Esther Sunde

Esther was born in Piapot, SK to Rosina and John Pfeifer on December 9, 1922, and was raised on the farm near Maple Creek, SK. Her life began with a love of music and dance. She started playing the violin at age 9, and within two years was performing with her mother and sisters at school dances. Not only could she play the violin by ear, but also the banjo, guitar, button accordion, organ, and harmonica. When she wasn’t playing music, she could be found riding horses or playing baseball.

Esther married our father Albin Sunde of Maple Creek, SK on January 27, 1944. Following his return from service in the Canadian Army, they settled in Regina where she enjoyed raising her family, gardening, and playing cards with the neighbours. Mom was great at making lots out of a little; she was a skilled seamstress without a pattern, made a warm home and a good meal with a coal stove, and created family fun simply through her love of the outdoors. Her carpentry skills shone through as she and dad built a new house together. Later on, she took great pride in her restaurant and office cleaning work and spending time with her grandchildren. She instilled her values of hard work, fiscal responsibility, and resilience in all of her children.

Esther is predeceased by her husband of thirty-two years, Albin; her sisters Clara Martin, Florence Anderson, and Violet Kavanagh; and her grandson Blair Belsey. She is survived by three children, Fran (Richard) Belsey of Abbotsford, BC, Clayton (Jude) Sunde of Regina, SK, and Cheryle (James) Thompson of Regina, SK; and four grandchildren, Jason Belsey and his children Tristan and Isaac of Vancouver BC, Tammy (Kevin) Gray and their children Justin, Sydney and Sofia of Maple Ridge, BC, Rick Sunde of Regina, SK, and Susan (Jefferson Little) Sunde of Regina, SK.

A private service for the family will be held at a later date. Donations in Esther’s memory may be made to the Regina Humane Society. The family wishes to thank the staff at Regina Pioneer Village and Brightwater Senior Living for their wonderful care of mom in her final years. Rest in peace mom, we love you.