CONNIE SCHLACHTER

CONNIE SCHLACHTER January 13, 1949 ~ January 12, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Constance Bernadette ‘Connie’ Schlachter announce her sudden passing at River Ridge Seniors Village in Medicine Hat at the age of 74 years, one day before her 75th birthday.
She is survived by her mother, Theresa June Judkins; siblings, Myrna Judkins, Bryan (Linda) Judkins, Wayne Judkins, Rita McNeil, Terri (John) Mazereeuw; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews and in-laws, Judy Judkins, Gaby Schlachter and Mary (Alvin) Wutzke. She was predeceased by her husband, Albert Schlachter; father, Neil Judkins; brother, Timothy Judkins as well as Albert’s parents, Timothy and Appolonia and brothers, Gary and Kenny.
Connie was the oldest of seven and had many good memories of growing up at the “Gas Camp.”
She attended schools in Burdett and Bow Island. In her early adult years, Connie was a member of the ceramics club where she made many beautiful gifts for family and friends. She was working at the Bow Island IGA when she met her future husband, Albert. He farmed near Conquerville where she joined him after their marriage on April 29, 1979, and they lived there until she lost him to cancer on June 15, 1996. Connie then moved to Medicine Hat where she met many friends and enjoyed city life. She volunteered at CNIB at the suggestion of her good friend, Shirley Dupmeier and had many funny stories to tell about Shirley and her guide dog. Connie then got engaged to Ben Heschl and they later moved to Ladysmith, B.C. where she sent many emails to her sisters bragging about the nice weather and all the fun they were having. They lived there for almost 10 years until Ben’s sudden passing, after which time she returned to Medicine Hat.
Connie’s favourite vacation memories were visiting the British Isles, Hawaii and weekend trips to Great Falls. She really enjoyed being one of the girls in the exclusive “Clothing Party” group where many laughs were had by all.
Connie was a gentle soul, sensitive, and very caring for others be it family, friends, or strangers. She enjoyed laughing and telling jokes even when she couldn’t remember the punchline.
After losing two mates, Connie faced even further challenges later in life but her faith and fortitude prevailed. She was a self-proclaimed “people person” who had compassion for all, and was blessed to have had so many kind, compassionate people in her midst as well.
The family would like to thank the staff at River Ridge and all other health care facilities, as well as individual friends and others who cared for her over the years.
Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. with Deacon Robert Risling officiating. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road S.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Those wishing to join the family virtually and experience the Funeral Mass via live stream are invited to watch by connecting to YouTube and searching: Medicine Hat Holy Family Church, then selecting the video link at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”