In Memoriam – 2015
EDWARD HENRY KORNELSON
March 10th, 1930 – December 6th, 2015
Ed Kornelson, beloved husband of Doris, passed away peacefully at the Riverview Care Centre in Medicine Hat on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at the age of 85 years. Along with Doris, his loving wife of over 59 years, Ed’s memory will live on in the hearts of his three daughters, Janet (Pat) Janzer, Wendy (Tom) Beach and Patti (Todd) Penner of Kelowna; six grandchildren, Amy (Tyler) Deck, Matthew Janzer, Jade and Brett Beach, Ashton and Haleigh Penner as well as two great-grandchildren, Huxley and Rowen Deck. Ed is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Bob (Lorraine) Monkman and Jack (Audrey) Monkman as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Ronald, in 2006 as well as his parents, two sisters and three brothers.
Ed was born on March 10, 1930, in Indian Head, Saskatchewan. A hard worker and a focused individual, one of his first jobs had him working in construction, building roads and dams. He then moved on to the oil field, working with Alberta Gas Trunk Line before starting his own business, Kornelson Inspection. In 1973, while still working in the oil field, Ed and Doris purchased a farm. It was a labour of love, and he continued to work and farm up until their move to Medicine Hat in 1996, retiring in 2000. During retirement, Ed made the most of each opportunity to golf, travel or just spend some time relaxing while gardening. He was a longtime member of the Shriners and a tireless advocate for the Shriners Hospital for Children. Every year, he looked forward to participating with the Shriners in the Medicine Hat Stampede Parade. His generous nature and kind heart will not soon be forgotten.
Mary Catherine Becker
Jan 7, 1922 – July 17th, 2015
Mary Catherine Becker was born on January 7th, 1922 in Abbey, Saskatchewan to James Haggart and Catherine McQuarrie from Nova Scotia. She was born as the first daughter into what became a large family of 12. She is predeceased by her brothers, Daniel, David, James, Bennie, Charlie, and George; her sisters, Lorraine, Lillian, and Margery; her father, James; her mother, Catherine; her first husband, James Chapman; her second husband, Alexander Becker; and her grandson, Graeme Porter. Mary is survived by her daughter, Myrna (Keith) Porter and their children, Sean and his son, Keenan, Devin (Alexandria) and their son, Xavior, and Kendra; her daughter, Norma Jean Lindsay (Ray Fewer) and her children, Brad and Kimberly; her daughter, Edith (Tim) Peddly; her sister, Pearl Becker; her brother, Wayne Haggart; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom lived a full and happy life. She worked hard growing up in Abbey to earn enough money to be able to go to Normal School in Moose Jaw to become a school teacher. She taught in one room schools and enriched many children’s lives. She met her first husband, Jim Chapman at this time in her life and had a beautiful daughter, Myrna. Tragedy struck and she lost her love in an overturned canoe in the South Saskatchewan River while they were living in Empress, Alberta.
Mom struggled through this and eventually married Alexander Becker and had two more children, Norma and Edith. They moved to Gull Lake and farmed just north of Carmichael, Saskatchewan. They farmed and raised cattle. Mom was very industrious and she and Alex were able to build a good life in Gull Lake, involved in the community and making many treasured friendships.
In 1978 they moved to Medicine Hat where they settled into the community. They travelled to many places and were involved with the Hill Billy Band, Citizen’s Advocacy, bowling, and the Moose. Mom continued her love of painting and writing.
She loved her children and grandchildren and spent many hours moulding them into loving and responsible adults. She always had time for everyone, and always had a pot of soup or a cup of tea available and readily offered. She kept busy canning, sewing, cooking, and cleaning. She never let anything get her down. She kept contact with family through letters and maintained friendships from her days at Normal School in Moose Jaw.
As age began to catch up both her and Alex moved to the Valleyview Care Centre and she lost Alex after 62 years of marriage.
Mom passed away on Friday, July 17th, 2015 peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit. She will be sadly missed because she was the rock and the foundation that instilled us with the importance of love, forgiveness, family, hard work and the beauty of all that surrounds us.
May Evelyn Cooper
1930 – July 3rd, 2015
May Evelyn Cooper of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Jim Cooper, passed away on Friday, July 3rd, 2015 at the age of 85 years. To cherish her memory are daughters, Linda (Lyle) Ehrman and Lorraine (Michael) Cooper-Morton; six grandchildren, Brad (Monika) Ehrman and their daughters, Amara and Sonia, Kelli (Rans) Tsinkorang and their son, Dreydon, Mark (Sandy) Ehrman and their children, Brandon, Reece and Connor, Jeff (Melissa) Morton, Jordan Morton (Kait), and Lindsay Morton; three sisters-in-law, Betty Cooper, Kitty Morrison, and Jean Morrison; numerous nieces and nephews; and many close friends. May was predeceased by her husband, Jim on December 5th, 2000; her parents, John and Alice Morrison; and three brothers, Reg, Jimmy, and Ted Morrison.
May was born in Lethbridge, and raised in Lethbridge, Orion and Medicine Hat graduating from Alexandra High School. She attended teachers college in Edmonton and Calgary and taught in various southern Alberta areas before retiring to Etzikom to raise her family. May was a gentle, kind and honest woman who always thought the best of others and found good in everyone. She was an avid bridge player for many years. May will be loved, remembered and never forgotten.
John Hubbard
1940 – May 31st, 2015
John Hubbard of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Susan Hubbard, passed away on Sunday, May 31st, 2015 at the age of 73 years.
John leaves to cherish his memory his children, Peggy-Sue (Richard) Moore, Lori-Ann Hubbard (Chris Beardmore), and Shawn (Bobbi-Jo) Hubbard; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers; five sisters; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as John’s “sweetie”, Mabel Schafer. John was predeceased by his parents and one sister.
Marjorie Nieman
June 12, 1926 – May 7th, 2015
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Marjorie Nieman, our sweet mom, grandma (nana) and great-grandma. Heaven welcomed her with open arms on the morning of May 7, 2015. She had lived a full, happy and active life right up to her time in the hospital. Madge is survived by her children, Robert Allan of Medicine Hat; Debbie (Brian) of Calgary and David (Rita) of Millarville; grandchildren Tamara (Brad), Jillaine (Jay), Brent (Lynsey), Blair, Jodie, Stacy (Nadine); step-grandson, Mike and children; great-grandchildren, Carlin, Jorja, Taylore, Shelby, Caden, Logan, Wyatt, Olivia, Rylund, Brooklyn and Treydon. She was a special Auntie to many nieces and nephews here and in England. Madge had a special bond and love for her dear friends, Lynn Solley, Lil McDougall + (2014) and Pat Melidonis +. Madge was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Elmer (2009) and her second son, Larry (1975).
Madge was born in Leeds, England on June 12, 1926, the youngest of five daughters, to James and Ada Tong. During WWII, Madge and Elmer first met in 1941. Their relationship and love for each other grew over the next four years even though they were always faced with the uncertainty of seeing each other again. They were married on October 9, 1945, in Leeds. Elmer returned to Canada with his troops before Madge who made the journey to Canada on her own, leaving England on June 6, 1946. Initially she was faced with longing and home sickness but quickly made life long friends with other War Brides and wives of Elmer’s CPR co-workers. Together their marriage was blessed with four children; Allan, Larry, Debbie and David. For 65 years, Madge enjoyed being part of her Canasta Club, playing her last evening of cards with friends on April 27. She was a member of the CPR Ladies Auxillary and still met on a regular basis for lunch with the War Brides. Madge and Elmer were long time members of the Westminster United Church. She had worked as a Unit Clerk at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for 15 years. Together, Elmer and Madge made several trips back to England over the years, as well as vacationing to Hawaii and Mexico. Once Elmer retired, they enjoyed being part of Good Sam’s, travelling in their motor home to Yuma, AZ., Elkwater and spending many summers at Pine Lake. Always, and most important to them both was being with family and their close friends. After Elmer’s passing, Madge chose to live each day to the fullest. She had deep faith and knew she would join her husband, son and so many other loved ones when it was her time.
Madge was able to enjoy more travel, returning to England, trips to Phoenix, PV Mexico and the Grand Canyon. Last summer she was keen to travel to Hope, Idaho for her grand-daughter’s wedding and camping with family for 10 days. Madge showed so much love and devotion to her family and to those who were like family to her. She was always excited and proud to share stories about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Madge amazed us all with her memory of any dates that held importance to her. “Mom….we will miss you deeply, Love you always, and will keep all our memories close to our Heart. We were blessed to have you as our Mom, Grandma and Great-grandma. Until we meet again sweet mom….”
Annie Stelter
May 29th, 1919 – April 14th, 2015
With saddened hearts, the family of Annie Stelter announce her passing on Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 at the age of 95 years. Left to cherish the memory of a dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are her daughter, Darlene (Rody) Marshall and their sons, Rory (Laural) and children, Katelyn, Ryan and Madison, and Shane (Fotoula) Marshall and children, Nicholas, Anna and Olivia; her son, Jack (Peggy) and their children, Kyle (Melanie) and children Nicholas and Markus, Tyson (Lorrie) and children Tryton, Taytem, Shyla, and Tavin, and Kristi (Craig) Sauter and children, Justis and Jarod; special nephew Marty (Peggy) and children Aaron and Mark, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Annie was predeceased by her husband, Johnnie Stelter; her parents, Nikolai and Charlotte Dalbak; her sister, Ingrid (Vic) Sturm; her mother and father-in-law, Rudolf and Christina Stelter; and numerous sister and brother in laws.
Annie was born to Norwegian parents, Nikolai and Charlotte Dalbak on May 29th, 1919. She married Johnnie Stelter on a cold winter day on December 27th, 1944. Her love and devotion to her children, Darlene and Jack, was evident throughout her life. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Annie pursued a teaching career in one-room schools with her last post at the Social Plains School walking to and from the Stelter farm to the little school house, stoking the fire and doing all the necessary requirements for a successful day at school. The door was always open in the Stelter home with friends welcomed with a cup of coffee and most often a fine meal at the table to follow. Annie loved to visit. There was music in the house as she was a piano player in an orchestra in the early years, for church, and, of course, “The Unmelodious Maids”, a delight to anniversary and birthday celebrations. In recognition of many years of faithful service at the organ in the Bindloss United Church, a lovely stained glass window was placed behind the organ alcove wall. Her appreciation of music was passed on to Darlene and Jack. Annie’s heart was in Bindloss where she was active in the community. She was recognized with the Governor General Award for volunteer service. A courageous woman was she — trundling down those gravel roads, rain or shine. Nothing stopped her from getting where she had to go, even if she was stuck and had to walk through the mud in her white high-heeled shoes or walking home at night because of a flat tire as the coyotes howled. No cell phones in those years! Annie enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, the love of nature, picking wild flowers – crocuses in the springtime, sunsets, bird watching, and walking through her grove of trees. She loved her solitude – reading, crosswords, playing solitaire by the hour, handiwork and Norway!
Annie was always ready for a good game of cribbage, smear and bridge. She loved to dance, especially the old time waltz with Jack. In 2003, Annie moved to Chinook Village in Medicine Hat leaving behind 83 years of country life. Her heart was in Bindloss in her big old house in the Social Plains District. She spoke so highly of her last visit to Norway with Kyle as her co-pilot. In 2015, Annie resided at Sunnyside where she lived out her final days. We have so many fond memories to treasure in our hearts of one so dear. Her devotion to her family is the legacy she will pass on to future generations. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Francis Cove
1920 – March 17, 2015
Frances Cove of Medicine Hat, passed away on Tuesday, March 17th, 2015 at the age of 95 years. Fran touched so many lives with her warm smile, kind heart and helping hands. She was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Tom and Caroline Smith both from Scotland. The family moved to Medicine Hat in the 1930’s where she completed high school and then went on to graduate from Medicine Hat General Hospital School of Nursing in 1941. Fran had two brothers, Bob (Audrey) Smith and John (Rachel) Smith also three sisters Dora (Wesley) Broad, Jessie (Nick) Shafer and Florence (Joe) Laczkowski and many nieces and nephews.
Fran married Barney Shannon on June 10, 1946 at Westminster United Church. They had four daughters Kathy (Wayne) Heller, Susan (Don) Cunningham, Joy (Larry) Biko and Laurie Shannon. Fran worked as a part-time nurse and spent her summers at the cabin in Elkwater (removing fish hooks and providing first aid to friends and neighbours). Fran was active in Beta Sigma Phi, Westminster United Church and MHGH Alumnae. In 1969, Barney passed away.
Fran married Chris Cove in 1970 gaining another daughter Terry (Jim) Drefs and son Dale (Donna) Cove. Fran and Chris were active members of the Medicine Hat Lawn Bowling Club and the Royal Canadian Legion, attending many events locally and around the province. Following Chris’s death in 1991, Mom kept busy and enjoyed trips with family and friends to New Zealand, Hawaii, Las Vegas and even a cruise around Panama! Later she moved to Chinook Village where she was still actively involved in the community. Fran opened her heart and her home to her many grandchildren (13) and great grandchildren (11) who always loved to visit Grandma. To know her was to love her.