OBITUARIES -
We would like to extend our condolences to those in the community who have recently lost loved ones. If you Cannot Make It To a Funeral you can send a Condolence E-mail By Clicking on The Highlighted E-mail Link for Each Obituary.
Mike Hopkins 1954 - 2026
Michael Dawson ‘Mike’ Hopkins, beloved husband of Tenley, passed away in Medicine Hat on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 72 years. Along with Tenley, Mike leaves to cherish his memory: daughter, Stacey (Kent) Wilson; grandson, Seamus Murphy O’Flanagan; two sisters, Michele Nixon and Rosanne Glennon as well as numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Barb Hopkins; brother, Billly and sister, Cindy. A die-hard Tigers fan and an avid “car guy”, Mike’s memory will forever live on through all those whose lives he touched. A come and go celebration of Mike’s life will be held in the Milestone Room at the Reflections Reception Facility, 937 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, May 15, 2026, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Please use the north side building entrance. The family requests casual dress for those attending. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
1936 - Clifford Beisel - 2026
Clifford Howard Beisel passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the age of 90 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 67 years, Irene; their three daughters, Cheryl (Brian) Strauss, Dawn Beisel, and Korene (Brad) Volkman; six grandchildren, Dustin (Karla) Strauss, Dayton (Brittany) Strauss, Avishai (Brooke) Beierbach, Nachman (Jaylene) Beierbach, Chelsey Volkman, and Cassandra (Elton) Wierenga; and twelve great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Emily, and Ella Strauss; Grace, Leah, Marcus, and Sadie Strauss; Avishai Beierbach; and Hendrik, Bria, Blake, and Huxley Wierenga. He is also survived by his sisters, Sylvia Schultz and Joyce Baldwin, and sisters-in-law, Bernice Bleile and Violet Milbradt. Clifford was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Katherine Beisel; his parents-in-law, Joseph and Mary Lutz; his brother, Richard Beisel; and his brothers-in-law, Vern Schultz, Dale Baldwin, Felix Lutz, Richard Lutz, and Fred Bleile, as well as his sister-in-law, Thelma Lutz. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of South Country Village for the compassionate care Cliff received over the last two years. Above all, our lives have been enriched by the way Cliff lived his life for Jesus. His legacy of generosity toward family, friends, and strangers alike remains an inspiration. While he will be dearly missed, we find peace in knowing he is now at home with his Lord and Savior. We invite you to join us in celebrating Cliff’s life on May 16, 2026, at 1:00pm at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel located at 1 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5. Following the service, the family would be honored to have you join us for refreshments in the Terrace Room at Chinook Village located at 2801 13 Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3R1. There will also be a viewing for family and friends on May 15, 2026, from 7:00 - 9:00pm at Saamis Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clifford’s memory to South Country Village - 1720 Bell St SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5G1. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saams.om subject heading Clifford Beisel. Funeral arrangements by
JANE MACKAY 1938 - 2026
Jane Constance MacKay, beloved wife of Sandy MacKay of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the age of 87 years. Along with her loving husband, Sandy, Jane leaves to cherish her memory, her two sons, Bruce (Jodi) MacKay and Doug (Amanda) MacKay and her four grandchildren, Norah MacKay, Noelle MacKay, Nelson MacKay and Lauren MacKay. She was predeceased by her parents, Tony and Olive Wonnacott. An event to celebrate Jane’s life will be held in July. Further information will be available closer to that time. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
Susanah Costea Feb 12, 1932 - April 30, 2026
Susan Costea, beloved wife of George Costea, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on April 30, 2026, at the age of 94.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, George; her son, Phillip; her grandchildren, Staci (Devin) Olmstead and Jordan (Ashton) Costea; and her great-grandchildren, Dylan, Meghan, Maddyx, and Maverick. She is also survived by her brother, Leonard Miller; sisters, Violet (Ed Fischer, deceased) and Lena (Nick Erseman, deceased).
Susan was predeceased by her son, Les Costea; her grandson, Justin Costea; her daughter-in-law, Lyn Costea; her parents, Florentina and Frank J. Miller; and several siblings.
Susan was born on February 12, 1932, on the family farm at Krasna, Saskatchewan, into a family of 12. She later moved to Regina, where she worked at the General Hospital and met the love of her life, George. They were married on October 4, 1951.
Susan had a deep love for children and fostered approximately 50 children over a period of three years, primarily infants. The family moved to Medicine Hat in 1962, where she continued her work in caregiving. She worked at the Auxiliary Hospital for four years and later with the City of Medicine Hat Day Care Services as Director/Coordinator for 19 years.
In retirement, Susan spent time with her husband, family, church, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she dearly loved and cherished. She enjoyed challenges and found time to volunteer. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League, serving as President, and was instrumental in developing new programs for her church and community. She enjoyed life and was respected by many.
She will be remembered as a woman of many talents and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Father Fernando Genogaling, Celebrant. A private family interment will be held at Hillside Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Good Samaritan South Ridge Village for the care and compassion shown to Susan.
Donations in Susan’s memory may be made to Holy Family Parish and/or The Lung Association Alberta/NWT Division, P.O. Box 4700 Station South, Edmonton, AlbertanT6E 9Z9. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com, subject heading Susan Costea.
1939 – Sheila Burton – 2026
The family of Sheila Burton of Medicine Hat are deeply saddened to announce her passing on May 7, 2026, at the age of 87 years. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 9:30 am to 10:20 am at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Rod Nickel officiating. The interment will take place at the Maple Creek Cemetery in Maple Creek, SK at 2:30 pm. If unable to attend family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Sheila’s memorial page at the above date and time. Donations in Sheila’s memory may be made to the SPCA, 55 South West Dr SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E8 or to TeleMiracle/Kinsmen Foundation, 2217C Hanselman Court SW, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A8. Additional obituary information is available on Sheila’s memorial page at www.saamis.com. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Sheila Burton. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
GABRIELLE PELCHAT 1928 - 2026
“Well, what are you gonna do about it?” Gay was often heard saying this usually followed by a shrug and a laugh. In her final days, this remained her response both to her awareness of a slipping memory and in reference to a political issue she read about in the newspaper. She was exceptionally smart and deeply informed about the world around her and was a pragmatist to the bottom of her toes. Gay was predeceased by her parents, Aurore and Louis Pelchat (not a surprise at 98 years of age!); her ten siblings and most of her dearest friends. Old age is not for sissies, and Gay was no sissy. She loved her family fiercely, and we hope she was welcomed home by all of them with affection, wine, and laughter which is exactly how the Pelchat family greeted one another after any prolonged absence. On May 6, 1928, Gay was born into a loving, hardworking farming family. After graduating from high school, she went on to teachers’ college with the wholehearted support of her parents. Teaching was more than a career it was a calling. By the 1970s, she became Assistant Superintendent of the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, a role she held proudly until her retirement. Gabrielle Jean Pelchat died peacefully in her sleep on April 18, 2026, at the age of almost ninety-eight years. What more could we ask for? She left the world better than she found it and she did it with common sense, conviction, and a healthy dose of laughter. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and commitment to education and family. Please join us for an informal celebration of Gay’s life and a luncheon at Saamis Creekside Centre, 11 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 3N9, on June 6, 2026, from 2:00 pm 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Gay’s memory to Monsignor McCoy High School by cheque (in person or through the mail), or via the link available in her obituary on the Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel website. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gabrielle Pelchat. Funeral arrangements by
SHIRLEY BELLE DURST-GEHRING Nov 27th,1940 - May 5th, 2026
It is with great sadness the family announces that Shirley Durst-Gehring passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 5th, 2026, at the age of 85 years. She is survived by her loving daughter, Brenda Grona and Brenda’s son Dakota Grona (Lacey Andreas). Her loving son, Dean (Regina) Durst and their children, Nadine (Jonathan) Blackwell (Neve and Margot); Sabrina (Rory) Garrecht (Tatum and Daxton); Chelsey (Erik) Toews (Stevie, Sloane and Serena); Stephanie (Spencer) Kosolofski (Callum); Abbey (Kross) Hepfner. Shirley’s stepchildren: Shelley Janssens, Blair Gehring, Dana (Marilyn) Gehring and their families. Shirley is predeceased by her parents, Myren and Margaret Van Riper; her first husband, Adam Durst Jr; her second husband, James Gehring; brother, Monty Van Riper.
Shirley was born and raised in Medicine Hat. She was a great cook and baker. Shirley loved her family, pets, flowers and dancing. She was a storyteller and quite the comedian. Shirley brought her family much joy and laughter. Her coffee pot was always on for anyone who wanted to visit. Shirley enjoyed getting her hair done and took pride in always looking her best.
A Funeral Service will be held at Holy Family Parish on May 14th, 2026, at 3:00pm with Rev. Deacon Robert Risling presiding. Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by
1923 - EMILY SCHMALTZ - 2026
A Celebration of Life will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 7:00 pm. If unable to attend the Celebration of Life family and friends are also welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to www.samis.com and joining the live webcast on Emily’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4V3, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:00 am. The interment will be held at Hillside Cemetery following the Funeral Mass. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Emily Schmaltz. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
Edward Sutor May 1, 1948 - May 8, 2026
Mr. Edward ‘Ed’ Sutor, beloved husband of Lynda, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the age of 78 years. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road S.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Father Genogaling celebrant. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com). Honoured to serve the family is
TRUDI HENDERSON 1947 - 2026
Trudi Henderson, beloved wife of Willard Henderson of Medicine Hat, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the age of 78 years.
Along with her loving husband, Willard, Trudi leaves to cherish her memory, her three children, Kelly (Debbie) Henderson, Leslie Henderson and Alana (Donnie) Bakalar; her nine grandchildren, Ryan, Bryce, Hayley, Joel, Logan, Drew, Kieren, Kyle and Brianna and their families; her three sisters, Mavis, Gloria and Leila and their families; her brother, Calvin and his family as well as her three sisters-in-law, Peggy, Laura and Debbie and their families.
She was predeceased by her parents, Art and Gert Greene and her sister, Carol Leblanc.
Trudi will always be remembered as the heart and hero of her family. While raising her children, Trudi earned her Bachelor of Social Work, showing strength and determination that inspired everyone around her. Trudi gave generously of her time as a Brownie leader and Sunday school teacher, guiding and encouraging countless young lives. Her kindness, compassion, and steady leadership left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the care team at Masterpiece, Southlands.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A private graveside service will take place at a later date.
Those who wish to remember Trudi with a donation may do so to the Foothills NICU, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
1984 - Leslie Jangula - 2026
Leslie Jangula, beloved wife of Lee Jangula, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the age of 42 years. For service information and full obituary please go to www.saamis.com. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Leslie Jangula. Funeral arrangements by
DAVID MARCELL SWAIN May 18, 1961 - May 7, 2026
David Marcell Swain, born on May 18, 1961, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the age of 64 years. David will be remembered for his compassion, his sense of humour, his love of treasure hunting, and the deep care he held for those closest to him. He touched the lives of many with his kindness and the genuine warmth he brought to every one who knew him.
Though cancer may have taken his body, it could never take away the love shared in his final moments — moments filled with peace, connection, and the comfort of knowing he was not alone. David was predeceased by his son, Tyler Swain. He is lovingly remembered by his partner, Valerie Harkiss; his daughters, Crystal Swain and Melissa Larson; his stepdaughter, Wanda Hamilton; his brother, Norman Swain; his sister, Calinda Winters, as well as many extended family members, friends and loved ones who will carry his memory in their hearts forever. The family asks that those who knew David remember the love, strength, and humanity he carried with him until the very end. Forever loved. Forever remembered.
The celebration of David’s life will take place in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Cremation has been entrusted to the Pattison Funeral Home and Crematorium. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
MAGDALENA "LENA" ERESMAN Feb 14, 1930 - May 9, 2026
Magdalena “Lena” Eresman of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Nicholas “Nick” Eresman, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the age of 96 years.
Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in the HOLY FAMILY PARISH on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The prayers service and funeral mass will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please revisit this page on the date of service for the link. Interment will follow in the HILLSIDE CEMETERY. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
RYAN COOKE
Ryan Lyall Cooke, beloved father of Ryder Cooke passed away on Sunday, April 26th, 2026, at the age of 43 years. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, May 09, 2026, at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ryan Cooke. Funeral arrangements entrusted to
