A Chestermere family is asking the public for help after the stolen remains of their mother vanished during a break‑in earlier this week.
The theft occurred around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at a home in the Cove area of Chestermere.
Among several items taken was a red velvet bag containing a temporary box holding the ashes of Deanna Thompson’s mother. Thompson says she believes the thieves likely had no idea what they were taking.
“It’s in a velvet red bag with a gold tassel on it,” she explained. “Inside that bag is a box, a little bit bigger than a shoe box.”
“We are having an urn made, so it was a temporary box that I had around the house. And inside the bag was all the paperwork from the funeral home as well.”
Also stolen was an iPad, which last pinged in northeast Calgary near McKnight Boulevard. Thompson says the remains could now be anywhere.
“A number of things were stolen, and then I realized later in the day that they had taken my mother’s ashes that were in the kitchen,” she said. “It could be anywhere — thrown out in Chestermere or Calgary, or they still have it. I just desperately want to get Mom back.”
The family has canvassed the neighbourhood and believes they may have captured footage of the suspects, which has been turned over to police. RCMP confirm they are investigating the break‑in.
Thompson is urging anyone who may have seen a red velvet bag with a box inside to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Chestermere RCMP or Calgary Police, or to reach out to the family directly.