Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Mary Lois Bourque (Cripps), of Coaldale, passed away on July 7th at the age of 68, surrounded by her family and close friends.
Lois was born in Chatham, New Brunswick, on May 5th, 1958. She was one of 15 children, including 9 sisters and 5 brothers who will all miss her dearly. Coming from an active family, Lois could often be found out on the field or at the rink. She was described by her family as the protector—always ensuring that everyone was taken care of—a trait she carried with her until her final days.
Lois shared her love, time, and passion with the larger community of Coaldale. She dedicated 17 years of volunteer service to the Coaldale Community Food Bank and 10 years to the Kinette Club of Canada (Coaldale). In her spare time, Lois could be found tending to her garden or supporting one of her grandchildren in their various talents. One of Lois's greatest accomplishments was being awarded a medal from Bishop Paul O'Byrne for dedicating and volunteering over a decade to religious education.
Being from the East Coast, Lois held a deep love for everything nautical, especially lighthouses. Lighthouses stand as a representation of unwavering guidance, resilience, and hope in times of darkness or uncertainty. Lois was truly the lighthouse for her family and community.
Lois is preceded in passing by her beloved son, Mark; her mother and father, Joan and Raymond Cripps; and her niece, Nadine Aube.
Lois will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Patrick Bourque, with whom she shared 48 years of love and marriage. As well as her four children: Renée Bowden (Norm), Matthew Bourque (Kristina), Michael Bourque, and Joseph Bourque (Alicia). Additionally, Lois leaves behind ten grandchildren: Austin (Azlyn), Dallan (Adrianna), Nevaeh (James), Lochlyn, Aurora, Cole (Thai), Luke (Julie), Mark, Brody, and Cohen.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday July 17, 2026 at 11:00AM in ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13 St N, Lethbridge, AB. Following the funeral, a reception will be held at the Gem of the West in Coaldale. The family invites everyone to come and share in their memories of Lois.
The family of Lois would like to show appreciation for all the love and support they have received during this time.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lois (Cripps) Bourque, please visit our floral store.