It is with sadness that the family of Opal Pocha announce her passing at the age of 88 years. She passed away peacefully Friday afternoon at Mont St. Joseph’s Home.

Opal will be lovingly remembered by her children, Lynn (Bruce), Dale (Trudy), Ray and Richard (Patty); her grandchildren, Curtis (Brianna), Sean (Nicole), Jessica (Kyle), Carly (Scott), Ryan (Amber) and Brennan; and her great grandchildren, Cassian, Bernadette, Maella, Noelle and Mims; her siblings, Winnie Pocha, Lionel Fidler, Sharon MacDonald and Janice (Dave) Turner; sisters in law, Donna Fidler and Pat Fidler; Godchildren, Dawn Paul and Curtis Edgar; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Pocha of 63 years; her beloved granddaughter, Megan; parents, Gordon and Mary Fidler; brothers, Lyle (Gladys), Raymond, Thomas (Ivie), Kenneth, Wayne and Ronald; sister, Arlene; sister-in-law, Helen Gauthier; brothers-in-law, Leon Pocha and Dougald MacDonald; Godson, Lionel Gamble.

Opal Ivy Pocha (Fidler) was born Nov 24, 1937, in Prince Albert SK, she was the 5^th child of 13 born to Gordon and Mary Fidler.

As any young girl she attended school at St. Catherine’s, Mcintosh and finished up at West Central School.

Mom grew up surrounded by family. There were always plenty of siblings, cousins and relatives to play with, both at school and at home. Family was a big part of her childhood, and she treasured the time spent with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Whether gathering for special occasions or simply enjoying everyday life together, she was blessed to grow up in a close-knit family where there was always someone nearby to share laughter, stories and adventures with.

In 1958 she married Charles Pocha and promptly had 3 children, Lynn, Dale and Ray; 8 years later along came Rick born on Mothers Day.

Mom was a homemaker all her life and could whip up a delicious meal out of anything she had. While dad was often busy with his cement work, mom took on the responsibility of raising and guiding the children, providing both love and discipline when needed. Even though she never had a driver’s licence, she always found a way to make sure the kids got to their appointments and activities.

She kept a spotless home, was and exceptional gardener, and took great pride in preserving the harvest through canning. Mom also loved to sew, enjoyed playing bingo and was an avid reader. One of her favourite reads was the PA Herald, which helped her stay connected to the happenings and news of the Prince Albert area each day.

As a family we enjoyed attending various rodeo’s, such as Calgary Stampede, Meadow Lake Stampede, Ponoka Stampede, Swan River and various others. We also attended many sports days around the province. In the later years mom and dad traveled to visit family in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, BC and various other places. They also took a bus tour to Lake Louise for their 50^th anniversary gifted to them by moms’ siblings.

Mom and dad also spent countless hours at the hockey rink, ball diamonds and football fields supporting the boys. They were also long time Raider season ticket holders and members of the Saskatchewan Metis Local #269 for many years.

In later years mom found great joy in babysitting her grandchildren that she loved dearly, and spending time with her growing family. Special holidays and birthdays became especially meaningful occasions for both mom and dad, creating treasured memories whenever all the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren could gather together.

Dad moved into Mont St. Joseph in January of 2015 leaving mom to live in their lifelong family home alone, she found time very long but enjoyed going for walks, visiting with neighbours and attending mass at St Michaels Parish.

The family home was sold in 2016 and mom moved into North Cote Manor a senior apartment building here in Prince Albert. Although it was a bit of an adjustment and she always missed her home, eventually she was able to adjust to apartment living, and enjoyed visiting with the other ladies in her building.

While living in North Cote mom suffered a heart attack and then also underwent surgery to have stents put in. After recovering from that ordeal, she faced another major health challenge when she underwent surgery in Saskatoon to repair a large hiatal hernia. Following the surgery, her health gradually began to decline. As her care needs increased, the family made the difficult decision to move her from her apartment at North Cote to a private care home in St Louis she wasn’t there for very long as her needs became too great for that facility as well. Mom became a resident of Mont St. Joes in 2020 joining dad who had already been a resident there for a couple of years.

The family would also like to thank Wayne Nogier, Allison Nagy and the compassionate staff at Mont St Joseph Home for the care and kindness they provided to Mom and Dad during the later years of their lives.  Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June, 4 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1401 4 Ave W, Prince Albert, SK.

It is the family’s request that those wishing to place a memorial donation may do so to the Mont St Joseph Foundation – 777 28^th Street East, Prince Albert, SK   S6V 8C2   https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/10125

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, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322

 

• Date : 2026-05-29
• Location : Prince Albert