Mary Lillian Tremain

January 30, 1937 – January 31, 2021

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Mary Lillian Tremain announce her passing on January 31, 2021 in Shellbrook Sask at age of eighty-four.

Mary was born January 30, 1937 in Shellbrook Saskatchewan. She was the daughter of Hugh and Phyllis Smith. Mom lived her early years in the Hazel Ridge area, later moving into the Brighthome District on her family farm into the hand-hewn log home built by her parents. Mom was raised in hard times. She had a strong work ethic instilled in her at a young age. That made her into the strong independent woman she was throughout her life. She was hardworking and resourceful. Mom loved the outdoors and her animals. She loved her horse Skipper, her dog Jack and her lamb. She had a great bond with her sister, Zella.

Mom attended high-school in Shellbrook, graduating in the class of 1954 with honours. She worked at the bank of Nova Scotia later becoming a book-keeper during her career days. She did the books for Moan’s Hardware Store, Shellbrook Creamery, Federal Government Office in Shellbrook, Potts Construction and E & B Bus Lines. She fulfilled her lifetime goal of higher education. She obtained her Business Administration Certificate from the University of Saskatchewan on May 2, 1987 with her family cheering her on.

On October 10, 1958 in a quiet wedding ceremony, she married the love of her life, Harold William “Bill” Tremain. They were blessed with two children, Eunice Mary and Robert William “Bob.” Thus, began our family life together. Her children were her pride and joy. We were not rich with money or material possessions but we were rich beyond anything money could buy. We had the honour of being raised by Mom and Dad. We lived in the home they build by hand. Mom took so much pride in her home. Many memories were made together. We took family trips, mainly camping with good family friends. Many of our fondest memories were made around the campfire.

Mom and Dad had a wealth of friends. Mom loved to entertain. Our parents spent many enjoyable hours at the Shellbrook Hall Dances. They could foxtrot like no other and she always danced the first waltz of the evening with Dad. She loved to curl and attended Bonspiels. She was also a member of the Seniors women’s curling team.

Family was always at the forefront of Mom’s life. Nothing brought her greater joy then when her children married. She welcomed Gerald (son in law) and Patty (daughter in law) into her life. Her greatest accomplishment was being Grandma. Her Grandchildren were the center of her life and she of theirs. She welcomed Jonathan, Crystal, Jeff and Janelle with open arms. Mom cherished spending time with her grandchildren. She was their biggest cheerleaders in life. She never missed any special momentous occasions in their lives. Time spent with Grandma was filled with love. She hosted countless sleepovers and summer stays, even sleeping on the floor so the children could have the beds. The Grandchildren knew they were always welcome and they never had to ask to visit. Simply show up and you were welcomed with a big smile and open arms. She instilled in them the sense of family and they will always remember the joy and pride she had for them. She baked buns, cookies and made pancakes for all. She was the best Grandma. She loved spending time at Memorial Lake. Her lakeside trailer was filled with love, fun, card games and special food she prepared- she even had a special fork, the Grandchildren each vying for their turn to use it at every meal.

Her saddest day was when she lost her Husband and best friend on November 2, 2007. She missed him dearly.

She had a very special place in her heart for all of her great-grandchildren. She was known as GG. She held the title of GG to Zachary, Abigail, Phoenix, Rylan, Jordyn, Beau, Aleksi, Aaro and Gage. She so loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always present for every birthday and milestones in their lives. When GG knocked on the door the pitter patter of little feet could be heard as they rushed to the door to greet their GG. They were always met at the door with a big hug, the biggest smile, but even bigger then that was the cooler full of fresh baking and treats that she would bring to them. GG made a lasting relationship with these children, one that even the youngest will remember for a lifetime.

Mom had a wealth of friends both old and new. She simply loved people. She was a strong remarkable woman. Her work ethics, her no-nonsense approach and her sharp mind made her unique. She was active, walking miles per day. She taught herself to text and email. She grew gardens and shared the bounty. She loved berry picking and having a cup of tea. Her yard and home were kept to perfection. It wasn’t clean until it was “GG” clean. Mom baked sixty pounds of flour this December into buns, bread, biscuits, cookies and cakes, giving them to all of her family and friends. Mom had a heart of gold. Family and her special and dear friends were the center of her world. Nothing warmed her heart more than when the ladies were able to socialize together.

Mom loved life and lived with pride, honour and dignity with a great strength of character. The day we said goodbye to her broke our hearts. We will always love you forever Mom and we will always keep you dear in our hearts. We are the family you were so proud of. Rest in Peace Mom- we love you so.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her loving children: Eunice (Gerald) Cutting of Prince Albert, SK; Robert (Patricia) Tremain of Shellbrook, SK; Her Grandchildren: Jon (Erin) Tremain of Martensville, SK. and their children Jordyn Tremain and Beau Tremain; Crystal Tremain (Brooks Kendel) of Shellbrook, SK. and children Zachary Tremain, Abigail Piprell, Phoenix Tremain and Rylan Kendel; Jeff (Kristen) Cutting of Saskatoon, SK. and their son Gage Cutting; Janelle (Aki) Seitsonen of Prince Albert, SK. and their sons Aleksi Seitsonen and Aaro Seitsonen; her sister: Zella Hewison of Nanaimo, BC; as well as cousins, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends.

A Private Family Celebration of Life will be held February 6, 2021 at the Knox United Church in Shellbrook with Jonathan Worrall officiating.  For those so wishing the link to view the service at 2:00pm is: https://aspenfilms.ca/beau/.  Please note that live streaming is subject to internet availability.

In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Mary to the Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Foundation (Palliative Care) Box 33 Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, S0J 2E0.

A Graveside Service and interment for Mary will be held in the summer of 2021 at the Shellbrook Cemetery with family and close friends invited to pay their respects.

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, Shellbrook, SK. (306-747-2828).

 

• Date : 2021-01-31
• Location : Shellbrook