Obits | DrumhellerMail

Condolences to the family of Helen Anne Berlando (née Looten)

HelenBerlando

May 3, 1932 - November 21, 2024

Our beloved Mother, “Nonie,” aunt, and friend, Helen Anne Berlando (née Looten) passed away peacefully at the Drumheller Health Centre with family by her side on November 21, 2024, at the age of 92 years.
Helen was born on May 3, 1932, in Drumheller, Alberta to parents Jeanne and Henri Looten. She had three older siblings: Jeanne, Henry, and Johnny. When she was four years old, her family returned to France—where their ancestors were from—for a few months but came back to Canada before the onset of World War II. Helen’s mother, having survived World War I, could feel the war coming. After they returned to Drumheller, her father built a new home in Newcastle overlooking the Red Deer River and worked as a miner and mechanic.
In 1953, Helen married the love of her life, Roger Berlando. They enjoyed over 61 years together raising their three sons, Dwayne, Perry, and Darrell. Roger initially worked in the Star Mine, and they later moved so he could work in the Alberta Hotel in Rosedale. They went on to own and run the Rosedale Hotel for three years. After selling the hotel, the family moved to Drumheller. Helen enjoyed many jobs and excelled at everything she did, including bookkeeping and Secretary-Treasurer for St Anthony’s School.
As a young lady, Helen loved spending time with her girlfriends—walking uptown and in the hills of the Badlands and going out to the movies. One of her early joys was riding the first girl’s bike her brother Henry brought back from his time serving in the War. Later, Helen developed a love for curling that never faded. After she no longer played the sport, she continued to watch it with enthusiasm. Helen adored her friends and belonged to her cherished card group that faithfully got together biweekly for fun and fellowship. Helen’s passion for travelling was ignited after she took a trip to Europe with her older sister Jeanne. She went on to explore other locations with friends and family, journeying as far as Taiwan with her son and daughter-in-law to visit her granddaughter. She also enjoyed baking and visiting casinos, but her favourite activity was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—especially bringing them together to celebrate family occasions.
Beyond all that she did for her family and friends, Helen believed in fostering community and was an active volunteer and Catholic, volunteering with the CWL for over 60 years. She valued visiting community members at the lodge, hospital, and Continuing Care to help with mass. Helen received a certificate of Honour for her contributions to the Drumheller District Health Services (DDHS).
She will be missed by her sons, Dwayne (Laura Lee) and Darrell (Laurie); daughter-in-law, Tish; grandchildren, Maria (Tyler), Michele (Luc), Amy (Jordan), Jeremy, Ashley (Ross), Liana (Aaron), Nicole (Jack), Talon (Teryn), and Tarren (Corey); 17 great-grandchildren and one more on the way; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Besides her loving husband, Roger Berlando, Helen was predeceased by her son, Perry, her parents, Henri and Jeanne Looten; siblings, Jeanne Pallesen Fields, Henry Looten, and Johnny Looten; as well as many other friends and family.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish 151 3 St W, Drumheller. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 29, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish. A reception and lunch will follow the service at the St. Anthony’s Parish Hall.

Condolences to the family of Lorne David Graham

LorneGraham

November 30, 1932 - November 17, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Lorne Graham.
Lorne was born in Tompkins, Saskatchewan, to parents, Muriel and Alexander Graham. He was the second of four children.
He married Grace Halliday on May 6, 1955. They moved to Calgary, Alberta that same day where Lorne began work for the Union Milk Company, a job he truly enjoyed. They soon welcomed a daughter Shirley and two sons Kenneth and Cameron. They followed their hearts back to the farm and bought some land north of Delia in the Victor area in 1965. They enjoyed their life together raising their family, crops, cattle, pigs and chickens. Grace passed away in 2006. Lorne continued to work and live on the farm until he moved to Drumheller to start his semi-retirement. He reconnected with a childhood friend, Dolly Schermerhorn and they enjoyed many activities together including square dancing, travelling, camping and still some harvest duties. Lorne proudly drove the combine for the last time in 2022 at the age of 90.
Lorne was predeceased by his parents, his son Ken, his wife Grace, his brother Cliff, his son-in-law Bob Greer, and his special friend Dolly.
He is survived by his daughter Shirley (Paul), grandchildren Jodie, Stacey, Tamara (Mark), and Nathan. His son Cameron (Tammy), grandsons Colby (Nicole) and Connor. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren; Kaylea Greer, Kendra Greer, Chloe Greer, Phoenix Minor-Greer, Broxx Minor-Greer, Ryder Graham, Parker Graham, as well as his chosen family Betty and Lloyd Klassen, Harvey and Heather Schermerhorn, sisters Helen Mickey, and Jean Caron, sisters in law Joan Dimmock and Margaret Graham.
A Funeral Service honouring Lorne’s life was held Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at the Delia Community Centre, and a luncheon followed. Donations may be made in memory of Lorne to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation (Continuing Care).

Condolences to the family of Dorothy Janet Barnes

JanetBarnes

October 14, 1926 - November 14, 2024

Janet Barnes passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024, in Lethbridge, Alberta. She was 98 years old.
Janet was born to Duncan and Ada Beaton in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on October 14, 1926. She grew up in Briarlea, attended Normal School, and taught at rural schools in Saskatchewan.
She married Raymond Barnes in 1952. They lived in Saskatchewan until 1967 when they moved to Drumheller. They enjoyed raising their six children and forming many friendships while living in the valley. Ray passed away in 1985. Janet stayed in Drumheller where she volunteered with Meals on Wheels, was a member of The Royal Purple, played bridge and canasta, curled, and travelled near and far with Drumheller friends. In 2013, Janet moved to Lethbridge to be closer to family.
Janet is survived by all six of her children: Murray (Ludmila); Myrna (Elio); Kelly (Lori); Brian (Nanette); Tim (Sarah); Leanne (Scott). She is also survived by six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She also leaves her sister Sylvia McLeod (Colin – deceased) and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Ray, Janet was predeceased by her sister Betty McDougall (Lorne), and her brother Allan Beaton.
Many thanks to the staff at Extendicare Fairmont Park in Lethbridge for taking such good care of our mom.
We will miss her.
A Graveside Service will be held at the DRUMHELLER MUNICIPAL CEMETERY, 900 S Railway Ave, Drumheller, AB, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 2:00 P.M.

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