Woman’s ashes stolen during Chestermere break-in returned to funeral home with note

A Calgary-area family is rejoicing after the remains of their loved one stolen during a break-and-enter earlier this week were recovered.

Chestermere resident Deanna Thompson says she was notified Friday her mother’s ashes were dropped off overnight at a funeral home on Memorial Drive.

“Our prayers were answered,” an emotional Thompson told CityNews. “We got her back and now we can celebrate her life.”

She says the family is extremely grateful for the efforts of the community for continuing the search and happy that their mother’s remains will be present at her upcoming funeral.

A note was left with the remains, asking for their safe return to the family.

“Found these (ashes) in an alley with this ceritificate, please make sure it is returned to the family,” reads the note.

Thompson’s home was broken into on Tuesday around 9:30 a.m.

Investigators say multiple belongings were stolen, including a red velvet bag containing a temporary box that held the ashes of Thompson’s mother. It is likely the thieves didn’t know what they were taking.

On Thursday, CityNews was supplied images and home security footage of the two men suspected in the break in. No arrests have been made.

Police say suspect number one was wearing white sweatpants, a blue and black coat, black shoes, a black hat, and gloves, the second suspect was wearing blue overalls with yellow stripes and a white construction hat.

Thompson says she hopes police can find the suspects, but having her mother’s remains back is more important.

“I guess she just wanted one last adventure,” she says. “We’ll just try and put this behind us now, because all we cared about was that we got her back, and we did.”

An investigation into the incident continues, but no arrests or charges have been laid.

Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to contact Chestermere RCMP or their local police service. Anonymous tips can also be made to CrimeStoppers.