PURVES Grave Stones |
Remembered with Honour - Moro River Canadian War Cemetery - Italy |
PURVES, John: 1921 - December 16, 1943
John Purvis of Grande Prairie, member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment as a
Lance Corporal during the Second World War, Purves was killed in action on the
16th December 1943, he is buried in the Moro River War Cemetery, Italy. On
January 1944 the Canadian Corps selected the site of the Moro River War
Cemetery with the intension that it would contain the graves of those
who died in the Ortona battle. The Battle of Ortona saw some of the bitterest
and fiercest fighting of the Second World War. The fighting was house to house
literally - the Canadians blasted their way through walls to get from building
to building. The battle continued over Christmas Day, 1943 but three days later
the Germans withdrew. Today, there are 1,615 graves in the cemetery, of which
over 50 are unidentified and 1,375 are Canadian. John was the son of William and
Sarah Purvis; he was 22 years old. |
PURVES, Mark: June 6, 1935 - May 28, 1996
Mark Purves, 60, of Bezanson On Tuesday, May 28, 1996, Mark Purves passed away at his home in Bezanson at the age of 60 years. Mark was born on June 6, 1935 at the home of his parents, William and Sarah Purves, delivered by neighbor Mrs. George Brown and her daughter Violet. He attended East Kleskun School for elementary schooling before moving to Edmonton with his parents where he continued his education. Mark's first job was at Municipal Airport in Edmonton where he worked for a short time before beginning his lifelong career of pipeline welding, apprenticing with his brother Bob at the age of 18. Mark continued welding until recently when ill health forced him to retire, but he continued to weld for family and friends. On April 5, 1969, Mark married Judy Ford of the Bezanson district, they raised three children: Michele, Julie and Jordy on their farm in Bezanson, Mark was always happiest when he was making people laugh and would go to any length to make that happen, even to performing his living chair trick at the risk of breaking his back. He loved to entertain, telling, jokes and acting in skits on numerous occasions. He loved to be around people and visited constantly. Mark loved horses and spent many happy hours taking the kids for cutter rides through the snow in the winter. Mark leaves to mourn: his wife Judy, daughters: Michele (Rick) Dedora of Zama, Julie of Edmonton, Jordy at home, granddaughter Royal, mother-in-law Julia Siebert of Bezanson, brothers; Bill (Anna) Purves of Hythe, Robert (Effie) of Edmonton, sister: Nan Fraser of Sexsmith, step father Robert Fleck of Prince George, B.C. as well as numerous nieces. nephews, family and friends. Mark was predeceased by an infant son in 1970, his parents and brothers John, James, George and Henry. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 1996 at 11 a.m. from Grande Prairie Funeral Chapel, 10005-107 Ave., Grande Prairie with Rev. Mike McWhinnie officiating. Cremation will follow with interment of ashes to take place in Glen Leslie cemetery, at a later date. Memorial donations to the Alberta Heart Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. OLIVER'S GRANDE PRAIRIE FUNERAL CHAPEL 10005-107 Ave., Grande Prairie Telephone 532-2929 "Dedicated Service Since 1915" CLIPPED FROM - The Daily Herald-Tribune, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, 30 May 1996, Thu - Page 5 |
PURVES, Judith: March 1, 1946 - April 17, 2024
Judith Eileen Purves (nee: Ford) With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Judith, who departed from this world suddenly on April 17, 2024. She faced unforeseen complications from her open-heart surgery, which she underwent in the fall of 2023. Judith had been making remarkable strides in her recovery, having recently returned to her hometown of Bezanson. Rediscovering her independence, she joyfully resumed driving and embarked on solo excursions to Grande Prairie, delighting in every moment. Born on March 1, 1946, in Grande Prairie, Judith spent most of her life in the surrounding area. A lifelong hairdresser, she dedicated herself to enhancing the beauty of others, a tradition she seamlessly integrated into her surroundings. Judith's courageous spirit and vision led her to establish two subdivisions in Bezanson, preserving and expanding the Ford family legacy. Her dream of Marksford Meadows became a reality, embodying her belief that if she built it, they would come. Judith was a very independent, determined, and spunky lady with a spirited personality that could get downright feisty at times as she loved to laugh and tease! She was a passionate admirer of beauty, she expressed her creativity through exquisite floral arrangements, lush gardens, and tasteful interior décor. Her flair extended even to fashion, where she would ingeniously redesign clothing to enhance their fashion and functionality and a little Judith sparkle thrown in for good measure. Her plans for this spring were brimming with enthusiasm as she anticipated planting flowers, revitalizing her home, and reuniting with cherished family and friends in her golden years. In 2007, Judith embarked on a new chapter, drawn by the call of adventure. After a transformative three-month journey in Australia, she settled in Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan, captivated by its healing waters and vibrant community. Despite being unable to swim, Judith found comfort in the welcoming atmosphere of Manitou, purchasing a cute little one-bedroom home in nearby Watrous. Over the next 15 years, she cultivated friendships at the Manitou Spa and Danceland, enjoying Saturday night dances and the camaraderie of her merry gang of friends. Judith loved her independence, living life on her terms. Although bidding farewell to Watrous was bittersweet, Judith returned to her roots in Bezanson this spring, where she was surrounded by fond memories and the embrace of her original family home. In her final adventure, Judith journeyed to Victoria, BC, to celebrate Christmas with her family, cherishing the joy of having all her grandchildren gathered under one roof. As the new year unfolded, she returned to Bezanson, finding solace in the familiar landscapes, the warmth of home and getting to spend quality time with Jordy, settling into the rhythm of being back in country that she loved so much. To our dearest Mama your watch has ended, but your love and presence will forever be carried in our hearts. Go with God, rest in peace, and may eternal happiness be yours. Until we meet again, know that you are deeply loved and profoundly missed. Survived by her children, Michele Dedora, Julie Day, and Jordy Purves, along with her seven grandchildren—Royal, Jaden, Roman Dedora, and Mason, Matthew, Caitlin, and Allyson Day—Judith leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration. Judith was predeceased by her husband and love of her life, Mark Purves. Her parents Harold and Julia Ford, and all 4 of her older siblings, Elmer Ford, Jim Ford, Kay Coney, and Danny Ford. We cry when we miss you and we smile when we remember you. With love now, forever, and always, Michele, Julie, and Jordy. A Gathering of Friends and Family will take place on 22 June 2024 to celebrate Judith’s life and close her last chapter with the sharing of stories and fond memories. A graveside internment service at Glen Leslie Cemetery at 2:00PM followed by a gathering at the Legion in Bezanson at 3:00PM where will have some fellowship and food. Donations in memory of Judith can be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 bcfh.ca clipped from Bear Creek Funeral Home - web April 2024 |
Block 51, Lot 8
The following are on this page as the Wife’s Maiden name or previous married name belongs on this page. Often the husbands details are included. |
FLECK, Sarah: 1900 - 1986 {also on Fleck & McSorley grave stone page}
Sarah Devina Lynch McSorley (Purves) Fleck Mrs. Sarah Devina Lynch McSorley (Purves) Fleck passed away at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Grande Prairie on Wednesday, February 26, 1986 at the age of 85. She was born in Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland. She moved from Scotland to the Kleskun Lake District in 1926, where she lived on the farm. In 1948 she moved to Edmonton, and in 1976 from Edmonton to Sexsmith, where she had since resided. She was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Kingsway Branch, No. 175, Edmonton. She is survived by her husband, Bob; children William (Anna) Purves of Hythe; George Purves of Edmonton; Agnes "Nan" Fraser of Sexsmith; Henry (Beryl) Purves of Ft. Saskatchewan; Robert (Effie) Purves of Edmonton; Mark (Judy) Purves of Bezanson; two stepsons: Dennis (Phyllis) Fleck of Edmonton and David (Isabel) Fleck of Prince George; 33 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by sons John and James, two infant twin sons, infant daughter and first husband William John Purves. Funeral service for the late Sarah Devina Lynch McSorley (Purves) Fleck will be held from the Oliver Funeral Chapel, Grande Prairie, Alberta on Monday, March 3, 1986 at 11 a.m. with Father Albert Sterzer officiating, Cremation to follow. Memorials to Camp Tamarack would be appreciated by the family, in lieu of flowers. Funeral arrangements by Oliver Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, Grande Prairie, Alberta. Telephone 532-2929. CLIPPED FROM - The Daily Herald-Tribune, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, 03 Mar 1986, Mon - Page 2 |
Sarah McSorley married William Purves (1919) then Robert Fleck (1962)
Block 34, Sub 3, Lot 6