Adria Carol Bittner

Carol was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Gladys Legaarden; brother Kenneth; sister-in-law Norma Legaarden; her beloved husband Bryan and her daughter Sherry.

She is lovingly remembered by her brothers Neil Legaarden (Wanda) and Garry Legaarden; brother-in-law Ron Bittner; children: Curtis (Leah) Bittner, Sandra (Gary) Klatt and Kent (Larissa) Bittner; grandchildren: Kelsey, Kristen (Landon), Isaak, Travis, Alexis (Jordan), Cade and Gracie and her great-grandsons Peyton and Remi.

Carol spent her early childhood years on the family farm until her parents moved to Abernethy when she was school aged. Carol carried those prairie roots with her throughout her life—hardworking, resourceful and always putting others first.

Carol was, at her core, a caregiver. A proud Registered Nurse with her training from the Regina General Hospital School of Nursing. She dedicated her life to caring for others. Carol held various positions throughout her long career in healthcare; notably serving as Director of Care at Balcarres Parkland Lodge, nursing in Melville and later teaching future care aides through Parkland Regional College. But nursing was never just her profession—it was who she was. Her mother’s intuition was unmatched and her compassion endless.

Family was everything to Carol. She was a devoted wife to Bryan, her high school sweetheart and husband of 62 years. Carol was a strong and protective mother and the kind of grandma who created magic in the everyday—especially through her legendary scavenger hunts and her role as the very best babysitter and dog sitter anyone could ask for. She was a proud and loyal supporter at countless sports games, always cheering on her children and grandchildren from the sidelines.

Carol was incredibly talented with her hands and heart. She sewed matching outfits for her daughters and was a Halloween costume maker extraordinaire. She passed down her sewing skills and filled her home with creations—needlepoint, macramé, knitting, moccasins, mukluks, mitts and countless handmade Christmas gifts. She could (and did) knit anywhere—on the road in the truck, in the ski hill chalet, or for hours in quiet moments with Bryan in his chair at her side.

Proud of her Norwegian heritage, Carol made sure family traditions lived on, especially at Christmas and other family gatherings when she made lefse for everyone—something her family will always treasure.

Her talents were diverse, Carol could cut and perm hair, tend a thriving garden, curl and even take on the role of “golf ball picker”—with a smile. She had a fondness for collecting plates and roosters. Carol had a knack for finding a good deal, usually shopping not for herself but for her kids or grandkids, often saying she “saved more than she spent.”

Carol found joy in life’s simple pleasures—DQ stops, baking for the Abernethy Fair and most of all, hosting family gatherings, meals and class reunions that brought everyone together.

Carol was strong beyond measure—a hard worker who wouldn’t hesitate to shovel snow in -35C or pick peas when it was +35C. She spoke up when something wasn’t right and fiercely protected the people she loved. She lived by a simple truth: family first, always.

In her final years, Carol was cared for in Regina at Green Falls Landing Memory Care and later in the Balcarres Integrated Care Centre. The family is deeply grateful for the compassion and care she received.

Carol leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and unwavering care for others. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A private family gathering will take place in the Abernethy Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301-2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3X1 or your chosen Abernethy charity as tokens of remembrance.