Obituary of Elaine Deshaies

Elaine Deshaies
November 13, 1959 – March 7, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Elaine Deshaies, who peacefully passed away on March 7, 2026, in Saskatoon, surrounded by family.

Elaine was born on November 13, 1959, in Lafleche, Saskatchewan, to Yoland Deshaies of Fir Mountain and Alberta (Dietrich) Deshaies of Radville. She grew up on the family farm in Wood Mountain alongside her sisters, Shelley Wilson and Debbie Deshaies, before later moving to Lafleche, where she attended high school. After graduating, she spent a short time in Moose Jaw before moving to Regina, then to Saskatoon in 1995. 

Elaine was fiercely independent, strong-willed, loyal, and deeply dedicated to the people in her life. She was always willing to help family and friends in need. Those who knew her well appreciated her robust sense of humour and her no-nonsense attitude. She was a respected confidant and mentor, known for her generosity in sharing her time, wisdom, and support with everyone she encountered.

She shared a close bond with her parents and lovingly cared for them in her home for more than a decade. Elaine was well-loved by her many neighbours in Saskatoon and by her coworkers at Agriculture Canada, where she dedicated 39 years of service before retiring in 2017.

In retirement, Elaine found her greatest joy spending time with her beloved grandchildren, Yoli (named after her father, Yoland) and Scout Halyk-Deshaies, with whom she shared a very special bond. She was incredibly close with her daughter Kara Deshaies, her husband Garett Halyk, their children, and their two golden retrievers Boone and Chester. She treasured every moment spent together as a family. She also found great joy in backyard flower gardening and coffee visits with close friends. 

Some of the highlights of Elaine’s life included travelling to New Zealand and Australia as a young adult, a family trip to Disneyland in the 90s, many motorhome trips with her parents, and, most recently, a memorable 2024 trip to Arizona with Kara, Garett, and her grandchildren.

Elaine endured many hardships during her short battle with cancer and stem cell transplant complications, facing each challenge with remarkable strength and determination, never wavering until her final goodbye.

Elaine is lovingly remembered by her daughter Kara, her son-in-law Garett, and her cherished grandchildren Yoli and Scout. She is also survived by her sister, Shelley Wilson.

She was predeceased by her sister Debbie Deshaies, parents Yoland and Alberta Deshaies, and brother-in-law Ken Wilson. She will also be reunited with her two beloved dogs, Kobi and Rex.

Elaine will be remembered for her strength, loyalty, humour, and deep love for her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Her love lives on in the family she cherished most, and the memories she created with them will forever remain in their hearts.

In keeping with Elaine’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A private family interment will take place at a later date.