Lenore Anne Friesen

Lenore Monson and Don Friesen were married in 1961 and shared nearly 56 years together until his passing in 2017.

Lenore spent most of her career at Cosmopolitan Industries, where she made many lasting friendships and found great joy working with clients. She especially enjoyed her work with the senior clients who, after many years in the workshop, were learning—with her help—how to embrace retirement and find new purpose. After retiring at age 65, Lenore continued to share her time and energy by volunteering at St. Michael’s School, helping children develop their reading skills. She also delighted in attending “university” for seniors, studying topics ranging from forensic science to Middle Eastern history.

Lenore and Don shared a love of travel, taking annual winter holidays to warmer destinations and spending summers camping and visiting family out west. After their children were grown, they purchased a cabin at Chitek Lake—a place of peace and joy where countless friends and family gathered for good food, outdoor adventures, games, and jigsaw puzzles.

The Friesen home was always filled with laughter, love, and dogs—there was rarely a time without a furry friend to spoil. One of the hardest things about leaving their home, was not having their last pup Teddy with them. Food was another great passion: Lenore and Don took cooking classes, hosted memorable dinners and brunches, and had a list of favourite restaurants. On one of her last days, Lenore fondly remarked that she wished for one more dim sum gathering.

In 2019, Lenore moved into her final home at SCH, where she made dear friends and affectionately referred to many staff members as her “daughters.” She loved tending to the garden, planting her favourite flowers, and organizing her own game nights—always with snacks, of course. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at the Saskatoon Convalescent Home.

Lenore is predeceased by her husband Donald; parents Leonard and Patricia Monson; siblings Linda Fredrickson and Roger Monson; and siblings-in-law Gerry and Marilyn Friesen.

She is survived by her children Russell Friesen (Jennifer Burgess) and their son Michael; and Susanne Adamson (Ken) and their children Holly, Jake (Emma Bear), and Maxine. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings Nova (Larry) Louis and Don (Sherry) Monson; in-laws Eda and Rob Anderson, Edna Larson, Leo Friesen, and Sandra Monson; as well as nieces and nephews Lillian, Larissa, Regan, Ryan, Alicia, and Drew. Lenore also leaves behind many cousins, great-nieces and -nephews, and her family by bond not blood, the Scissons–Burima family: Colleen, Kenna, Tasha, Joe, and Boh.

Memorial trees for both Don and Lenore have been planted at Treeternity Memorial Forest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Lenore’s family will honour her memory in her favourite way — with dim sum — at a gathering to be held at a later date.