McPherson Funeral Services

09/22/2025

In Loving Memory
Christopher “Chris” Donald Lemay
1972 – 2025

Chris was born May 30, 1972, in Cranbrook, and after a lengthy battle with heart disease, he lost his fight on September 16, 2025.

Chris leaves behind his partner Cynthia, his mother, two children, a sister and a brother.

Rest in Peace, Chris, and God Bless!

No services; his family will hold a small gathering at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the East Kootenay SPCA.

09/22/2025

09/22/2025

In Loving Memory
Antonia (Antonietta) Marra
August 20, 1919 – September 20, 2025

It is with deep love and gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of Antonia Marra, affectionately known as Nona, on September 20, 2025, at the incredible age of 106. In her final days she was surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 20, 1919 in Forino Italy, Antonia lived a life rich in tradition, family, and quiet wisdom. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend, she touched the lives of all who knew her with her warmth, resilience, and generous heart.

Antonia met the love of her life Antonio (Tony) in her twenties. However, Antonio was conscripted to serve in the Italian military during World War 2 and did not return until eight years later. Upon returning from service they continued their courtship and married in 1951. Antonia and Antonio settled in Cranbrook, BC, in 1952 and began raising their family.

Nona was known for her deep love of gardening, knitting many sweaters, slippers and blankets, cooking traditional Italian dishes and filling her home with the comforting smells of family recipes passed down through generations. Her hands were rarely idle — always nurturing something, whether it was a plant, a pot of sauce, or the people lucky enough to sit at her table.

She also took pride in her countless hours volunteering at the Cristoforo Columbo Lodge where they cooked vast amounts of pasta and meatballs. She loved the laughter and friendship found in that kitchen, proving that food really is the quickest way to win people over.

One of her greatest joys was sharing a glass of wine with family and visitors, offering not just refreshments, but her time, her stories, and her listening ear. Her kitchen was a gathering place. A space where love was cooked into every meal and where everyone was welcomed with open arms.

Antonia’s life was a testament to the beauty of simple pleasures, steadfast love, and enduring tradition. She leaves behind a legacy rooted in family, kindness, and the small but powerful rituals of daily life.

Antonia was predeceased by her husband Antonio in 1995, her sister, Angelina, her brother, Andre, her great-great grandson, Meko, and her very close cousin, Margaret Kraljic.

She is survived by her loving children: Marg, Silvana (Jim), Jack (Shelly), her grandchildren: Josie (Jim), Jedediah, Jordan, Devon, and Dylan, her great-grandchildren: Jessica and Nathan, her great-great grandchildren: Jayden, Jayce, Mateo and Maverick, as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends in Canada and Italy.

Vigil Prayers and Rosary will be held on Friday September 26 at 7 PM at McPherson Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on 10th Avenue, Cranbrook, with entombment to follow at the Westlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
The Mass will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Please follow the link below to view:
https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/antonia-marra-mass

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nurses and staff at the Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home for their dedicated care and kindness. Their support brought comfort not only to her, but also to all who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you plant something in her honor, cook a favorite dish, or share a glass of wine with someone you love — just as Nona would have wanted.

"Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day."

09/18/2025

🌟 Thank You! 🌟

We are so grateful to our community and surrounding areas for the incredible support at our BBQ Fundraiser this past Saturday. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $5,000 in support of the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society!

Your kindness and continued support make a meaningful difference, and we can’t thank you enough for helping us give back to such an important cause.

Thank you to our Sponsors

- Save on Foods
- Rockin in The Rockies Car Club
- Sandor Rental
- Old Dutch
- Selkirk Beverages
- Bridge Interiors
- Cranbrook Signs
- Highwood Portraits
- Dan Buterman & Gary Malone
- The Cranbrook Youth Ambassador’s

09/17/2025

In Loving Memory
Donald (Don) Sansom
April 25, 1936 — September 14, 2025

Donald “Don” Sansom, 89, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, in Cranbrook, BC. Born in Calgary, Alberta, on April 25, 1936, Don lived a full and spirited life defined by hard work, deep friendships, and a lifelong passion for motorcycles.

Don is lovingly remembered by his wife Bev; his children Jeff (Jayne), Tracy (Ian), and Wendy (Bob); his stepdaughters Tovie (Gord), Cindy (Ron), and Roxane; his grandchildren Justin (Brenna), Alex (Cathy), Bryan (Tarra), Taryn (Cole), Emily, Ashley (Justin), Jerrad, Graham, Amber (Pietro), Zach, and Zach; and his great-grandchildren Haylie, Wyatt, Isla, Terry, Lily, Luigi, and Francesca. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Pat, and his twin sons.
Throughout his life, Don held a variety of jobs—from setting pins in a bowling alley to serving as a postal carrier with Canada Post. He spent the final 20 years of his career at the Columbia Brewery in Creston, BC, where he was a dedicated and valued team member. A true hands-on man, Don was rarely still. He enjoyed puttering around the yard, tackling woodworking projects, and always seemed to have a new idea or task on the go. But above all, his greatest love was his motorcycle. Don rode well into his 80s, only parking his bike for good at the age of 86. For 33 years, he made the annual pilgrimage to Sturgis, South Dakota—though he’d be the first to say only 29 of those count, because “real bikers ride their bikes.” Those trips brought him immense joy, especially the cherished time spent with the lifelong friends he made at the Spearfish campground.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on October 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 in Cranbrook, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24, Cranbrook, in Don’s memory. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

09/13/2025

Today’s the day look forward to see you

Hey Everyone,

🔥BBQ Fundraiser – Next Saturday!

📅 Sat, Sept 13 | ⏰ 11am–3pm
📍 McPherson Funeral Home Parking Lot, 2200 2nd St S, Cranbrook

🍔 Burger, drink & chips – $10 min. donation (cash only)
🚗 Classic Car Show N’ Shine
🎶 Live Music

✨ All proceeds support Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society 💜

Come hungry & bring a friend!

09/12/2025

In Loving Memory
Donna Lynn Penner
March 20, 1957 – September 8, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of donna, on September 8, 2025 At East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born in Fernie, BC in 1957. Our family later moved to Cranbrook After high school, Donna moved to many different cities, and met and married the love of her life Ken “Sonny” Penner in Vernon. Later they moved back to Cranbrook in 1995.

Donna had a love of all animals but especially her three cats. They came above everything else. She was a kind, loyal, generous and loving person. Always there to listen or help in any way she could. Her pride and joy were her two nieces, Jenna and Jodi, the bond they shared that will never be broken.

A beloved wife, big sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and step mom. Donna will be dearly missed.

Survived by her sister Laurie Schmideder (Dave), Jenna Schmideder, Jodi Schmideder (Judy), step-sons Brian Asling and Lance Penner, In-laws the Penner Family from Edgewood BC, and by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Donna was predeceased by her loving husband Ken “Sonny” Penner, her parents Marjorie and Emil Kopchiak, and a very special Aunt Doreen Kopchiak.

Donna will also be missed by a life long best friend Marie McConachie who was by her side through thick and thin.

We appreciate you so much Marie !

As per Donna’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. Her wish was that if anyone wanted to send flowers, please donate to the Leslie Long Rescue

Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us everyday
Unseen, Unheard.
But always near, Still loved
still missed, and very dear.

09/12/2025

In Loving Memory
Joseph Andrew Masi
February 7, 1949 - September 11, 2025

With great sadness, the family of Joseph Masi announces his passing at the age of 76. Joe died peacefully on September 11, 2025. In his final days, he was surrounded by family and a great deal of love.

Joe was born on February 7, 1949, in Drumheller, Alberta to Francesco and Concetta (née Fiorentino) Masi. Joe was the eldest of two, with younger sister Angelina being born shortly before the family moved to Regina. Growing up in Regina, Joe attended catholic school, delivered newspapers, and learned to play the accordion. In the summers, he often took the train west to Cranbrook to stay with his grandparents, Agostino and Rosa Fiorentino. Joe frequently reminisced about those summers, where he enjoyed spending time with his grandparents, uncles, aunts, and many cousins. He became particularly close to his uncles, Frank, Gus and Ang, who treated him like their younger brother.

Itching to leave the city life, on the day of his last high school exam, Joe packed his bags and rode the train one final time to Cranbrook. In the subsequent years, he worked labourer jobs, spent memorable times with family and friends, and enjoyed adventures in the mountains - particularly annual horseback excursions to Connor’s lake. Following in his uncles’ footsteps, he became a heavy duty mechanic and welder, receiving his journeyman certificate in Nanaimo and joining them first at Interior Diesel and then at Fiorentino Brothers Contracting. After purchasing his first parcel of land in his mid-twenties, Joe and his uncles started dabbling in the cattle business.

In the fall of 1977, Joe, Frank, Gus and Ang - along with their business partner Lou Rogers - purchased land at Fort Steele and founded Kootenay River Ranch. Joe would become the manager of the ranch, living in a small log cabin on the property. He spent his first years learning hard lessons about ranching and relying on more seasoned cattlemen to gain the knowledge needed to run a farm of considerable size. In due time, Joe grew the ranch into a successful cow-calf operation and took great pride in his work. He embraced the ranching lifestyle and had the pleasure of working cooperatively throughout his career with many farm families in the community. He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to maintaining a healthy herd and an efficient operation.

In 1984, Joe married Susie Capuano and shortly thereafter, they started a family, first welcoming daughter Andrea, in 1985, and son Mathew, in 1987. The family would spend many happy years on the ranch. Together they enjoyed the daily routines of ranch life and welcomed family and friends to join them for special occasions. To Joe’s delight, the ranch became a gathering place for the larger Fiorentino family. Many wonderful memories were made and younger cousins took to the country lifestyle, thanks in part to their “uncle Joe.” In 2019, the ranch was sold, and Joe and Susie retired to a small acreage just outside of Cranbrook. Joe spent his final years tending to his yard, going on long walks, and spending cherished time with his grandchildren Emery and Wyatt.

Joe is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susie, his daughter Andrea, son Mathew (Elisea), sister Angie (Lee) Hart, sister-in-law Toni (Tony) Evans, brother-in-law Silvio (Christine) Capuano, grandchildren Emery and Wyatt Burton, nieces and nephews Allison (Ryan) Ellis, Nathan (Ariana) Hart, Vince Capuano, Tara (Jason) Silzer, and Amanda Capuano, great nephews and nieces Isaac, Nash, Danica, and Makayla, and many cherished cousins, aunts, and uncles. He is predeceased by his parents Connie and Frank, his mother- and father-in-law Carmela and Leonardo Capuano, his brother-in-law, Vince Capuano, numerous aunts and uncles, and his cousins Josh Anderson, Rosemary Loschiavo, David Fiorentino, and Mike Mackie.

Joe’s family would like to thank the many wonderful doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at East Kootenay Regional Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital, who supported him throughout his difficult medical journey.

A celebration of Joe’s life will take place on September 19 at 1:30 pm at the Colombo Lodge. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joe’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society.

09/12/2025

In Loving Memory
Cathleen Ann Henriksen “Cathie”
November 28, 1956 – September 9, 2025

Cathie Henriksen passed away peacefully at East Kootenay Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving partner and her ?aqam family.

She was predeceased by her father, Jerry Henriksen, her mother, Anne Price and her sister Tammy Henriksen.

She is survived by her beloved life partner and best friend of 33 years, Carol Alexander, as well as her extended Alexander family.

As per Cathie’s wishes, there will be no funeral or formal service. She has requested cremation, with her ashes to be scattered in a body of water.

Cathie’s message to all was simple and sincere: “Try to be kind, love your family and friends, tomorrow is not promised.”

As Carol often says, Cathie “lilfred”, loved everyone and never wished harm on anyone she met.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Cathie’s memory.

09/10/2025

In Loving Memory
Edith Rose Rose
December 30, 1921 - July 30, 2025

Edith passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025 at the Cranbrook Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
She is predeceased by her husband Herb and son Johnson. Edith is survived by her three sons: Paul (Denise), Kevin, Derek (Joan), grandsons Trevor (Katherine), James, Spence, Wes (Laura) and great grandson Noah.
Edith's long life was full of remarkable accomplishments. Her greatest joy in life was her family.
In the seventy years Edith lived in Cranbrook, she took great pride and pleasure in her volunteer activities which included: Serving on the School Board, the PTA, the College Board, the Library Board, the Cranbrook University Women's Club, member of the United Church's Senior Choir, member of the Cranbrook Progress Society and the Cranbrook Health Care Auxiliary.
Edith touched many lives and will be deeply missed by her friends, community and family.
At Edith's request, a small family celebration has taken place.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to the Cranbrook Regional Hospital Auxiliary.

09/08/2025

In Loving Memory
Les Hunter
March 12, 1950 — September 2, 2025

With deep sadness we announce the loss of our loved-one Les Hunter. He passed away peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on Sep 2nd. Les was one of a kind; a loving husband and father and loyal friend. Born in Regina, SK he was raised in Queenstown and Calgary AB. Les attended SAIT where he obtained his CET diploma and met his lifelong friends in the GGI Ski Club. All his life he enjoyed the great outdoors with family, friends and neighbours travelling, camping, hiking, golfing and cycling. He will be greatly missed by his wife Carolyn and sons Bradley, Oliver and Andrew as well as many friends and family.

A private celebration will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or donations please raise a glass of your favourite beverage in honour of Les.

09/08/2025

In Loving Memory
Teresa Theadora Matthews
May 28, 1953 — August 24, 2025

Terry Matthews passed away peacefully at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, BC, on August 24, 2025, at the age of 72.

Terry was born and raised in Cranbrook by her late parents, Jean and Alfred Lund, and spent most of her life in the community. Terry is survived by her loving son Jody, daughter-in-law Laura, brother Miki, sister-in-law Tina, and her cat Jazzibella. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Dawn, whom she cared for with tireless love and compassion, without hesitation or complaint. Her devotion was total and unshakable.

A quintessential hippie in her younger years, Terry had a free spirit, a deep love for music, and a boundless caring for others. She was known for her wanderlust—never hesitating to hitchhike, take spontaneous trips, or hop on the back of a motorcycle for a ride. One of her most treasured travel memories was a trip to Cuba, which she spoke of often.

Terry also had a deep love for the outdoors. Jody remembers many happy camping trips with his mom in her camper van out at Lazy Lake, surrounded by pets, friends, and the peace of nature. These were joyful, grounding times that reflected Terry’s love of simple pleasures and quality time with the people (and animals) she loved.

For nearly two decades, Terry lived with and cared for her mother Jean, providing constant love and companionship until Jean’s passing. Their bond was especially evident during the holidays—Christmas was a cherished time for them both. They would stay up into the early hours of Christmas morning, carefully wrapping and putting the final touches on gifts for their loved ones, delighting in the joy of giving. Terry brought beauty and warmth to every holiday gathering—Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s were times she cherished with her family.

Terry was a caregiver not only by role but by nature. She was always there for her friends, many of whom leaned on her during their hardest times. She loved her family deeply, always making them feel valued and cared for. Her kindness extended to anyone in need—she would never waste leftover food and was known to quietly make sure no one went hungry, including the neighborhood animals. She would have given everything she had to save a friend.

She cared deeply for her brother Miki and shared a lifelong bond with him, full of both affection and mischief. (Miki never forgot the time she put thumbtacks in his bed! The two used to take turns watching their favorite TV shows on alternating weeks when they aired at the same time—an early lesson in compromise.)

Terry loved her sister-in-law Tina from the moment they met and became one of her fiercest protectors. Their friendship blossomed over decades, rooted in trust and laughter. Tina recalls meeting Terry at a party in the 1970s, where Terry—a true flower child—sang and played her acoustic guitar, leaving a lasting impression with her voice and presence. Terry remained a strikingly beautiful woman throughout her life, radiating strength and grace until the end.

Terry was truly loved by so many. Her laughter, her fierce loyalty, her music, her stories, and her unbreakable spirit will be missed beyond words.

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held in the fall, with details to be announced.