Friday, December 21, 2018 at 12:00 a.m.
Brecka, Johanna Gerdina
1946 – 2018
JOHANNA GERDINA BRECKA, (née Hillebrand), beloved wife of Stan Brecka, of Picture Butte, AB, passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side, on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the age of 72 years, following a courageous battle with breast cancer.
JOHANNA GERDINA BRECKA, (née Hillebrand), beloved wife of Stan Brecka, of Picture Butte, AB, passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side, on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the age of 72 years, following a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Johanna is survived by her husband Stan, children Bonnie (Anton) Suberlak, and Alan (Amy) Brecka; two grandchildren Johnathan and Sophia; sister Bertha Biluk of Armstrong, B.C. and her daughters Lori (Anderson) Galdino, Sherri (Grant) Davyduke, Krista (Wayne) Biluk and numerous cousins. She is also survived by Stan's siblings Vladimir (Cathy) Brecka, Geraldine Cochrane and their families.
Johanna is preceded in death by her parents, infant brother and two brothers-in-law Wayne Cochrane and Ernie Biluk.
Johanna was born in Macleod, Alberta, on October 20, 1946 to Joan and Bert Hillebrand and was raised on a farm in the Granum area. She married Stan Brecka on January 10, 1978 and lived on the family farm for 41 years until her passing.
Johanna graduated from the St. Michael's School of Nursing in 1970 and worked as a registered nurse for 36 years. Her passions included spending time with her family, travelling to numerous destinations over the years and her pastime of quilting. She was also a faithful follower of Christ and very active in the community over the years.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH, 440 Crescent Avenue, Picture Butte, AB, on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Peter Coyne officiating, with a reception to follow at the Picture Butte Community Centre, 607 Highway Avenue North, Picture Butte.
A Private Family Interment will be held prior to the Funeral Service.
In memory of Johanna, donations may be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 - 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5; St. Michael's Health Centre - Palliative Care Unit, 1400 - 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V5 or to a charity of your choice.
Guestbook (12)
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So sorry to hear of the passing of a St. Mike's classmate. May you treasure her memory
Thinking of you all at this very difficult time... Bonnie, keep your Mums' memories close and know that she will remain gently present throughout your lives. My deepest condolences
So sorry that Johanna had to leave your family far too soon. It is so sad, & that she suffered so long. Hopefully you can all cherish the wonderful memories of her, and that these memories help keep her close to your heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My sincerest sympathy to Stan, Bonnie,Alan and extended family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Johanna was a very caring and special classmate and I treasure the memories I have of her.
We are so sorry to hear of Johanna's passing. We will treasure our memories of her kind, friendly and helpful spirit that was always with us on our many vacations with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Friends Forever You will be missed but always in our hearts.
Bonnie and family - we are so sad to hear of your Mom's passing. We are glad you were able to be with her, and surround her with your love, in her final moments. May your memories of times together with her give you strength to navigate the challenging days ahead. Sending love and strength your way.
Johanna was truly a breath of fresh air as a young woman and remained so all her life. Sincere condolences to her family. She will be missed.
Text...Our sincere sympathy to your family.
Stan and family, Our sincere condolences. Johanna was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will be missed. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Stan, Bonnie, Alan and family. So sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. She was a wonderful person with a kind heart. She will be missed. My sincere condolences.