(Abuelita) Dionicia Muttart

Dionicia’s legacy as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother lives on through her daughters Mildred (Ted) and Dolores; cherished grandchildren: Adrianna (Tanner), Alyssa (Carly), Avelina (Davis), Alexandra and Haley (Jesse); great-granddaughter Nora. She is also survived by her siblings: Julia, Eneida (Arturo), Leonel (Ruth) and Lourdes; sister-in-law Charlotte Hookenson as well as by many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends, whom she loved dearly, in both Canada and Mexico.

Dionicia was predeceased by her husband Clarence Ralph Muttart; her parents Abelina and Gérman Nicolas and her brother Isidro.

Dionicia was born on October 9, 1942 and was raised in the city of Tehuantepec, in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. As the oldest of six children, when her father passed away, she assumed the role of helping her mother to raise her siblings. In addition to this role, Dionicia would provide for the family. She would get up at dawn every day to make food to sell at the market. When she was done for the morning there, she would get her sisters and brothers ready for school. Education was always important to Dionicia and when they would complain, she would push back, ensuring that they got on the bus every day.

As a young adult woman, Dionicia enjoyed many Mexican celebrations and traditions which influenced her throughout her whole life. Her home was always decorated for the various holidays and she celebrated each occasion with gusto. In her free time, she loved dressing up and dancing at fiestas. On weekends she would join her friends and family at the beach where she especially loved swimming and playing in the water. As a beautiful and talented woman, she was chosen to lead the town of Tehuantepec’s annual festival. She was a very well-respected woman in her community and gave her family an exemplary name.

Later in life, she took up modelling for postcards and became a server at an upscale restaurant at the Hotel Tehuantepec, where she would serve many tourists that came through town. One of those tourists who visited the restaurant was Clarence Muttart — known affectionately by family in Mexico as “Lorenzo”. Clarence had been visiting from Kisbey, Saskatchewan and with his self-taught Spanish skills he had developed friendships with a number of locals in the town. After having served Clarence at the restaurant one night, Dionicia and Clarence would later meet again when both of them attended a party hosted by a mutual friend. It was then that they started a relationship. After a few years of visiting Mexico, Lorenzo brought his new wife back to his family in Canada. Everyone was aflutter with excitement and Dionicia (who was given the Canadian nickname Denise) soon became the centre of attention for all the family.

Dionicia and Lorenzo first settled in the Qu’Appelle Valley and lived at Round Lake so Lorenzo could continue farming. They started their family there. Later on they moved to his mother’s property in Kisbey, Saskatchewan where they built their home, raised their family and thrived in the small community. Dionicia learned how to speak English, how to cook Canadian food and other customs, thanks to support from her sisters-in-law: Mildred Hookenson, Clara Wilde and Laura Grimeau. Dionicia loved to tend to her flower garden and one year arranged a bouquet, winning first prize at the fair in Arcola. She also spent time entertaining friends for coffee and celebrating special holidays. Eventually, Dionicia and Lorenzo would retire in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Her joy for life was only exceeded by her ambition. Dionicia was always a hard worker and learned how to sew, take on new hobbies, learned how to drive and volunteered in many capacities. She spent many years as a member of the Rebekah Lodge and took great pride in the volunteer work she did there. In addition to all these things, she always kept her faith at the centre of her life.

Dionicia’s heart belonged to her grandchildren. Abuelita, as she was warmly called, helped raise the girls and babysat them when they were little. She made sure they were very well taken care of and was always taking them on outings and excursions. They have fond memories of going to the library, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and riding the city bus, which was very exciting for them. The family did everything together and Abuelita was always included. As a result, everyone has so many warm memories to cherish. All occasions were celebrated in a big way. She even had her 70th birthday in Las Vegas and her 80th birthday trip was an Alaskan cruise.

Dionicia walked through life with kindness, grace, simplicity and a deep faith. Her presence touched everyone she met in a positive way. Everyone we spoke to told us how much they loved her and how kind she was. For such a tiny lady, she left an enormous legacy of love on this earth. We know she is among all the angels in heaven. Watch for her in all the small and quiet places and remember all the warm memories you have of her. She would be honoured to be remembered in this way.

A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Parish, 2026 Winnipeg Street, Regina, Saskatchewan at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025 by Rev. Fr. Carlos Jimenez. A luncheon will follow in St. Mary’s Parish Hall after the mass with the inurnment to follow in Regina Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, for anyone who wishes to attend.

Livestreaming of the mass will be available with the link that is posted below.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Pasqua Hospital, Unit 3A, for the compassionate care they provided Dionicia.

Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2R3 or online at https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation.