In Memoriam – 2017
Mary Townsend
November 19, 1919 – November 9, 2017
Mary Townsend passed away quietly peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at the age of 97 years. She will be remembered with love by her sons, Ray (Lori), Bob (Christine), her daughter Mary Anne (Jim) Hayward and seven grandchildren: David (Nova-Lee), Jan, Cathy (Loren), Gina (Kelly), Leana (Faron), Ken (Carmen), and Brian (Breanne). She will also be sadly missed by her fifteen great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Eleanor Townsend and Maureen Weiszbeck, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Stan, in 1988, her parents, Adam and Bridget Weiszbeck, and her brothers Philip, Joe, John, Willie and Jerome. Her sister, Jennie, passed away one week after Mary on November 16. Mary was born on November 19, 1919 near Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. She met Stan in Medicine Hat and they married in 1940. When the children were all in school, she went to work as a bookkeeper, retiring from Western Co-op Fertilizer in 1983, as an accounting clerk. In 1969, Stan and Mary bought a cabin in Elkwater where generations of their family spent many happy times. In her retirement, Mary volunteered, learned to play golf, played cards, travelled, and enjoyed her garden. She also taught yoga at the Family Y until she was 80 years old. The family would like to thank the staff of Chinook Village and later River Ridge Retirement Village for the care and compassion she received on her stay at these facilities.
Hector Herman Schneider
July 25, 1925 – October 30, 2017
Hector Herman Schneider, beloved husband of Violina “Vi” Schneider of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, October 30th, 2017 at the age of 92 years. Hector also leaves to cherish his memory one son, Doug Schneider (Nasim Karimi); one daughter, Gerri Schneider; one son-in-law, Brian Langevin; three grandchildren, Josh Schneider, Jesse Schneider and D-Jay Schneider; one sister, Irene Eaton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Hector was predeceased by one son, Robert Dale Schneider, in infancy; one daughter, Marilyn Langevin; his parents, Herman and Louise Schneider; and three brothers, Milbert (Naomi) Schneider, Bill (Edna) Schneider and Kenny (Mary) Schneider. Hector was born on July 25th, 1925 in Surprise, Saskatchewan and was raised in the Schuler district. He married Violina Eagle on June 30th, 1949 in Medicine Hat. Hector and Vi bought land in Maple Creek and created a successful pure-bred cattle herd for the next 25 years. In October of 1976 they sold the ranch and moved to Wetaskawin where Hector became a Hereford consultant. In 1983 they moved to Medicine Hat and worked the pure-bred cattle sales promoting the Hereford breed. Hector was a member of the Senior Slow Pitch, the Moose Lodge and the Connaught Golf Club where he enjoyed many games of golf with friends.
Vera Hendoersn
1927 – October 19, 2017
Vera Henderson passed away at the age of 90 glorious years on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. She will be remembered with love, by her son, Dr. Scott Henderson (Nadine Yeo), her daughter, Kim Bernbaum (Harvey) and granddaughters, Talia Bernbaum (Robert Birrell) and Piper Bernbaum, who were totally cherished by their “Granny”. She will be deeply missed by her elder sister, Joyce Deiner of Brandon, Manitoba and also leaves behind a legion of terrific nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews as well as many loyal friends and neighbours. She was particularly attached to the large and robust Henderson side of her family who always supported and enjoyed the company of Vera and Larry throughout their married life. Vera was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Dr. Larry Henderson, daughter in law, Patrician Henderson and grandson, Mathew Henderson, sister, Florence Maynes (Dr. Earl Maynes), brother, Don Featherstone (Lee), and brother-in-law, Lloyd Deiner.
Vera was born in Lemberg, Saskatchewan, her father a car dealer, having emigrated from England. Her career as an educator began in a one room school house in the Qu’appelle Valley of Saskatchewan teaching grades 1 to 9, culminating in her dream job as an elementary school teacher / librarian for 12 years at Vincent Massey School in Medicine Hat, retiring in 1986 when she became a member of the Medicine Hat and District Retired Teachers Association. She loved her career and was a born educator with a well deserved reputation for an acute memory of facts, names, dates, relationships and sports. She received the coveted ‘Honoured Educator Award’ award in 1992 from the Medicine Hat School district. She was an unstoppable Westminster United Church supporter where after years of working on committees and bake sales, she turned her attention to her new love – crocheting prayer shawls, despite having lost her sight. It was an integral part of her life to support her husband Larry in the numerous committees and volunteer organizations of which he was a forceful yet subtle participant. They were a team in and out of the house and everyone knew that if they engaged one, they would automatically get both their tireless efforts. Vera will be missed by all.
Patricia May Connell
June 27, 1943 – October 15, 2017
Patricia May Connell (nee Patterson) of Medicine Hat, passed away on Sunday, October 15th, 2017 at the age of 74 years. Patricia leaves to cherish her memory her son, Chris Connell of Drumheller; her daughter, Alana (Scott) Lanz of Etzikom; grandchildren, Hannah Connell, William Connell, Tyler Eresman, Sarah Eresman, Brandt Lanz and Eden Lanz; one sister, Jean (Robert) Berndt; one brother, Wally Patterson; as well as cousins, Kathy Morvick, Marvin Morvick and Sharon Stredwick. Patricia was predeceased by an infant daughter, Rachel Erin Connell; her parents, Robert and Katie Patterson; two uncles, Ruben (Evelyn) Stredwick and Vic Stredwick; and her cousin, Ralph Stredwick.
Patricia was born on June 27th, 1943 in Eastend, Saskatchewan. She worked for various companies including Cypress View Foundation, Medicine Hat Golf Club, Casino and office manager at Pad Car Mechanical. Patricia was very active with her church; having served on the board, in the choir and bookkeeping. She loved photography and travelling, especially to Fairmont. Patricia will be missed dearly by all those who knew and loved her.
The Funeral Service will be held at WESTMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 101 – 6th Street SE, on Thursday, October 19th, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Chelsea Masterman and Reverend Jan Stevenson co-officiating. A private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Patricia’s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, c/o Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6 or the the Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1.
Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Patricia Connell