Park Place, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4X3.
To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com