Reine Marie Le Dressay

On June 13, Reine passed away peacefully with members of her family beside her. Her life was a testament to her values – family, church, education, hard work and humour. She was born at the Whitewood hospital and raised on a farm near St. Hubert’s. She attended St Joseph’s Academy at the convent at Forget. She was an excellent student and graduated high school at the age of 15 and completed Normal school in Regina where she obtained her teaching certificate in 1942. She was assigned to a grade 1-12 school near Bengough in the fall of 1942 at the age of 16. She often told the story of having students watch for what she called “cowboys” over the hills. This was wise as on one occasion she had to quickly take her students to safety on a buckboard after which they returned to a badly vandalized school.

From 1943 until 1949 she taught at several more one-room schoolhouses in several school districts in southern Saskatchewan. In 1942, she met the love of her life Paul Le Dressay, through his sister Mary Ann who was also at St. Joseph’s Academy. She told her granddaughters that she turned down 7 other wedding proposals before accepting Paul’s. While Paul was overseas in the Royal Canadian Air Force 425 Squadron from 1943 to 1945, he wrote to her every day. Paul and Reine were married on July 19, 1949, at St Hubert’s.

Reine and Paul moved to Regina where Reine taught at the Boys School and Paul worked at White Trucks. Reine and Paul built their house at 940 Forget St in 1954 and lived there for 51 years. Reine and Paul had four boys, John Michael (1955), Paul Daniel (1958), Gilbert Joseph (1960) and Carl Andre (1964).

Reine was committed to education for Paul, herself, and her boys as the best path to success. She took correspondence courses every year from 1961 to 1968, working towards a degree French Education which she eventually received from the University of Regina in 1983, at the age of 57. She supported Paul and the family while he upgraded his education between 1962 and 1966 so he could transition from a mechanic to a high school teacher.

She strongly encouraged each of her boys in their education and passions. She supported them as necessary through high school and university and even assisted and typed many essays for which she never received her share of the marks.

She was immensely proud of her boys’ achievements in education and their careers, but in truth they owe much of their success to Reine. She was also so proud of the success, education, and careers of her daughters-in-law (Joanne, Debbie, Cindy and Marie) and her grandchildren (Jocelyn, Nicole, Gillian and Cameron).

Reine learned to play the piano at a young age thanks to the significant sacrifice of her mother and father during the Depression who wanted to encourage her talents. Her love of music was life long and she played the piano and organ until she was 91. She played the organ for the St. Cecilia choir for 45 years from the 1950s to early 2000s. She continued to play the organ at Pioneer Village until 2018. In addition to almost every Sunday mass during that time, she also played for many funerals, weddings, and anniversaries for over 60 years. Her and Paul served the St Cecilia parish and shared a strong faith. During her last moments, the sound of the rosary being said by her son Danny brought her peace.

Reine was a tireless, selfless worker with a kind and generous heart. In addition to her studies, family, and church commitments she was the glue for her and Paul’s families. Almost every Sunday she would prepare a large meal for their own family and many relatives and friends of the family. Paul and Reine helped both their families transition from their farms to the cities. They cared for their parents and demonstrated generosity and kindness to their neighbours, family, and their sons’ many friends.

The Le Dressay home was a welcoming, noisy, fun, and loving place because of Reine’s sense of humour, love of life and her generous insistence on feeding all visitors. She loved practical jokes, occasionally dressing up in costume, music (not too loud) and the crazy humour of her sons and others.

Reine leaves a rich legacy behind in her sons, grandchildren, and most recently great grandson (Asher). She is predeceased by her beloved Paul Joseph Le Dressay (2006), her father Michel Cottin (1986), her mother Clemence Fontaine Cottin (1955), her brother John Joseph Cottin (2013) and many, many other relatives and friends.

Her soul has left to reunite with Paul, but her love, generosity and humour will live forever in her family and those lucky enough to know her.

The family would like to recognize the beautiful and loving care Reine received from all the staff at Princess Villa Orange Tree Living, and in particular Juliya and Sejal who worked long extra hours to provide care during Reine’s final days. We are also grateful for the compassionate palliative care of Crystal Spooner, Sarah Kozusko, Dr Johnson, Dr Pervaiz, and family friend Dr. Jasmeen Bains who provided us guidance and support along this journey.

Reine’s funeral will be St. Cecilia on June 18th at 2 pm. Interment to follow. Prayers are at Lee Funeral Home on June 17th at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice in her name and play a joke on a loved one.