It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and angel on earth, Gladys (Evy aka “Little Grandma”) Stensrud on Sunday, January 10, 2021. Born on February 3, 1925, Evy moved to Regina and married the love of her life, Merle Stensrud in 1942 and together they had five beautiful children, Doug, Karen, Larry, Sheryle, and Bonnie. She worked at the General Hospital for 25 years until she retired and volunteered at the Pasqua Hospital for many more. After losing Merle in 1987, she met her second love Roy Sauer in 1993 with whom she spent the next twenty years until his passing in 2013. Her move to Santa Maria Care Home came in 2018 and they quickly became a part of our family. Their kind and loving care was evident to everyone. Their love for her was expressed when she was recognized with a “Code Gold Honour Walk” to signify her final exit. Evy truly touched many lives and will be lovingly remembered as the sweet, caring and happy little 4’10” ball of fire by many. Evy was predeceased by her son Larry; husbands Merle and Roy; and daughter Bonnie Kopf. She leaves to mourn her son Doug (Sandy) Stensrud of Westbank, BC; daughters Karen (Jim) Germaine of Diamond Bar, CA and Sheryle (Jerry) Leader of Regina, SK; son-in-law Charlie Kopf of Calgary, AB; as well as nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. As per her wishes, there will be a private Graveside Service for family at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery in Regina, SK. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Santa Maria Foundation, 4215 Regina Avenue, Regina, SK S4S 0J5 or online donations can be made at www.santamariaregina.ca.
Grandchilden's Message:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our Grandmother Gladys Stensrud, better known as Evy, Little Grandma and Li’l G. Our world became a better place on February 3, 1925 when this beautiful soul entered it. At the age of 15, she moved from Shaunavon to Regina, at 17 met and married our Grandfather Merle Stensrud later having 5 beautiful children Doug, Karen, Larry, Sheryle and Bonnie. While raising her family she worked at the General Hospital for 25 years until her retirement when she volunteered at the Pasqua Hospital for many more. After losing Grandpa in 1987, she was fortunate enough to meet her second love Roy Sauer, aka “Big Roy” in 1983 with whom she spent the next 20 years until losing him in 2013. Naturally, and most importantly, her greatest joy and achievement in life came when she became a Grandmother to her perfect, wonderful 9 Grandchildren; Russell, Darrell, Kim, Karen, Darin, Daryl, Charlene, Jason and Jaime. This was the title where she truly shone. Memories of time spent with her differ, as we are spread throughout the continent, but she always travelled to spend time with each Grandchild, making sure our time together was special and unique to each of us.
One common memory we share were her Pepsi ice cream floats and playing games. Some of her favorites were Aggravation, Yahtzee and cards, which suspiciously, she won most games! Often shared with Great Aunts and Big Grandma, those evenings were always filled with laugher until tears, sides aching. The evening ended with sleepovers – dressing up in her silk nightgowns and jewelry, homemade donuts and Patsy Cline. Time under the big weeping willow tree in their yard where many family photos were taken, Grandchildren spread out on the branches. The anticipation of garlic pickles from cucumbers picked from the garden close by, smelling of sweet peas and sneaking fresh peas and carrots after being told “they’re not ready!” Although she was unable to travel later in life to see us, her Grandchildren were all, at one time or another, able to visit her in person and by Zoom or Facetime bringing that big smile to her face that lite up a room. The radiance that glowed from such a little (4’10” on a good day) lady was immeasurable, as was her love for us all. Grandma spent most of her life looking after everyone else, never complaining and always willing and ready with whatever a friend or family member needed. We were fortunate enough to be touched by her humility, grace and kindness and her spirit and legacy will live on in each of us. Grandma, thank you for building a family of love, strength and commitment. We will think of you often, miss you always and will keep you in our hearts forever. Love, Your Grandchildren
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