Obituary - Lani Jassman
Lani Jassman
1959 - 2026
April 11, 1959 ~ March 15, 2026
Lani Kaye Jassman (née Duce) passed away peacefully at home in her sleep next to the love of her life, Norm, after a beautiful day of playing with her grandchildren on March 15th, 2026. In addition to her husband of almost 40 years, she leaves to cherish her memory six children and their families:
Kristine and Chris (Hannah, Amber, Jeni)
Tavin and Rienko (Shae, Shae-Lee, Mila, Anneke)
Carson and Lana (Kensi)
Brittany (Eathan, Thomas, Samuel)
Dallas and Megan (Charlee, Emily)
Travis and Morgan (Walker, Hyland, Renna)
The oldest of seven children, Lani was born to Lamar & Wealtha Duce in Cardston, Alberta, where her mother instilled in her a deep love of music. Lani worked hard to pay for her own piano lessons through her teenage years and for her university education at BYU, where she graduated with her teaching degree in 1981. She embarked on a beautiful career in education, teaching both music and humanities for 20 years. Lani was a deeply empathetic, passionate teacher who positively impacted hundreds of students over the years, many of whom would reach out years later to tell her how much she meant to them. She was well-known for her “Spring Flings”, where she worked to ensure each child had their moment to shine on the stage. Lani wrote and arranged much of the music that she performed with her students and was never more impassioned than when she was in front of a choir. Her career was cut short in 2001, due to her significant health issues that she bore with a quiet grace and strength for the rest of her life.
Lani welcomed the birth of her first child, Carson, in 1983 and courageously raised him as a fiercely protective single mother until she met and married Norman Jassman in 1986 and became a loving step-mom to his two beautiful daughters, Kristine and Tavin, who she always simply called her “daughters”. Norm and Lani would settle on a little farm north of Bow Island in 1988 and welcome three more children, building a beautiful life together amongst the endless tasks of running a farm, caring for their animals, planting and tending acres of vegetables and flower beds, and teaching their children what deep, enduring love looked like.
Though she deeply mourned the loss of her teaching career, Lani devoted herself to the love and service of her family. She supported her kids in every endeavor and worked unceasingly, even when her body protested and failed her. When her grandchildren came along, she found a new purpose and dedicated the rest of her life to ensuring they knew how much she loved them. There was no more willing babysitter than Grandma Lani and she often had several grandchildren on her lap as she read story after story to them, and always with the perfect voice for each character.
Lani knew that her time on this earth wouldn’t be long and she wanted to hang on long enough to ensure her grandkids were all old enough to remember her and how much she loved them. She knew that when she had finished her work, her beloved father, Lamar, would be there to escort her home. Her family takes great comfort in knowing her goals were achieved and that she rests now from all pain, her memory cherished forever.
Celebration Of Life
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel
901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat
Monday, March 23, 2026
Time of visitation between 10:00 a.m. and 10:40 a.m.
Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Lynn Edwards conducting
Reception and fellowship to follow at Reflections Reception Facility
Private Family Interment thereafter at the Cardston Cemetery
Lani’s service was live-streamed on March 23rd, 2026, and can be viewed below. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Lani may be made to the Alberta Music Education Foundation through their website: www.amef.ca.
March 23, 2026
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Paul & Betty-Jo Schaufele:
Mar 18, 2026 at 06:05 PM
We want to express our sympathy to your family. Lani was a lovely lady and caring teacher.
Arnold & Lynda Pitcher:
Mar 18, 2026 at 08:38 PM
Our hearts are with the family. As a cousin I was the oldest grand child by many years and was away for schooling, mission, and work. I wish I had more time with Lani but what time we had together at various reunions or gatherings was wonderful. She was a special person and she will be missed. May the Lord be with all of the family.
Melvin and Dianne Thomson:
Mar 19, 2026 at 08:37 AM
We mourn the loss of Lani at such a young age, and send our love from the Thomson family to Norman and Lani's family as well as the Duce Family who have shared so many good times with the Thomson family. Lani was truly a special child of God and such a sweet spirit. She played the organ and piano in her youth for choirs and church, continuing on into her adulthood ,and enjoyed it as much as those who heard her music. She will be greatly missed and we wish the families love and strength at this time. May our Heavenly Father bless you all.
LaVerle Livingstone:
Mar 19, 2026 at 12:38 PM
Norm & family - May you find peace at this difficult time and rejoice in a life well lived by Lani. I have fond memories of the years we were friends in Bow Island. I always loved watching Lani conduct a singing group. She put her whole heart into it and danced as she conducted! Sending my love
Lorraine Cribbs:
Mar 20, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Norm and Family,
Lani was passionate about everything and everyone she loved - family, friends, students, career, and music. I feel blessed to have been both a friend and colleague of hers. My family enjoyed many fun filled days on the Jassman farm.
As I look back fondly on past memories, I know you will cherish the life you shared in the days ahead.
Donna Zubot and family:
Mar 20, 2026 at 06:38 PM
I am so sorry for your loss Norm, and family. Lani was easy to love and I will always remember her warmth. I will be keeping all of you close to my heart and hope you feel surrounded by love because Lani touched many lives. Norm, your marriage showed what devotion looks like. Your life together was a beautiful story, and we were honoured to be part of it.
Anna Staughton:
Mar 20, 2026 at 09:34 PM
My deepest sympathies to Norm and family. I have memories of Lani in my school years, joyfully playing her piano. She was a wonderful teacher !
MHADRTA—Medicine Hat And District Retired Teachers Association:
Mar 21, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Norm and family,
Although Lani was never a member of our branch, we do have members of our branch who knew Lani and her passion and love for teaching and her students during her twenty years of teaching. Once a teacher, always a teacher. May the love and support of family and friends bring you strength and comfort as you mourn her passing. She is now making beautiful music in heaven. From the retired teachers in MHADRTA, we extend our sincerest condolences.
Joel Woodruff:
Mar 23, 2026 at 11:07 AM
Sis. Jassman was a great and funny lady! She somehow survived being my teacher in LA, I don't remember any single lesson but remember she put in lots of effort to make it enjoyable!
I grew up with the Jassmans and know their mom taught them to be kind and hard workers, and never take anything too seriously or personal. I know she had great pain for as long as I can remember but she always had a smile on her face and made sure whoever she was with had one too. She was a great example and deserves all the rest and eternal reward that grace can and will offer her. Sorry I can't be there to hug all the Jassman family, be comforted and know she touched many lives!
Judy (Jassman) Philibert:
Mar 23, 2026 at 02:59 PM
😔 My heart and soul was/is with you and your family today, Norm.💓 You and Lani had such a full, rich, and loving life, and that life will continue on with your children, and their children. Lani is not 'gone', she is simply somewhere else, a place where you will meet her again. I attended the service 'on-line', it was beautiful, touching. Sending virtual hugs to all...your shared faith will bring all of you through this difficult journey. 🌻🪻🥀
Teresa Allred:
Mar 23, 2026 at 05:50 PM
Teresa Pitcher Allred here. I’m Lani’s older cousin. My mom is Aunt Wealtha’s sister, Elva Fullmer Pitcher.
My husband Drew and I just watched this beautiful service for Lani.
So proud of the loving tributes given about Lani, the hand made casket from her sons, the powerful slide show showing Lani’s inner and outer beauty, the sincere love for his wife from Norm and the beautiful song written and sung by Brittany. I know that the monsters in Lani’s life have been chased away. Arnold, Stacy and I cherish family memories with all of you.
Teresa Allred:
Mar 23, 2026 at 08:47 PM
Teresa again. I didn’t mention what a touching Sister Tribute you gave to Lani Quincelle ❣️
I will never forget your family tree comparisons. Loved every word.
Doris Wutzke:
Mar 24, 2026 at 06:45 PM
Our sincere condolences to all your family. An awesome educator and great person. Robert, Doris, Wyatt, Maureen, Sharlene Wutzke