Our Mom, Eileen Silzer, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 94 wonderful years…so while we grieve in our loss we also rejoice in the memories of the wonderful life she provided and fully shared in.

Mom was born Eileen Anne Baker, the youngest daughter of Freida (nee Vester) and George Baker.  She grew up on the family farm with her sister Violet “Vi” and her brother Charlie, at Earl Grey, SK.  She attended a one room school completing her grade ten.  She then attended school in Saskatoon to become a Nursing Assistant, later known as CNA.  Upon her graduation she worked in Assiniboia, SK.  There she met a dashing young man by the name of Walter Silzer who worked for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool.  Walter and Eileen married in 1951 and began their life together living in the elevator office at Divide, SK.  They soon moved to Orkney, SK, where their three daughters, MaryAnne, Louise and Kathy were born in nearby Climax, SK.  When Kathy was less than a year old the family moved to Willows, a siding outside of Assiniboia.  Mom was busy there, growing a huge garden and put it up for the winter – jars and jars of tomatoes, beans, peas, beets, corn and pickles – that’s what happens when you have a “green thumb”.  It is a skill she passed on to her daughter, Lou (1957 – 1995) and Lou’s son, Matt.  She was a Brownie Leader (first as Snowy Owl, then Brown Owl) and a Sunday School teacher at Messiah Lutheran Church in Assiniboia.  Most memorably she tramped the coulees with her three girls, imparting her seemingly limitless knowledge of indigenous plants and trees.

When MaryAnne was in grade 8, Walter was transferred to Gull Lake.  Mom had worked there before she was married, and the Director of Care was still the same.  Agnes McTaggert asked Mom to come back to work which she did – a part time “night rotation”.  In Gull Lake, Mom’s garden wasn’t quite as big, but being able to water meant yields were still significant.  She coached her girls in softball and increased her work hours.  After 4 years, Walter was transferred again, this time to Rosthern, SK.  This was a stressful time for the family as no one really wanted to move and the “new” company house was dreadful for a family of five, and much to Mom’s horror the yard was even worse! A year later Walter and Eileen bought their first house!  Throughout their years in Rosthern, Mom worked full time, tended her beautiful yard, and planned graduations and weddings with her girls.  She and Dad bought a motorhome and did some travelling in the USA and Eastern Canada.  As retirement neared they bought a “cabin” at Christopher Lake.  They shared this beautiful property with family and many friends.  Following their years at the lake, Walter and Eileen moved into Prince Albert, near daughter Kathy, hosting family gatherings and drop-in visits.  There were always pies and cookies! Remember the jam-jams!!! After Dad’s passing, Mom spent her last years at Good Shepherd Villas.  She enjoyed the yard there and building puzzles with her new friend, Jenny Lake.  We are so grateful to the staff there for the care they gave mom and the kindness they shared with her.

A Graveside service will be announced at a later date.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK. 306-763-3322

• Date : 2025-04-19
• Location : Prince Albert, SK