Family pleads for return of mother’s stolen ashes

The ashes of a beloved mother were stolen from a Chestermere home on Monday morning. Her children are now pleading for their safe return.

A family is making a desperate plea for the return of their mother’s ashes after they were stolen during a residential break-in Tuesday morning.

Anna Thompson passed away in December, and her daughter, Deanna Thompson, says the family is distraught by the secondary loss of her remains.

“We’re devastated. … We just want our mom back,” Thompson said.

The theft occurred at a home on Cove Road in Chestermere, Alta.

Security footage captured two suspects entering the backyard before prying open the back door.

Among the items taken was a red velvet bag with a gold tassel containing the black urn.

Thompson believes the thieves may have mistaken it for a bag of valuables.

“I can’t imagine they did it on purpose. They probably assumed it was something of value because it was in a red velvet bag with a gold tassel,” she said.

“There’s no value to them, but it’s priceless to us.”

The search

The family has been tracking an iPad taken during the same robbery.

Its last known location pinged in northeast Calgary, near the intersection of McKnight Boulevard and Aviation Boulevard.

“We searched the area. We didn’t find anything, but it’s a large area, and it was dark yesterday,” Thompson said.

“We continue to search today, but it’s a bit of a needle in a haystack.”

The family is now asking residents in both Chestermere and Calgary to check their security cameras and keep an eye out for the discarded velvet bag.

The funeral

The theft comes just over a week before the family was set to hold a final farewell.

“Her funeral is scheduled for Jan. 17, and we’re desperately hoping the public will help us find her if (the ashes) have been discarded somewhere,” Thompson said.

“Or whoever has them, if they still have them, to turn them in somewhere, anywhere. There’s information inside the bag that would identify that it’s her.”

The investigation

The RCMP have confirmed they are investigating the break-in, and the two people captured on video are suspects.

On Thursday afternoon, RCMP issued an update, saying they believe the urn containing the ashes may have been taken unintentionally or even possibly discarded shortly after the break-in.

They ask anyone who may come across the urn or who has information about its whereabouts to come forward with the information.

Investigators are also seeking public assistance to identify two male suspects.

They say Suspect 1 was wearing white sweatpants, a blue and black coat, black shoes, a black hat and gloves.

Suspect 2 wore blue overalls with yellow stripes and a white construction hat.

Thompson stressed her only priority is the return of her mother, rather than seeing anyone prosecuted.

“I don’t care about anyone being charged or anything. I just want my mom back,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chestermere RCMP at 403-204-8777.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.