CHRISTENSEN, Jean Blanche

 

It is with sadness that we announce that Jean Christensen (nee Mactavish) of Strathmore, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 years on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Jean was born in 1921 at her family farm in Acadia Valley, Alberta.  She attended Normal School in Edmonton and moved to Carseland, Alberta in 1946 to teach elementary school.  There she lived with fellow teacher Ivy Podmoroff (Sanders) in the teacherage which was a one-room shack located on the school grounds.  In 1951, Jean married Martin Christensen and they moved to a farm northeast of Carseland.  Jean retired from full time teaching and settled down to become a farm wife while continuing to sub for many years.  She had two sons Don, born in 1954, and Bruce, born in 1957.  She greatly enjoyed her life on the farm and was involved with the usual activities in a rural area – 4H, Home and School, church and school activities with the boys.  She also hosted many family dinners on Sunday afternoons.  Jean loved to play cards, was in a Bridge group for many years, and later enjoyed her times with the Carseland Jet Setters Club.  In 1979, Martin and Jean built a new house in Carseland and adjusted to town life.  Jean loved visiting with her neighbours and spending time with her grandchildren after school.  In 1987 Martin passed away, and after 11 years, Jean moved to Lambert Village in Strathmore in 1998.  After Martin passed away, Jean enjoyed travelling and visited many places around the globe.  She loved her family and friends dearly and treasured every moment she spent with them.  Jean was predeceased by her husband Martin in 1987 and her brothers Duncan and Angus.  She is lovingly remembered by her sons Don (Linda) and their children Jessica (Ross) and Dustin; Bruce (Lori) and their children Bradley (Amanda) and Sarah; and her precious great-grandchildren Carter, Connor, and Loralei.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 at Hope Community Covenant Church, Strathmore at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Strathmore Hospital (200 Brent Blvd., Strathmore, AB, T1P 1J9).  To send condolences, please visit www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca

December 4, 1925 – March 22, 2013

 

Dorothy passed away on March 22, 2013. She was predeceased by her parents, Elias and Ottilia; her brother Donald; her son Donald; and one grandson. Dorothy is survived by her sister, Martha; eight children, Eleanor, Vernon, Minerva, Joy, Will (Wendy), Sherm, Ruth, and Jim; thirty grandchildren, forty-two great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.  We would like to thank Dr. Fanning and the staff at Strathmore Hospital for all of their care in our mother’s last days. We would also like to give a special thank you to all the staff at Sagewood for their wonderful care and friendship to our mother in her latter days. A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the Moose Lodge (4885 Hubalta Rd. S.E., Calgary) at 3:00 p.m.  To send condolences, please visit www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.

 

Marvin Friesz of Claresholm, Alberta was called home on April 10, 2013 at the age of 66 years after a courageous battle of pancreatic and liver cancer. He was a family man who had a real zeal for life. His infectious laugh and charismatic personality will be forever missed. He greeted one and all with a warm hearty Hello! Marvin will be deeply missed by his wife and soul mate of 44 years, Carolyn (nee Evans); daughters Shannon (Cornelius Giesbrecht), and Loretta (Willie Condruk); grandchildren Scott, Lianna, Cayley, Alaina and Landon; mother Leona Friesz Irwin; sister Sharlene (Bill Bethell); brothers Gary Friesz and Les Friesz; many nieces and nephews, and all who knew him. He was predeceased by his Father Alfred Friesz. Marvin was a 30 year member of The Masonic Lodge of Strathmore #53 and The Cairo Lodge of Claresholm #32. A celebration of Marvin’s life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Carseland Community Hall at 2:00 p.m. If desired, donations in memory of Marvin may be made directly to The Mustard Seed (102, 11 Ave. SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0X5) or your local Food Bank. To send condolences, please visit www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.