It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wilhelmine (Minnie) Katherine Anderson on April 5, 2021 at the age of 99 years. Minnie was born in Oakshela, Saskatchewan, on May 15, 1921, the daughter of John and Katherine Neuls. It was there she attended school until age 12, having achieved grade 8, before leaving to work as a domestic care provider. She spoke fondly of those times spent with her father, in his smithy shop, learning about his life in Europe and marveling at his command of five languages. After marrying Alex in 1940, they lived most of their lives in Broadview, Saskatchewan raising three children: Bob, Cathie, and Ken. Having worked as a dental assistant and waitress, much of her life was devoted to being a homemaker and a volunteer for many community activities in Broadview, including the Legion, Communities in Bloom, and a “cookie grandma” to school children’s tours of the Broadview Museum. In later years, she was the president of the Happy Hours Club and contributor to the seniors’ lunches, most notably with her lasagna and scones.
Minnie was an avid reader and gardener, worthy of her title: the plant lady. She loved animals, music, playing cards, bowling, and travelling. She lovingly cared for many pet cats over the years and even had an owl, George, whom she fostered for two years. She recalled chasing him around with newspapers when he was about to do his business and, when sewing, chasing after her unpinned pattern pieces after he flapped his wings. She loved the Toronto Blue Jays and enjoyed watching game shows. She loved listening to polka music, having played the accordion and organ herself. Her fondness for playing cards, and skill at cribbage, led her and her partner, Kay Ottenbreit, to the Canadian semi-finals. In her younger days, she loved to bowl and dance. About dancing, she noted, “Grandpa never got over his two left feet,” and that she had better luck teaching Uncle Dwight. She travelled on several cruises with her dear friends, Kay Ottenbreit and Irene Brown, seeing much of Europe, South America, and Hawaii. She ventured solo on a bus tour of the Canadian and American Maritimes. She travelled to England and Scotland with her grandson, Michael, and years later, took road trips with Michael and his family.
During the last five years of her life, Minnie lived in Regina, Saskatchewan, in her own home next to her beloved grandson, Michael, his wife Alison, and their children Sophia and James, whose care and dedication ensured her well-being.
She is survived by her son, Ken Neuls (Doreen); grandchildren, Michael Adams (Tara); Sean Adams; Erin Strachan (Tracy); Rick Neuls (Lisa); Wayne Neuls; Michael Anderson (Alison); and her very dear nieces, Vivian Charles, Anne Marie Selensky (Bill), and Donna Ulrich (Glenn); as well as 12 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and many more nieces and nephews.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents, John and Katherine Neuls; her husband of 59 years, Alexander Anderson; her son, Robert Anderson; her daughter-in-law, Patricia Anderson; her daughter, Cathie Adams; her son-in-law, Bill Adams; her grand daughter-in-law, Jacquie Adams; her brothers, Philip and Fred Neuls; her sisters, Mary Brownridge and Betty Hay; and her niece Connie Elgar.
Shortly before her passing, she spoke the following wisdom to her grandson Michael, “This world is a beautiful, wonderful place, but it can be cruel sometimes. You just have to make the best of it, though.” Minnie lived a full and adventurous life, with kindness, generosity, grace, and positivity. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to a local animal shelter in her name would be gratefully welcomed.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no funeral service and internment will be at a later date.
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