Obituary of Deanna SCHAFER

Deanna Emily Schafer of Mankota, SK passed away on October 16, 2013, at the age of 69 years. Deanna was born in Ponteix, SK on July 20, 1944 to parents Albert and Annette (nee Bleau) Smith. She grew up and attended school in Reliance, SK. At the age of 8, Deanna was diagnosed with polio; this was life changing. When she was 9, she developed a curvature of the spine as a result of the polio. Deanna went to Regina for surgery and spent 2 years in a body cast. During this time she went to school; this would be a major obstacle for any child, however, Deanna persevered. Deanna met the love of her life, Melvin Schafer, at a ball game. After a brief courtship they were married on April 22, 1962. Deanna was a young bride at the age of 18 years. They started their family quickly; Ryan was their first anniversary, Cindy their second and Blaine their third. Deanna raised her children to be contributing citizens of society and instilled in them values of fairness and humility. She was involved in every aspect of her children’s lives and attended every school event or sporting match. She gave the true meaning to "hockey mom.” Deanna followed every hockey game her children played and was the first to phone when she couldn’t wait any longer to hear the results of her grandchildren’s games. Deanna also had a great love for animals, and always had a cat or dog nearby, especially her dogs Dixie and Belle. Deanna was an amazing cook and worked at the Paris Hotel as the cook alongside her Mom and Aunt Alice. One of the most important things in Deanna’s life was gardening, and she took pride in all her flowers. There was a peacefulness that she felt when caring for her plants. Four years ago Deanna began her final difficult journey when her health started to decline and she became confined to a wheelchair. During this time Deanna’s perseverance and willpower served her well, and she was able to be at the farm with Melvin as her caregiver. Her family and role as a mother, and especially a grandmother, was the most important thing to Deanna. She knew the unique personalities of her grandchildren and took care to make sure they always felt special and important; she treasured the time spent with them. Deanna had an unconditional love that made it easy for her to be a wonderful grandmother and spending time with family gave her strength. Deanna will live in the memories and hearts of her family and friends forever, and she will be always missed. Deanna is survived by her loving husband Melvin; son Ryan (Roslyn), grandchildren Cameron and Sarah; daughter Cynthia (Randy) Lamontagne, grandchildren Rachelle, Rebecca and Danielle; son Blaine (Margaret), grandchildren Kirsten (Mike) Ratzlaff, Regan and Caitlin; brother Darcy (Loretta) Smith. She was predeceased by her parents Albert and Annette (nee Bleau) Smith; twin siblings Lorraine and Laurance. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Albert Roman Catholic Church, Mankota, SK, with Father Franklin Emereuwa celebrant. Cross bearer was Sharon Sherven. Readers were Kirsten Ratzlaff and Cynthia Lamontagne. Intentions were shared by Sarah Schafer. Organist was Joan Stengler. The eulogy was shared by Roslyn Schafer. Urn bearer was Cameron Schafer. Family Interment will take place at the Mankota Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations in memory of Deanna to Kinsmen Telemiracle, Box 83000, Saskatoon, SK S7K 9S1. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.