Joshua Michael George O’Brien Pettigrew

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In Memoriam
Joshua Michael George O’Brien Pettigrew
January 5, 1981 – October 16, 2022

Joshua Michael George O’Brien Pettigrew passed away October 16, 2022 @5:52 AM in the arms of his loving mother, Laura Pettigrew at University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton Alberta, Canada. He was only 41 years old. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden, tragic, unnecessary, needless death. Joshua was born premature at 28 weeks January 5, 1981 @ 11:01 PM in Regina General Hospital weighing 2.5 lbs, spending the first 54 days of his life in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit at Regina General Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan Canada.

Joshua is survived by his mother, Laura Pettigrew; younger brother Luke Pettigrew; grandmother Lillian Pettigrew; great aunts Roberta Freethy, and Gail and Darlene Hoskins; uncles Rodney, Ron, and Roger Pettigrew; aunts Kim, Brenda, and Deanne Pettigrew, Roseanne Novak, and Janice Palmer; and numerous 1st, 2nd and 3rd cousins.

Joshua was predeceased by his loving grandfather, George Pettigrew (the only father
figure in Joshua and Luke’s life); great grandfather O’Brien Hoskins; great grandmothers Sadie (Sarah) Hoskins and Marguerite Raven; great aunt Phyllis Joorisity; and great
uncles Lou Joorisity, Bill and Les Hoskins, and Harmon Freethy.

Joshua grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan and attended Massey elementary and Campbell high school in French Immersion.

Joshua loved animals; he was drawn to them and them to him. He rescued and had cats which he loved immensely! His cats Missy and Gizmo are on a long walk with him now.

Joshua was a fun, spirited, beautiful soul who took on many passions which included
photography, drawing, musician, singing, (trombone, piano) acting (film) and a published poet. He had incredible artistic talent and culinary skills! He found comfort and peace in capturing raw nature and using it to express himself.

One of his favourite places since he was a young child was the cottage of his
grandparents at South Lake spending weekends and weeks in the summer with his loving mother, brother, grandparents, great grandmother (Sadie), cousins, aunts, uncles,
swimming (taught by his grandmother) skiing, fishing, hiking, exploring nature and in the city biking, skateboarding, rollerblading and in a baseball league. His love of water
includes the ocean, spending time swimming in the Pacific Ocean on vacation in Hawaii and Vancouver Island. Of course his love of golf instilled in, taught by his grandmother
started at age 9 and he was “hooked”. In the winter Joshua loved playing shinny, skating, skiing (taught by his grandfather) which led to snowboarding!

In a word, Joshua was a principled man always in search of the truth. In addition, his
curiosity, inquisitiveness, and keen intellect drove all his pursuits. He wanted to
understand the intricacies of everything and undertook in-depth research so whatever he did, he was all in! He was never scared to take on new opportunities and did
everything with honesty and integrity. He had very strong values and was loved by
everyone, due to his kindness, positive energy, incredible patience, and the fact that he always made time to help others!

Joshua spoke French as a second language. He tutored his younger brother and children of friends in addition to every position he was employed able to converse with clients. Furthermore after having Tatiana Moura, an international student from Brazil, staying with Joshua and his mother, he was adept at learning Portuguese, as knowing French, both languages influenced by Latin, use the same sentence structure, and even share common words, similar verbs and terms.

Joshua was a beautiful person inside and out. His stunning smile, warm infectious
laughter, sense of humour would light up the whole room! And his sparkling blue eyes, when he looked you in the eye he was speaking directly to your soul. He cared so deeply for the people around him. He was kind, loving, caring, understanding, generous,
gracious, compassionate and passionate. And those who knew Joshua knew he loved them!

Joshua was a strong fighter, fighting for life at birth and fought to live following his
diagnosis of Liver disease. But now he is flying in his dreams an actual feat he
accomplished while living, “flying an airplane”. He is now on a journey to lands we cannot see. He is free from pain floating peacefully with his cats, Missy and Gizmo over golden prairie fields, mountains, valleys and clear waters of South Lake and the Pacific Ocean singing with his loving grandfather, George Pettigrew! Just keep smiling and singing!…”It’s a Wonderful World”…Live, Laugh and Love

Joshua made an impact on many lives! His legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love, kindness and service. He will be Forever Missed and the lives he touched…….“Forever Changed”…….

A Memorial Golf Tournament and Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 3, 2023 at Aspen Links, 310 Emerald Park Rd, Emerald Park, SK. We invite all who knew, loved Joshua to partake in the Tournament starting at 10:00 AM by contacting Aspen Links, 306-791-7467. Following which participants, friends and family welcome to
attend Joshua’s Celebration of Life from 3:00 PM to 8:00 p.m. at Aspen Links

Marguerite “Bella” Gagne (nee Poirier)

Bella Poirier Gagne was born October 21st, 1922 in Cold Lake, Alberta and died August 9th, 2023 at the age of 100 years, in Stony Plain, Alberta. She died at the home of her daughter Margy, where she wanted to be.

Bella was born at Norbert & Rosanna Poirier’s homestead in Cold Lake where her
parents Louis and Gladys were living at the time. It later was Fernand and Adeline Poirier’s farm. She was delivered by Alphonse Lefebvre who did the doctoring in Cold Lake in those days.

Bella met and married the love of her life, Ben Gagne with whom she shared her life with for 47 years until his passing September 28th, 1989. They were married at St. Edmunds Parish in Edmonton on June 3, 1947 on his brother Lou’s birthday. The young couple
honeymooned in the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia.

Bella is survived by her 5 children: Marguerite “Margy” (Dave) Jones, Marcel (Rose) Gagne, Denis (Wanda) Gagne, Marc (Gail) Gagne, and Lenard Gagne.

13 Grandchildren: Jim (Karen) Jones; Roxeanne (Larry) Senych; Paul, Paula and Clinton Gardipy; Jodi (Gregg) Smart; Kristi (David) Legge; Travis, Cody, and Dustin (Jill) Gagne; Cole (Nicole) Gagne; Brandon Gagne; and Kirsten Gagne.

15 Great grandchildren: Nicole, Rene, Reno, Natasha (Matt), Jessica, Justin (Melissa), Blaine, Houston, Colton, Taylor, Jessie, Kayla, Levi, Bella, and Abigail

7 Great-great Grandchildren: William, Kyle, Julianna, Aliza, Aiden, Sawyer, and Hailey.

She is also survived by brother-in-law Lou Gagne, as well an abundance of relatives,
including many nieces and nephews. She knew them all and loved them all.

Sadly the family also lost grandson-in-law Josh, husband of great-granddaughter Rene shortly after Bella’s passing.

Bella was predeceased by her husband Ben Gagne; parents Louis and Gladys Poirier; Siblings Lily Lefebvre and husband Joe; Emma Lobe and husband Gordon; Marcel Poirier and wife Vimy; Hector Poirier and wife Dorothy; Juliette Gerlitz and husband Reg; Florence Embury and husband Fred; Sister-in-law Jeanne Van Hecke and husband Albert; and Sister-in-law Donna Gagne

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church near Spruce Grove (200 Boundary Rd) at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday September 9th, officiated by Fr. Jim Corrigan & Fr. Father Joselito Cantal.

Darlene Peters

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene Peters on August 8, 2023, at the age of 56, after a brave battle with cancer. Darlene was born on March 10th, 1967, in Kindersley, SK. She later relocated to Swift Current, SK residing with her parents Helmut & Bertha Peters, before eventually
making Edmonton, Alberta, her home.

Having completed her Administration degree, Darlene embarked on her professional journey at Orange Management, where she served as an office administrator, marking the beginning of a six-year career. While her original intention was to return to work, her heart’s desire led her to devote herself to her greatest passion: being a stay-at-home mom to her three children. She even took on the role of homeschooling her two sons
during their early academic years.

In 1986, fate introduced Darlene to Eric Taylor through a mutual acquaintance in Edmonton. Over the next 37 years, their love story blossomed, demonstrating a level of devotion and care that is rarely witnessed in today’s world. Their bond weathered
challenges, demonstrating Eric’s unwavering support, particularly during Darlene’s
moments of greatest need. He remained by her side until the very end.

Darlene had a love for games, likely stemming from her early love for playing Rook. Among her favorites were Rummy 500, Uno, and any new game that piqued her interest. Her infectious laughter and sense of humor endeared her to others. She relished
spending summer evenings around bonfires and creating cherished memories with her children through various adventures. In her later years she loved to watch movies and tv shows with her youngest son Jesse. It is a part of his life with her he will miss.

An animal lover, Darlene’s home was often graced with pets, especially dogs, which
became an integral part of her family. Bailey, Nala, Reese, and Fiona, her cherished pets she left behind, miss her spirit and kind soul.

Her love for music, particularly classic rock, was evident, and she gradually embraced other genres over the years. She listened to her music night and day in the final weeks of her life. As her daughter walked out of room for the last time before she passed away playing in the background was “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac. It was the way she did everything: her own way. She was a woman of faith, she found solace in reading devotionals and living a calm and peaceful life with the people who mattered most.

Darlene was preceded in death by her father, Helmut Peters, in 2001, as well as her grandparents: Abe Klassen (2002), Judith Klassen (2010), Susie Peters (1994), and Henry Peters (1995).

She is survived by her mother Bertha, her husband of 37 years, Eric Taylor, and her three children: Danielle (Mauricio) Peters of Tampa, FL; and Aaron (Rachel) Peters, and Jesse Peters, both of Edmonton, AB.

She is also survived by seven siblings: her brothers, Cam of Medicine Hat, AB; Darcy (Janyce) Weins of Lloydminster, AB; and David Peters of Northern Alberta; and her
sisters, Wanda (Ron) Behnke of Regina, SK; Yvonne (Martin) Wriglesworth of Powell River, BC; Dawnella (Doug) Ginn of Calgary, AB; and Kathy Alldarice (Troy) of Morden, MB; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

Darlene’s legacy also continues through her three beloved grandchildren: Ava (3), Oliver (1), and Austin (6 weeks).

She will be missed more than words could ever describe and the loss felt.

Michelle Lynn Marie Sweezie

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It is with heavy hearts that her family announces the unexpected death of Michelle Lynn Marie Sweezie on July 31st, 2023 in Edmonton, AB, at the age of 48.

Michelle is survived by her siblings Kyle, Kurt, and Barb; daughter Brooklyn, and son Zachary; and many beloved friends in the
music community, all of whom will miss her very much. She is preceded in death by her parents, Cheryl and Burt.

A celebration of Michelle’s life will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, if you wish to do so, her family requests that memorial donations in Michelle’s honour be made to Habitat for Humanity, an organization that was close to Michelle’s heart, as she worked with them for many years.

Sandra Rae Murphy

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In Loving Memory of our Beloved Gram.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of our family’s matriarch, Sandy (Sandra) Murphy, on August 18, 2023 at the age of 84. She was born and raised in the picturesque town of Bear River, Nova Scotia. Throughout her life she ventured to various places within Nova Scotia before ultimately finding her forever home in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, in October of 1978. This close-knit community filled her heart with joy and she cherished every moment spent there.

As the middle child of three, she was a cherished daughter to Bernard and Margaret (Raymond) Frazee. She leaves behind a loving legacy, survived by her four children: Shari (Kevin), Kevin (Shawna), Trevor (Jerrie) and Donnie. She is also survived by her sister in-law Phyllis and her daughter in-law Belinda. Her legacy extended to 11 grandchildren: Allison (Trevor), Erika (Jay), Kyle (April), Allicia, Bryce (Kelsey), Breen, Christopher, Madyson, Damian, Sierra and Tasha. Additionally, she was blessed with 16 great-grandchildren who brought immense joy into her life. Sandy, as she was affectionally known, had a wide circle of friends and extended family members who will forever hold her dear in their hearts.

She endured heartbreak of losing her parents, her brother Bunny (Raymond), her sister Sharon, and her two sons Derek and Michael.

Sandy initially embarked on a career with working at Trailcross which supported youth but her true calling emerged when she became a dedicated child care provider for
numerous families in Fort Smith. Her nurturing nature and genuine love for children left an indelible mark on the lives she touched. Countless families lovingly refer to her as “Gram”.

In accordance with her final wishes, there will be no funeral service. However, a
graveside burial will take place when circumstances permit, though the date remains
uncertain amidst these unforeseen times. Further details will be communicated at a later date. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to a charity of your choice. Helping others held a special place in Sandy’s heart, and honouring her legacy through acts of kindness would be a fitting tribute.

In the midst of our grief, we find solace in the memories shared with our beloved Gram. Her love, laughter and smile will forever remain etched in our hearts. May she find
eternal peace and continue to watch over us from above. We love you Gram.

Robert (Rob) Ralph Losie

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It is with great sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Robert (Rob) Ralph Losie at the age of 61, after a hard-fought
battle with heart and kidney complications. Rob left the physical world peacefully at the Mazankowski Heart Institute in Edmonton, Alberta on August 9, 2023, with his loving wife at his side. His unbelievable strength, unending spirit, sense of humour and sunny personality while odds were against him, were remarkable.

Rob was born in Toronto on April 3, 1962, to Carol (Thomson) and Robert Wallace Losie. While it wasn’t immediately apparent, Rob’s parents quickly learned that Rob was, for lack of a better expression, “different” from the rest of the Losie children. From the
beginning, he was mischief, and brought light, laughter, and ok, some trouble, wherever he went. Rob was creative, and active, and a bit of a rebel, bending or breaking household rules for attention. Always fascinated by war, in his younger years, Rob would play war games with his GI Joes, and his sister’s Barbies, complete with firecrackers to imitate bombs. His sister was not pleased to get her dolls back in bits and pieces.

Rob was a natural athlete. Skiing, skateboarding, football, hockey, and scuba diving were his favourites and he excelled at each one. Never one to seek out attention, lol, Rob was the guy flying down the ski hill at breakneck speed in a flaming orange camouflage ski suit. Rob obtained a B. Ed in Physical Education and a B.A. honours degree in German Literature, learning to speak German and spending a summer on an exchange program in Germany, where he learned to speak German, and to make good German style wines. He taught school for two years before moving into a sales career, ending it with a role in oil and gas sales before his health forced him to retire. For hobbies, he prospected for
ammonite and painted a selection of watercolours, several of which were featured in books published by his art groups.

His fondest childhood memories were of summers spent at the family cabin at Kapasiwin, where he was well known to the neighbourhood parents and children. Some boarded up, but most just braced themselves when he arrived, in preparation for his
antics. Rob met his future wife Janis at a local nightclub frequented by students and 20 somethings. He asked her to dance, not knowing the DJ was a friend of hers, who thought it would be fun to play a seemingly endless number of slow dances, as Rob demonstrated he had 2 left feet. He then followed her to her table, where he spent about two hours talking non-stop, no doubt trying to apologize for any damage afflicted to her feet, and to convince her he was worth a real date. She either agreed or surrendered, and they
married two years later, on August 13, 1988.

There was never a dull moment in their household, or wherever he went, as his friends will attest. No question, theirs was a true love story. He left romantic and funny notes around the house for his wife, drew caricatures of himself for her birthday cards, or
anniversaries, and enjoyed the assortment of cats that shared their home at any given time. He was beloved by his nieces and nephews and earned the nickname “Uncle Bad” because of his mischievous nature, allowing them to do many things in defiance of their mothers’ wishes, and grinning sheepishly when the truth came out.

Rob is survived by his wife of 35 years, Janis (nee Benn), sisters Janice and Diane, brother Keith (Kathy), and nieces Amanda (Dara), Ellie and Jenny (Davis), nephews Thom and Will, and his great niece, Lyra. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Carol (Thomson) in 2006.

His mother-in -law summed it up perfectly. “Rob sure suffered in this life, but his
cheerfulness and sense of humour throughout his period of illness was a real tribute to the human spirit.”

Rob’s wife and family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Mazankowski Heart Institute for their hard work and wonderful care over the past 7 years. Their patience and support were outstanding. Thank you as well to Ruth at Simply Cremations and Funeral Services for her sincere understanding and support at a difficult time.

A memorial service and celebration of Rob’s life will be held September 23, 2023, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Freemason’s Hall, 10318 100 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rob’s name to the Mazankowski Heart Institute.

Kenneth Gordon Hooper

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Hooper at the age of 83.

Ken was born on 7 September 1939 in St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK. He emigrated to Canada in 1962, settling in Edmonton and working for Edmonton Telephones until retirement in 1996. He re-entered the workforce a few years later as a part time driver for Budget Car Rental until he fully retired.

Ken enjoyed travel and fishing. He was also a keen photographer especially on his trips to the Rockies, where he loved to take family who visited him over the years.

Ken is survived by family and friends in the UK which he visited on many occasions throughout his life. He will be very sadly missed by us all, and is remembered in Canada, as well as London and Eastbourne in the UK.

Eileen Laura Lagace

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The family of Eileen Lagace (Bourne) announces with great
sorrow, her passing on August 12, 2023.

Eileen was born September 20, 1943 in Noranda, Quebec. She is predeceased by her late husband Emery Lagace, her daughter Moreen Payne (Lagace) & granddaughter Ashley Payne.

Eileen is survived by her two loving children, Carrie McPherson (Lagace) & Glen Lagace. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren. Eileen’s family will be holding a private viewing & service during the week of August 21, 2023.

If you wish to send flowers, please do so at Simply Cremations, 5224 99st NW, Edmonton AB, T6E 3N7. If you wish to make a donation in Eileen’s memory, please
donate to the Edmonton SPCA.

Irene Kohler

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Irene Kohler at the age of 82.

She was preceded by her husband George and her eldest son, Peter. Born in Oldham and having lived throughout the UK and Canada, Irene settled in Edmonton. A loving mother and an enthusiastic volunteer at her local church; Irene made her community stronger.

She will be mourned by her remaining children Nicholas, Michael, Olga and Andrew and her four granddaughters Sascha, Stephanie, Katie and Abbie.

In lieu of tributes, donations in Irene’s name can be made to the charity of your choice.

Kevin David Edward Kirby

On July 23rd, 2023 Kevin passed away peacefully at the age of 66.

Kevin will be remembered for his generosity and love of family and friends.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Cindy; his sisters Kelly Vaillaincourt and Susan Kirby; his half-brother Mark MacVittie; and his stepsiblings Steve MacVittie, Greg MacVittie, Lori Shalin, and Lee Ann McCulloch; and numerous other family members. Kevin was predeceased by his brother Brent Kirby, his mother Raili MacVittie, his nephew Brody Wright and his stepfather Bill MacVittie.

Kevin was employed by CN Rail from 1979 until his retirement in 2018. Early in his career he spent many years working in interior northern BC where he enjoyed the rugged environment, his adventures with friends and co-workers, downhill skiing, fishing and traversing the province. Eventually he took a job in the CN main yard in Edmonton which eventually led to his position as Relief Signal Maintainer. As the Relief Signal Maintainer he spent years working in the Wainright, Viking and numerous areas around Alberta, in time he became the permanent Edmonton Signal Maintainer which led to his position as Supervisor, Signals & Communications Alberta District. In his honour a new CN signal station sign in the Wainwright area will be named ‘Kirby’.

Away from work, Kevin was a caring husband, brother, uncle and friend, who never hesitated to help those in need, quite often even though they did not ask him for help. He just enjoyed it. He loved Alberta, skiing in Jasper, skating at most any rink and cycling around Edmonton. He also cherished his trips with his wife Cindy to the US and to his hometown of Thunder Bay to see family, always stopping in Winnipeg along the way. New challenges and adventures in new places near and far always fueled his enthusiasm, especially when they involved family and friends.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Grey Nuns Units 43 and 44, and the staff at the Norwood Palliative Hospice for their kindness and support during Kevin’s final week.

Any memorial donation made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada would be greatly appreciated by the family.