The Story of Annie (Anna) Mary Gregoire (Schaan)

Annie Mary was born October 20, 1919, in Allan, SK.  Sadly, when Annie was only one and a half years old her mother, Elizabeth Schaan, passed away.  She later went to live with her Uncle Mike and Aunt Lucy Schaan, who lived on a neighbouring farm.  Annie, with her Uncle and Aunt later moved to Colonsay. SK where Annie went to school.  In 1936, when Annie was 17 she moved to Mildred, and worked for Gunnar Morberg.  Annie stayed on the farm, while her Uncle Mike, and many other men in the community, went freighting—as far as Ille La Crosse.

During the 1930’s, commonly referred to as the “Dirty Thirties” or the “Great Depression” there were many hardships, as the agricultural crisis in Saskatchewan, and Canada, prevailed.  Although these were very tough years, with people having little money, or crops, or much food, or work of any kind, there was also happiness, as everyone tried to help each other.

At the age of 20, Annie married John Gregoire (born 1910) on November 21, 1939, and soon after started a family.  On September 1, 1939 World War II broke out, and John enlisted in the army on July 3, 1941.  John went to Vernon, B,C. for basic training, and was stationed at various locations in Canada, including  Vernon, Brandon, and Winnipeg.  John (L10736) was in the 12^th Field Regiment – 16^th Battery of the Third Division as a Gunner in the Artillery.  Shortly after John joined the army Annie went to stay with her Uncle Mike and Aunt Lucy, in Colonsay.  In February 1943, John was on his way overseas where he served on the battlefields of Belgium, Holland, Germany, and France, after having been in the British Isles.  In September 1945, World War II ended, and John was discharged from the army on December 6, 1945.  He returned home to Canada after serving four years.

John and Annie continued to farm the north half of section 29 and farmed for thirty three years. During this time, they raised their nine children—Lorraine (1940), Rose Marie (1941), Shirley (1942), Caroline (1946-2015), Marjorie (1950), John Robert (1951), Phillip (1955), Connie (1957), and David (1962).  Annie loved her family, cooking,  and her garden—having planted a huge garden every year, with a plentiful harvest every fall.  As well as gardening, and berry picking, canning hundreds of jars of fruit and vegetables, each year, was another joy of hers.  The fall harvest of the crops and threshing was an exciting time, as well, and Annie looked forward to cooking and baking for the threshing crews—having to prepare very large meals, and tending to the children at the same time, was a challenge.  Although it was hard work work, it was also very rewarding.

After more than three decades of farming, in 1978, John, Annie, and their youngest child, David, moved to Spiritwood, where John and Annie retired.   It was a very difficult decision to leave the farm, where they spent the majority of their life, although with John’s failing health, it was agreed that moving into town would be necessary.  On April 2, 1986, John suffered a massive heart attack, and passed away, at a Saskatoon Hospital, at the age of 75 years.

Annie remained in Spiritwood, and continued to enjoy time with her children, and grandchildren, her gardening, cooking, and baking.  Now having more time, since moving into town, Annie was able to indulge in reading—another great passion—being an avid reader Annie often completed an entire novel in only a few days !  Annie was fortunate to have two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Frank and Eva Schaan, and Ned and Mary Schaan, all living in Spiritwood, an added bonus to moving to town.  Many an evening was spent playing card games, which always ended up with a few light hearted moments and many laughs, followed by a delicious lunch, served by the host for the evening.

Although not a big traveller, Annie enjoyed visits to Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Drumheller, Radium, and Victoria.  A highlight of Annie’s travel was a one day adventure on board a real steam-powered train from Stettler to Big Valley, AB.  On board entertainment, along with the hilarious re-enactment of the “Reynolds Raiders” outlaw gang, riding horseback alongside the train, stopping the train, and then robbing the train passengers of change was great fun.

In November, 2001, Annie sold her house in Spiritwood, and moved down a street, to live with her son, David, and his partner, Jeannine Dauvin.

Annie was always an avid cook and homemaker continued to delight in having suppers ready and cookies made right up till her 90^th year. At that time she simply stated that she was tired of cooking and would just like to enjoy Jeannine’s cooking. About that same time she found working in the garden harder with her balance and shakiness starting to bother her, but would always enjoy sitting outside and checking on the garden daily either by walking around the yard or just sitting and enjoying the view. Sadly by her 95^th year Annie found it harder getting outside but did venture out for a walk around the yard several times during the summer and defiantly a drive in the fall to see the combines at work in the fields. That same summer Annie declined her annual motor bike ride around town. Up until that year she had enjoyed taking at least one ride around town on Dave`s Harley dressed in black leather and looking her best.  Annie keep busy during the day with her find a word books, small puzzles and reading the latest Danielle Steele book. Saturday night she would always have the “old time dance party” on the radio!!!.  Annie always enjoyed a good visit with family and no matter how tired the visit or phone call made her she loved hearing from her family. Because of her years and limited mobility in February 2019 she moved to the Evergreen Care Centre in Leoville Sk. She enjoyed her time there with the other residents and caring staff.  Annie suffered a stroke on Sept 16/2020 and passed on Sept 21/2020.

There will be a Family Graveside held in the Spiritwood Cemetery.  Donations in memory of Annie may be directed to the Evergreen Lodge Auxiliary in Leoville, SK.   Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com   Arrangements are entrusted to Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Lori Saam, Spiritwood, 306-883-3500

• Date : 2020-09-21
• Location : Spiritwood