It is with great sadness that the family of Sandy LaChapelle (nee Semegen) announces her passing on March 2, 2023.

Sandy will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her
children, Brenda (Harvey), and Gail (Marc); her grandchildren, Ashley, Lindsey, Bryan, Corey, Kelsey and Lauryn; her brother Gord and family and friends.

Sandy was predeceased by her parents, George and Kay Semegen, and her Sisters, Morna and Helen.

In keeping with Sandy’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

Donations, if desired, can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of one’s choice.

Stella Bray (nee Kassian)
March 10, 1933 to March 7, 2023

Smart, generous, energetic, independent, spunky, classy,
resourceful, outspoken, spirited, fun-loving, kind, empathetic, youthful and the glue of our family… this was our Mom, Stella Bray. Born in Vegreville, Alberta, she passed suddenly at home in her sleep, three days shy of her 90th birthday. The family and her many friends are heartbroken.

Mom was the last of four children born to John and Kate Kassian. She grew up on the farm with her three siblings, Mike, Hilda and Tom. After grade school, Mom went to
secretarial college in Edmonton. She worked in the City, met John at a dance and married at 19 years old. In the early years, Dad’s work in the Oil Patch moved them around Alberta (Redwater, Leduc then Drayton Valley). They finally settled in Edmonton in 1967 with their children, Gary and Roxanne. On April 26, 2022, Mom and Dad celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Mom dressed smart and always looked stylish. You’d seldom see her outside the home without lipstick and a weekly “wash and set”. A talented and creative person, she saw a use for everything and wasted nothing. A trait instilled, we expect, from her poor
upbringing. She took great pride in being resourceful and took over Dad’s role as
handyman around the house when he was no longer able.

Mom did not fit the traditional homemaker mold. Gary and Roxanne were latchkey kids before it was even a concept, getting themselves to and from school and making their own breakfast and lunch while Mom was out gallivanting… bargain hunting at Army & Navy (then Winners in later years), visiting auction marts, curling in a weekly league, bonspieling, sometimes bowling and always socializing. In Mom’s house, the ironing would wait in favour of shopping, coffee or lunch with friends.

Mom also had a strong entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to managing their rental
properties, she would be out sourcing and selling the latest and greatest products on the market… Beauty Counselor, Hertel, Dri-Wash & Guard, Gogi Juice, microfiber cloths. The house was always filled with inventory and she made many lifelong friends through these home sale enterprises.

She was an avid gardener, pruning, deadheading and transplanting not just in her yard but the neighbours’ yards too! And she was a fabulous cook; her cabbage rolls and nachynka were on order at every family gathering. A master at making something from nothing, she could always put lunch on the table when the doorbell rang.

Mom showed us how to live life large. She was a dedicated, passionate person, single-minded and tenacious. She was not a bystander and she never backed down from a
challenge. She wasn’t content to age gracefully; rather, she chose to fight it every step of the way. She tried snorkelling in her 70’s, and embraced technology in her 80’s. Her emails and texts – complete with abbreviations, slang and emojis – are legendary. And if she missed the mark, she enjoyed being teased in funny yet kind ways.

Mom liked to help others and was generous with her time, her gifts and her love. Many people thought of her as a second mother. She was Dad’s primary caregiver for several years before he passed in 2022. She was concerned about being alone when she moved on to her eternal life… so for this reason, any time we see a lovely bird or butterfly, or a sign of life in the garden, or when the wind blows on an otherwise calm day, we will think of this wonderful woman who instilled in us so many virtues, traditions and wonderful memories.

Farewell Mom, Grandma, Mrs. B, Great-Baba, Auntie, Stella. We will miss you.

Stella will be lovingly remembered by her children Gary Bray (Christine), Roxanne Higuchi (Cliff); grandchildren Matthew Bray (Aly), Taylor Bray, Jasen Higuchi (Erin), James Higuchi (Mandy); great-grandchildren (Jasen) Angus, Cadence, and Lena; (James) Riley and James Jr.; special niece Debbie Riley (Jim); brothers-in-law Alban (Georgette) and Rheal (Paulette); several nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful and caring friends. She is predeceased by her husband John Paul Bray, her brothers Mike and Tom Kassian, and her sister Hilda Saprunoff.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in the name of Stella Bray to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Beatrice Joan Rhyno, known to friends and family as Joan, passed away on February 19, 2023, at the age of 79 in Edmonton, Alberta. She was born on January 15, 1944, in Stettler to Carl and Clara Fletcher, who preceded her in death.

Joan was a beloved mother to her children Kelly, Roger, and Tracy (Ryan), and a proud grandmother to Kevin, Keith (Carly), Cody, and Bo. Her family was her world, and she cherished the time spent with her loved ones.

Joan worked as a bus driver for 19 years, a profession that brought her great joy. She was deeply dedicated to the children she transported and was known for her warm and
caring personality. Joan’s dedication to her job earned her the respect and love of many students who would eagerly wait for her bus every morning. Her colleagues admired her hard work and commitment to providing safe transportation for the children.

Joan will always be remembered for her unwavering kindness, generous spirit, and love for her family. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and spending time with her
grandchildren. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories they have shared with her.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held in Mirror, Alberta at a date to be determined.

Rest in peace, Beatrice Joan Rhyno. You will be deeply missed but forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.

We are sad to share that our beloved mother Emma Rena Perrier passed on Friday March 3, 2023 at the age of 87. Her spirit
remained strong until the end, and we were fortunate to share many laughs and memories before she passed.

Emma was born in Lac la Biche, Alberta but spent much of her life in Edmonton, Thunder Bay, Kamloops, and Sun Peaks. Our family loved to travel. Emma and her husband Wilf enjoyed 7 years of living exclusively in a converted RV Bus which they used to see and experience much of North America. Upon retirement, they moved to Sun Peaks, British Columbia where they owned and operated ‘Wolf’s Den’, and then eventually Emma made her way to Edmonton after Wilf’s passing in 2005.

Where ever Emma went, she was known for helping to foster a kind and warm
community. Her table was always open to the friends and family who needed a warm
belly of food, a kind ear, a glass of wine, or a game of cards. Her pie and tourtiere were
always family favourites, as we fought over the last piece every time. During her last days we payed tribute to her love of sharing stories, as we shared many laughs and celebrated all those we knew and have loved.

She was predeceased by her son Dean, her daughter Sue, and her husband Wilf. She is survived by her daughters Denise and Janet, her grandchildren Kyle, Chris, and Christine, her siblings Ben & Marlyn, Noella, and Jeanette, as well as her extended family throughout the world. Thanks to all the amazing family and friends that have supported mom and us throughout her lifetime. We are grateful that she is at peace at last.

As per Mom’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral. We will be hosting a memorial on Tuesday, March 7th,2023 at 3pm at Heritage Valley Estates Condominium (611-111th Street, SW. Edmonton, Alberta). In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate to your local animal shelter, celebrating our mom’s lifetime love of animals.

January 28, 1923 – February 20, 2023

Mom slipped quietly and peacefully away from this life to the next on Monday afternoon, held in the arms of her children, until Jesus reached out his own arms.

Mary was born in Provost, Alberta, to Theodore and Charity Paulson, but she was raised in Cadogan, Alberta. She was the last remaining member of her family, and Dad’s. Mom was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ken, in 2018, just after celebrating 75 years of marriage! She was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Jerry McOrmond, and great-grandson, Jacob Dorchester Shippelt. Remaining to mourn her are her six children: Leslie (Byron) Lauber; Dave (Colleen) Scott; Marilyn (Dennis) Huebert; Susan McOrmond; Bill (Bernadette) Scott; and John (Betty) Scott. Mom also has 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, with two more expected this year.

Mom always said that the greatest and best decision she and Dad ever made was to
follow Jesus. It transformed their lives and they never, ever regretted this choice. We, as their children and extended family, have been blessed over and over again throughout our lives as a result of this choice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Allen Gray Continuing Care Centre.
5005 28 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T6L 7G1
780-469-2391

This is a not-for-profit care home owned and operated by the Gray House Guild. The staff on the second floor (Willow Wing) provided Mom with excellent and loving care over these past two years, and we thank them.

A memorial will be held in Mary’s honour on Sunday, April 16th 2023, at 2:00PM, at the Woodvale Community League of Millwoods Golf Course.
4540 50 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T6L 6P6

Jeff was born on August 11, 1962 in Chatham, ON to Charles & Irene Simmons (née Harris). He was the second youngest of 11 siblings & spent his childhood on the family acreage outside of Dresden in a house his father built. He cherished close
relationships with the numerous extended family members who lived close by. His parents were faithful servants of Jehovah God, & Jeff was grateful for the spiritual guidance they gave him. On March 5, 1983 he
symbolized his personal dedication by being baptized.

The family moved to Edmonton, AB in 1978 & Jeff began working in the family road
construction business. Not long after he met Susanne Dancer & instantly knew she was the love of his life. They were married on November 12, 1983 in Red Deer. Sue’s family became his second family & they loved him like a son. Through the years, hard-working Jeff continued to perfect his skills as a heavy equipment operator & had a lot of pride in the projects he accomplished.

Their daughter Sasha was born on January 15, 1988 & Jeff was an attentive & loving
father from the start. The tight trio shared many adventures, enjoying the company of family & the beauty of nature across Canada & internationally. Through the challenges of raising a young family, spiritual goals remained important to Jeff. He volunteered for building & renovating Kingdom Halls, spent time every month sharing good news from the Bible, & served as a ministerial servant in his congregation.

Jeff will always be remembered by all who met him as an incredibly kind, calm, & goofy person who went out of his way to help others. This humble & affectionate man was
devoted to his family & loyal to his Creator, he stayed the course.

Jeff will be lovingly remembered by his wife Susanne & daughter Sasha; Also by his 10 siblings, Tom (Jo-Ann), Linda (George) Papai, Sheila (Roy) Galambos, Pam Swanberg, Bev (Debbie), Kenny (Martha), Sharon (Tony) Smith, Karen (Mike) Tolhurst, Keith (Barb), Brad (Debbie) & many nephews & nieces.

January 13, 1934 – February 14, 2023

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother Margaret White. Margaret was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and aunt to a number of family members and relatives. It’s been 2 years since she lost her husband Albert and 3 years since she lost her oldest daughter Linda. Margaret is
survived by her immediate family; daughter Barbara, daughter Laurie (Jim) and son Larry (Carrie).

In thinking back we recount her life as she was born into a hard working family in 1934 in Rossburn Manitoba. Her family later settled in the town of Neepawa. Her parents, Joseph who was a Carpenter by trade and Lena who was a homemaker had 6 children in all, however, one (Willy) was lost at an early age. Margaret had 4 siblings; Fred, Tina, Mary and Anne who she did her best to stay in contact with over the years. Today Margaret is survived by Mary and Anne who still reside in Manitoba.

In 1952 Margaret married her late husband Albert at the age 18. They settled in Neepawa Manitoba where Linda was born in 1954 followed by Barbara in 1958. The family moved to Virden and settled there for a few years where the twins Laurie and Larry were born in 1960. In 1968 the family migrated to Edmonton Alberta where they eventually purchased a 20 acre parcel of land south of the city and built the house they would live in for the rest of their lives (over 53 years).

Margaret was a hard worker raising 4 children in the country and was always the person that kept everyone grounded through any situation. She was forever the compromiser, the referee and the sounding board for all family members. She loved country music and was an avid fan of Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash and Charlie Pride. As a Grandmother she was very proud of her grandchildren and loved to see Stacey, Sarah, Matthew, Wesley and Jennifer on weekends or whenever she had the opportunity.

When the Great Grandchildren came along she started all over again doting over Jace, Jordan, Kendal, Kagan, Kenzie, Bennett and as much time as she could muster with Shayla who was recently born.

Although Margaret worked outside the home in her early years she drew satisfaction from being a homemaker for her family and she was very good at it. She was a great cook and made many traditional Ukrainian and western recipes and she was famous for her homemade bread, cinnamon buns and of course her butter tarts. She loved to garden every year and canned many of the fruits of her labour every fall like clockwork.

Once Albert retired in the late 90’s they both enjoyed a little more leisure time together fishing at the local lakes and some short trips with their motor home, however, they mostly enjoyed their home and spending their time there together.

Margaret (Mom) will be missed tremendously by her family members and always
remembered as a kind and gentle spirit that never had a cross word to say about anyone. One comment we heard continuously from nurses during her recent hospital stays was “she is such a sweet lady”. The last few months had not been easy for her with her Doctors visits, hospital stays and declining health, however, we know that her pain is gone now and we are sure she is reunited with Albert and Linda who passed before her. We will always love her and ensure her spirit lives on in everything our family does.

As per Mom’s wishes there will be no formal funeral. We will plan for an immediate
family gathering in the spring and lay her ashes alongside her late husband Albert’s and daughter Linda.

The family of Gerhard Leopold must sadly announce his passing on February 19, 2023, a few months short of his 70th birthday,
following a long and challenging health journey that Gerhard was continuously determined to overcome. Although a lifelong non-smoker, after a 10 year journey of worsening lung disease, Gerhard received a double lung transplant in August 2021. While his new lungs worked well, he had a complicated recovery with multiple infections and surgeries. After contracting COVID 19 at the end of 2022, his lungs deteriorated with several
infections leading eventually to lung failure.

Gerhard had an assortment of interests and hobbies that he was known for by friends and family, especially when he was physically able to pursue them during these last few years. Gerhard had lived in various parts of the world during his life: Austria as a small child, Montreal as an older child and young man, and then, upon completing his studies, Calgary & Edmonton during his career and recent retirement. He enjoyed travels to
various parts of Canada, the U.S., Europe as well as India and Israel more recently.

Gerhard leaves behind his loving wife Eileen and her daughter Leela Rasa, who Gerhard absolutely loved as if his own. Their love for him will only grow stronger with his absence.

Gerhard will also be dearly missed by his mother Emilie Leopold, his brother & sister-in-law Chris Leopold & Cindie Tam, all from Edmonton, Alberta. His father-in-law, John Galiger and Eileen’s siblings & their families, Ann O’Reilly, Catherine Brennen, Jeanne Barr, John Galiger, Jim Galiger, and Gerry Galiger, all from the U.S. will also miss him.

Other special relatives that also survive him include his aunt Henriette Bartl of Bowmanville, Ontario, and his aunt Magdalene Schreiner of Burgenland, Austria, as well as his cousins and their families.

Gerhard is predeceased by his father Paul Leopold, his uncle Arnold Bartl, his uncle Alfred Schreiner and his mother-in-law Catherine Galiger.

Eileen extends her heartfelt thanks to the medical teams that worked diligently over the last 2 years to improve his quality of life, in particular the following: The amazing University of Alberta Hospital Lung Transplant Team, and Inpatient Transplant Unit 3G2.

A private gathering for the immediate family will be held shortly. Per Gerhard’s wishes, upon his cremation, his ashes will be spread across various parts of the world that were close to his heart.

Donations can be made in Gerhard’s name to the following organizations: The University Hospital Foundation Lung Transplant Program or the Alberta Lung Breathing Space.