All Obituaries

Peggy was born on September 13, 1942, in Regina, Saskatchewan, to her mother Margaret Palmer. She spent her early childhood in Tate, Saskatchewan, before moving with her mother to Adolf Karl’s farm in the Barhill area, where she attended Barhill School.

Peggy worked as a telephone operator for AGT until 1965, when she married Jack Irvine, the love of her life. They settled in Lethbridge and adopted two children, Brent and Brenda. In 1968, Peggy and Jack returned to the farm with Adolf and Peggy’s mother, and Peggy later began a career in banking with ATB in Picture Butte.

After several years in banking, Peggy became office manager at Maclean Livestock, a role she held for many years and greatly enjoyed. She was active in the United Church in Picture Butte and enjoyed curling and golfing. Known for her quick wit and infectious sense of humor, Peggy formed many lasting friendships.

Peggy and Jack loved to travel and visited many countries together. One of the highlights of Peggy’s travels was a trip to Zimbabwe, Africa, with a group from the United Church.

Peggy was an only child and shared close relationships with her three aunties and many cousins. She was predeceased by her mother, Margaret Palmer, and her beloved husband, Jack Irvine.

Peggy is survived by her son, Brent, and Brenda, and their children, Vanessa and Morgan; and by her daughter, Brenda, and Michael Criss, and their children, Jordan, Kelsey, Connor, and Keelyn.

Peggy requested that there be no formal funeral or memorial. In her memory, please raise a drink with a friend and reminisce about the good old days.

Those wishing to honor Peggy’s memory may consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society or to Park Meadows Good Samaritan Society in Lethbridge. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Park Meadows for the exceptional care they provided to both Jack and Peggy.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Peter Haney of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Robin Haney, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 80 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.

Helen Joan (Haller) Scott, born August 22, 1928, in Nyircsaholy, Hungary went to her final resting place January 11, 2026, at the age of 97, in her home in Piyami Place at Picture Butte, Alberta.

Helen arrived in Montreal, Canada June 16, 1929, with her parents Julius and Jolane Haller and siblings Margaret and Elaine. They relocated to the Iron Springs area where Julius was a butcher. Jolane and the girls did a lot of the farming.

Helen met Alvon Warnock there and they were married January 24, 1948. Together they farmed at Turin, AB where they raised their children and also ran a Texaco bulk fuel service. They divorced after 38 years of marriage.  Mom moved to Coaldale for some time, and then later moved to Picture Butte to be closer to family. She went on a holiday to Kimberly, BC to visit her sister and met an old sweetheart that she remembered from Iron Springs, Gerald Scott, and were married in Marysville, BC in 1994. They liked to venture off fishing in the camper, and also did a lot of travelling together from the Yukon to PEI.  They volunteered in Kimberly at the Thrift Shop and loved it. Eventually they moved back to Alberta, but due to circumstances beyond their control after a few years, they had to be apart, needing enhanced care. Mom moved back to Picture Butte, where she resided until her passing.

Helen was predeceased by Alvon Warnock in 1992; son Barry Warnock 2019; granddaughter Caitlyn Warnock 1992; Gerald Scott 2015 and his son Lawrence Scott 2009; sisters Margaret Sanche, Elaine Sander, Betty Armstrong; sister in law Theresa Haller; brothers in law Phil Sanche, Frank Sander and Tony Armstrong; as well as her parents Julius and Jolane Haller and their first born children, a set of twins, that passed away shortly after birth in Hungary.

She is lovingly remembered by her children Sharon (Lynn) Silsbe, Bryan (Moira) Warnock, daughter-in-law Terri Warnock; grandchildren Shannon (Jeff) Cej, Baillie Cej, Logan Cej; Ryan Silsbe, Freya Silsbe; Stacey Deering, Aidan Deering, Ava Deering; Shaena (Gil) Brouwer, Evan Brouwer, Roan Brouwer; Shalise Silsbe; Shara (Cory) Salter, Skylar Salter, Daxton Salter, Harper Salter; Brienne (Paul) Shimek, Greyson Shimek, Sawyer Shimek, Haven Shimek; Shawn (Jamie Birch) Warnock, Trowa Warnock; Trevor (Ali) Warnock, Declan Warnock; Shane Warnock, Kaylee Warnock, Rome Warnock, Navy Voeller; brother Larry Haller, and many nieces and nephews.

Mom loved to dress up, get her hair and nails done to look like a lady, which she was. She was soft and gentle, kindhearted and quiet. Helen and her sisters and brother all loved to sing and play music. The radio was always on, with mom humming in the background. She dearly loved her grandkids. They each remember her special love for them. She would have loved all of her great grandkids if she had ever gotten to know them. Over the years she had some very tough things to endure, but now she can rest, and finally have peace on her way home.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, January 19, 2026 at ENCHANT COMMUNITY HALL, 127 Centre Street, Enchant, Alberta. Interment will follow in the Enchant Cemetery.

Mr. Larry Maldaner of Lethbridge, husband of Shelley Smith, died at St. Therese Villa on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 80 years.

He is survived by his wife, Shelley Smith; his daughters, Breezie (John Schitthelm and Son Josh ), and Robbyn; Shelley’s daughters, Heather (Kevin Schindeler) and Jennifer (Berton Sullivan); and grandchildren, Amber and Mason Schindeler. Larry is also survived by Dave (Nan), Brian (Barbara), Dean (Eunice), Lois (Doug Harrowing), sisters-in-law Sally and Lorena, and numerous cherished nephews and nieces.

Larry was predeceased by his parents Karl and Jean; siblings Ruthie, Earl, Rena, and John.

Shelley and Larry loved to travel to warmer climates. They went to Cuba, Hawaii, and snow birding in the United States for many years. Larry’s favorite place of all was being on the prairies looking up at the night sky.

Larry made friends everywhere he went. His varied skills took him to Toronto, Whitehorse, Calgary, Osaka, Tilley, Rolling Hills, and Lethbridge. 

He entertained everyone with his stories, and we were never quite sure how embellished they were. Larry will be missed.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Surrounded by loved ones, Alice Marie Hatt went to be with her Lord on January 6, 2026, at the age of 84. Born December 1, 1941, at the Galt Hospital, Alice was raised along with 2 sisters and 3 brothers on the family farm in Wrentham, south of Lethbridge.

Following high school, Alice received her teaching certificate at the University of Alberta, later completing a Bachelor of Education degree in 1979 from the University of Calgary. Teaching was more than a career for Alice; it was a calling. She was greatly loved by her students and respected by teachers and other colleagues.

Alice married Gary Hatt in 1964 and was a devoted, loving wife and mother. She was supportive of Gary while he served in ministry in Yellowgrass, SK, Christiansburg, VA and Bigfork, MT, as well as during Gary’s many years as a professor at Alberta Bible College in Calgary. Alice was the epitome of a minister’s wife and loving partner. They enjoyed 56 years together traveling, camping and spending time with family until Gary’s passing in 2020.

Alice is survived by her daughter Jenan; son Dennis (Lara); 3 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 3 brothers and many nieces and nephews whom she adored. Alice had a deep love and faith for the Lord. The church was central to Alice’s life as demonstrated in her Sunday school teaching, singing in a choir, leading a youth choir or studying Scripture. She had a sweet gentle spirit and touched the lives of many people.

Alice will be remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt, friend and teacher. Her bright, cheerful disposition, her beautiful smile and welcoming spirit defined a life well lived.

A Celebration of Alice’s Life will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, February 6, 2026, at CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 716 - 23rd Street North, Lethbridge.

Gail Susan Nikkel (nee Sleightholm), born August 19, 1953, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on January 3, 2026. She went to be with her Lord and Saviour at the age of 72 after a long battle with cancer.

Gail was born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta, to parents William (Bill) and Shirley Sleightholm. She married Harvey Nikkel on September 21, 1974. After living in Lethbridge for 11 years, they moved to the farm outside of Coaldale until their retirement in 2019, when they moved back to Lethbridge. Gail enjoyed teaching Sunday School, girls' club, and Bible Time, as well as volunteering as a camp counselor. Gail was an administrator for several businesses over the years and loved working with seniors at the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale before retiring due to health issues.

There were many memories made with family while camping, as she loved being in the outdoors. Trips to Hawaii, Florida, California, Cuba, the  Dominican Republic, and Mexico were also filled with unique experiences. A special trip to Israel in 2019 was one of the most rewarding and cherished times for her. A recent special memory was celebrating Harvey & Gail’s 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2024 with family and friends. Gail made many friends with her sharp wit and smile, as well as with her generosity of gifts and time. Her grandchildren had a special place in her heart, and she loved reading Bible stories to them. She had a unique ability to remember people’s birthdays and anniversaries and send them cards. Gail took pride in growing an amazing flower garden every year. 

Her other interests included baking, playing card games, and hosting family gatherings.

Gail is lovingly remembered by her husband, Harvey, and their children, Kevin (Evie) Nikkel (Micah, Levi, Olivia), Roberta Nikkel, and Deanna (Peter) Fast (Judah, Naomi, Meira); sister Peggy (Ron) McKitrick and their children; sister-in-law Lien Sleightholm and her children, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Gail was predeceased by her parents, Bill (William) Sleightholm and Shirley Sleightholm, brother William Sleightholm Jr., and sister Leslie Hagan.

We would like to say a special thank you to the staff at St. Michael’s Health Centre-Palliative Care Unit and Good Samaritan Society (Park Meadows Village) for their exceptional care during her final months.

A Celebration of Gail’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Gary Dupuis officiating. 

For those who wish to watch the service via livestream, please visit www.mbfunerals.com and go to Gail’s obituary page.

Click here to view a livestream of the funeral service.

Beverley Ann Delorme, of Lethbridge, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the age of 81 years. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by those who knew her.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lethbrideg and District Humane Society, or the Last Chance Cat Ranch.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, and family matriarch, Victoria (Vicky) Zajac. She was a devoted and loving woman whose life was centered around her family and those she held close.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Jerry, with whom she shared a life built on love, partnership, and commitment. She was a proud and devoted mother to her married daughter, Kerri (Lance), and a loving grandmother to her two adult grandchildren, Dean and Kurt.

She is also survived by her brother, Michael, and her sister, Patricia, as well as her extended family, including two adult nieces/nephews, Meagan and Ryan, and one great-nephew, Fynley, all of whom she loved deeply and supported wholeheartedly.

Known for her kind heart and gentle spirit, she always had fun when she was out dancing with friends, line dancing to Alan Jackson, or traveling. She had a special love for animals. Cardinals were her favourite; she found happiness in caring for them. Her compassion, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family will be remembered always.

She will be profoundly missed and forever held in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Everett “Evy” Wayne Nowlin, of Lundbreck, Alberta, loving husband to Patricia Nowlin, passed away at the Pincher Creek Health Center on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the age of 85 years. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his friends and family.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

A Celebration of Evy’s Life will be held later this Spring.

It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of Tony D’Agnone following a brief but intense battle with pancreatic cancer.

Tony leaves behind his wife Laurie (Sewers) and three daughters, three sons-in-law and six grandchildren.  Kristene (Ryan) Coller, grandsons Aiden and Devin; Shannon D’Agnone (Bryn Jones), grandsons Owain and Gareth; Nicole (Andrew) Penton and granddaughters Audrey and Vivian.  He also leaves behind a special nephew Rob D’Agnone of Wrentham.

Tony is the youngest of nine children born to John and Philomena D’Agnone.  He is survived by two sisters Amelia (Ken) Rollag and Delores (Phillip) Gurr. He was predeceased by brothers Joe, Domenico, Nick and Luigi (Bev) and sisters Mary Caruso and Rosina Mucciaroni, brothers-in-law Joe Caruso and Nick Mucciaroni.

Tony and Laurie are godparents to Christopher (Kandis) Santangelo, Ashley (Matt Sheridan) Santangelo, Michelle (Nathan) Jensen, Steven (Shaylee) Santangelo and godfather to Kelli (Phil) Sauers-Grossi.

Tony farmed for 60 years in the Judson area and 47 years at Skiff/Foremost. Tony planned his retirement for after harvest this year and was starting that process after finishing harvest in September. Unfortunately, Tony did not get time to enjoy retirement as he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer October 31st. Tony loved everything about dryland farming and he often would claim to have ‘dirt in his veins’.  In the off season, Tony loved playing the stock market and had a knack for selling his lentils, green and yellow peas, chickpeas, and various grains.

Cancer was not unfamiliar to Tony and had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2005. Shortly after his diagnosis, Tony was approached by the National Geographic regarding an article they were planning on allergies.  He was featured in the May 2006 Edition.

Tony and Laurie were married October 11, 1975, in Lethbridge and have made their home on the farm at Skiff for 50 years.  With three daughters, Tony often found himself attending figure skating competitions, decorating for skating carnivals, 4H public speaking competitions, hauling horses to lessons or events in all kinds of weather.  Tony’s greatest adventure in life was when he became “Papa” to six grandchildren.  He loved getting to know those little people and sharing his farm life with them. They all enjoyed going for combine, tractor and truck rides and sharing his chocolate bars and Gatorade from his lunch bucket. While Tony preferred the quiet life of the farm, he did travel to Hawaii many times as well as many of the US states and much of Canada. His natural inquisitiveness and outgoing personality ensured he always made new friends and was able to share his own experiences with others.

In recent years, Tony was a Board member of the Romulus & Remus Italian Canadian Cultural Club in Lethbridge where he enjoyed the monthly dinner/dances, and board activities alongside some of his closest friends.

A Vigil Rites/Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, January 5, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Elaine Wesley of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the age of 86 years.

Elaine was raised on the family farm in New Dayton, Alberta.

Elaine is survived by her brother Ray Wesley, sisters Betty Stolte and Connie Wesley, as well as very special nieces and nephews.

Elaine was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Beth Wesley, as well as her nephew, Michael Stolte.

At Elaine’s request, a private family service will be held in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Leonard (Len) Bryan Goosen, of Coaldale, beloved husband of Sherry Goosen, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital after a lengthy battle with cancer on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 69 years.

Len was born April 7, 1956, in Saskatoon. He grew up with strong family values amongst his five brothers. As a child, he fondly enjoyed vacations back at the family farm, where he loved using and operating the equipment and machinery. He had many loving memories of his adolescence with his brothers that he often enjoyed sharing and reminiscing about.

Len had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and spent many long years fishing and camping with his wife and sons as they grew up. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, who always put his family’s needs before his own. Other than his family, his biggest passion was his career as a truck driver - he was always happy when he was driving those big trucks.  He also had a strong passion for football and NASCAR.

Len’s most cherished moments were spent with his four grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and he will live on through precious memories and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Besides his loving wife Sherry Goosen, Leonard is survived by his two sons Brian (Krista) Goosen, and Bradley Goosen (Meghan Sinclair); his grandchildren Emily Goosen, Julia Goosen, Emma Goosen-Gladue, and Jackson Goosen; his three brothers Dennis (Louise) Goosen; Garth (Sherry) Goosen, and Gary Goosen, he is also survived by his sister-in-law Wanda Goosen; in-laws Lonny & Vickie Andre, Cindy Lakey, Jeff & Lena Andre, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Melvin & Elsie Goosen, his brothers Glen Goosen & Pete Goosen as well as his nephews Bryce Goosen & Steven Goosen.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.