Our family would like to announce the passing of Pauline Timbey Steele (née Sparkes), who passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born in England during the Second World War, mums’ early years were shaped by the challenges and uncertainties in the war, she spent much of her childhood in the care of relatives. She later attended and all-girls boarding school before continuing her education and pursuing a career in teaching.

With her sense of adventure and a couple of friends by her side, she set off to see the world. They boarded a ship and crossed the ocean for Canada. When they arrived and money had run out, they decided to find work in Toronto and stay put for awhile. She ended up meeting her husband (later divorced) and together they moved, eventually ending up in Prince Albert and now with a daughter.

In Prince Albert she continued her teaching career and discovered her passion for working with students that had complex and intensive needs. Whether teaching practical life skills, encouraging independence or even passing along her passion of knitting, she approached education with purpose and patience. She devoted many years to Special Olympics and early childhood education, and this was important to her. After retirement from her regular teaching, she continued working in adult education and volunteering at the EA Rawlinson until around the age of 80.

Her love of adventure never faded. Throughout her life she continued to travel with her adventures being the annual trips with her lifelong friend Diane. The two were quite the duo and their travels were always fun, full of laughter and some great stories.

Strong willed and fiercely independent, she enjoyed life on her own terms with the many people she enjoyed socializing with, either with a cup of tea or a glass of red wine. Her friendships were a treasured part of her life including her weekly Coronation tradition with Linda and Kath (where we all knew not to call), and her suppers with Dave, Diane and Herman, or her wine visits with the ladies! She took great joy spending time with her daughter Tracy and son in law Andy, her grandchildren Dustin and his wife Shelby and Marlowe and her husband Donoven, and her great grandchildren Oliver, Remi and Rook, and always looked forward to our family suppers where she was counted on to bring the wine!

She really lived the best life with independence, determination (or British stubbornness), a spirit of adventure and many, many great friendships. Her influence will continue with the people she inspired, the friends who shared her adventures and the family who loved her. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and undoubtably responsible for some smiles when her stories are told!

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 28^th Street West, Prince Albert, SK.  A time for fellowship will follow the service.

Family and friends may leave online condolences at https://grays.ca

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel,
Lisa Bos-Atchison, Funeral Director.    306-922-4729

• Date : 2026-10-22
• Location : Prince Albert, SK