Nadine Catherine Schaeffler

In the hearts of all who knew her—Nadine Schaeffler (née Hrapchak) was a woman who embodied warmth, love, and undeniable charm. Born on April 26, 1944, in Rosthern, Saskatchewan, Nadine arrived in the world as the second child of Joseph and Theresa Hrapchak, with an older brother Jules, a younger brother Don, and the baby of the family, sister Marilyn. The family soon made their way to Saskatoon when Nadine was just a bright-eyed three-year-old. It was there she graduated from Sion Catholic Academy, undoubtedly leaving a trail of smiles to all who knew her, including Joni Mitchell, who borrowed her fathers banjo for a performance.

In the summer of 1964, she met the love of her life, Gerald Schaeffler and they tied the knot on July 9, 1966, at St Francis Xavier Parish in Saskatoon. After the sudden loss of her parents, Nadine’s heart expanded even more, taking in her ten-year-old sister Marilyn and raising her with a love that knew no bounds. Her brother Don also found a home with Nadine and Gerald until he set off for university, but not without a few home-cooked meals and more than a little advice.

By 1969, the Schaeffler’s were on the move to Thompson, Manitoba, where Nadine welcomed her first son, Jeffrey, in 1971, and then James in 1973. Their adventures continued with a move to Lethbridge, Alberta, in 1975, and finally back to Saskatoon in 1977, where they settled in Wildwood.

Nadine's career in customer service was as legendary as Luke’s diner in Gilmore Girls, dependable, comforting, and always delivered with a smile. Her time at Woolco in Circle Centre and, most notably, her 33 years at the Royal Bank, was filled with moments that touched the lives of countless people. It wasn’t unusual for someone to stop her on the street, in a coffee shop, or even at Sunday brunch, just to say thank you for her kindness.

But if there was one thing that truly brought Nadine joy, it was the holiday season, especially Christmas. Picture a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie, with Nadine at the center, orchestrating a feast that was nothing short of miraculous. The table groaned under the weight of perogies, cabbage rolls, turkey, ham, and a dessert selection that would make anyone's mouth water. Her culinary talents were the stuff of legends, particularly in the eyes of Gerald, who often said no restaurant could ever compete with what Nadine created in her kitchen.

When she wasn’t whipping up magic in the kitchen, Nadine was off exploring the world with Gerald by her side. Their travels took them everywhere—from a month-long European adventure in 1972 to ten unforgettable cruises that covered Australia, Virgin Isles, Costa Rica, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Italy, Greece, Spain, New Zealand and New England. She even had the chance to walk the storied streets of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, a trip that she held dear. In their later years, Nadine and Gerald embraced the snowbird life, splitting their time between Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Tucson, and eventually Yuma, Arizona, where they found a second family in their fellow snowbirds. And no matter where they were, they always found time to visit Vancouver and Calgary to see their grandchildren, Olivia, Cohen, Reese, and Bryer, showering them with love and perhaps a few too many treats. Recently, Nadine and Gerald also found joy in helping care for their great-nephew Santi, always ready with open arms whenever Chelsea needed them.

When she wasn’t traveling or cooking up a storm, Nadine loved life’s simpler pleasures: puzzles, popcorn, a good glass of red wine, and, of course, watching Gilmore Girls or Christmas movies on W network. She could often be found solving a Sudoku, playing golf, or catching up with friends over coffee, always with a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone.

Nadine’s final message to those she loved was simple and heartfelt: "Be happy and love what you have." It’s a sentiment that perfectly captures the essence of who she was—a woman who gave her all to those around her, and who will be remembered as a beacon of kindness, strength, and love.

A Mass of Christian Burial to be held at St. Augustine Parish on Saturday, September 7, at 10:30 a.m. Because really, what better way to honor her than with a gathering of loved ones, sharing stories, and maybe even a few laughs, just the way she would have wanted.

Arrangements entrusted to Ryan Lensen