1916 ~ BELLAGENTE ~ 2013

Mrs. Alma Bellagente of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Mr. Victor Bellagente passed away on Monday, August 19th, 2013 at the age of 96 years. Alma leaves to cherish her memory five children, Ron (Betty) Van Buskirk of Grande Prairie and children, James (Paula) Van Buskirk and Kathy (Curtis) Crawford, Jo Ann (Al) Pols of Medicine Hat and children, Darren (Colleen) Hust and Trevor (Daphne) Hust, Lois (Gilbert) Dupuis of Montreal and daughter, Natashia Van Buskirk-Dupuis, Wanda (Marvin) Hicke of Bolton, Ontario and children, Lisa (Iain) Hannan and Vanessa Hicke and Sherry (Al) Tisnic of Medicine Hat and children, Richelle (Doug) Thomas and Clinton (Alicia) Tisnic; fifteen great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ella Webber, Erna Gardiner and Lillian McKenzie; two sisters-in-law, Winnie Eiserman and Dora Eiserman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Alma was predeceased by her husband, Victor Bellagente; one son-in-law, Ewald Hust; three brothers, Ted Eiserman, Richard Eiserman and Arnold Eiserman; and one sister, Elsie Schacher. Alma was born in Walsh where she was raised. She attended school at Walsh and high school in Medicine Hat. Alma married Merrill and they resided at Tofield for 15 years. She moved to Medicine Hat where Alma raised her five children while working at various restaurants including The White Spot. During this time she also attended Garbutt Business College, which she completed with honours. Following this she was employed by Northwest Nitro for 5 or 6 years before becoming employed as a secretary with United Glass and Ceramic Workers Union where she was employed for 28 years, retiring in 1980. Alma met Victor in the early 60`s and they were married on November 11th, 1972. Together they made their home in Medicine Hat. Following their retirement, Alma and Victor travelled to Weslaco, Texas for 17 years. It was there Alma developed her artistic abilities when she took up painting, while continuing to play piano. Alma enjoyed swimming, entertaining, playing bridge, attending flea markets and garage sales and reading. Alma had very strong family ties and enjoyed visiting with her brother and sisters and especially enjoyed times spent with her children and grandchildren. She was a very strong Christian and spent the past 12 years at the Good Samaritan Society. Alma loved music and sang in the church choir for many years. She will be forever missed. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Friday, August 23rd, 2013 from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in UNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 8 Palliser Place NE, on Saturday, August 24th, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson officiating. Interment will follow in the Family Plot at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Alma’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 – 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8 or to the Good Samaritans Society, 550 Spruce Way SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4P1. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Alma Bellagente. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Friday around 12:35 p.m. on 93.7 Praise FM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599