Anita Charlotte Sommervill

Perhaps by knowing her, and then you would know of her zest, and her passion for life.

Mom was the last of the W5 – the Wild and Wonderful West Hill Widows of Prince Albert.

Together with her four accomplices, Florence Bruce, Phil Thorpe, Jean May and Eleanor Lillico, they joined forces after their husbands died to form a fun-loving and supportive group that were envied by others. Many a lunch and New Years’ eve were celebrated at Amy’s in Prince Albert, and perhaps at other locations yet unreported.

Mom was born August 10, 1929 in Montreal, where she grew up to become the beautiful, vivacious, ever-positive and enthusiastic woman we knew and loved. She was a fashion model, a skier and a tennis player in her early years until she was swept off her feet by our Dad, Ron Sommervill, in their fairy-tale love story. Dad was a prairie boy attending Med school at McGill when they met, eloped to Winnipeg and then moved to Foam Lake… the wonderful small town in prairie Saskatchewan that welcomed her, and where they started their family.

Foam Lake life had a significant impact on Mom, and one that endured her life. Mom’s German heritage gave her the strength and stubbornness to adjust from the bright lights of Montreal to rural life in Saskatchewan in 1955. And in return, she learned about the value and spirit of being part of a small town community.

The other significant outcome from having moved from Quebec to Saskatchewan was Mom’s insistence, when she first saw the undeveloped sand dunes at Fishing Lake that they buy a lot and build a cabin. Thus became what we have all come to know lovingly as “the lake”.

In 1970, we moved to Prince Albert where Mom lived for the next 44 years, until she came to Saskatoon to make her home at Preston Park II, and most recently at Warm ‘n Cozy.

With the move to PA, Mom’s golf talents were showcased. She won the PA City Championship several times and she also played competitively in the Sask Ladies’ Provincials and the Lobstick tournaments. She was chairperson of the Provincial Junior Girls golf program, chaperoning trips to Maritimes and other locations. Mom was still watching golf in her last days. She always loved Jack, was happy for Tiger’s comeback, and quite liked Jordan. (not so big on Mickelson or Kutcher).

Mom was the iconic hostess… she loved entertaining and hosting functions, bridge clubs, Grey Cup parties and many gatherings at the lake. As the forever-gracious hostess who loved people, Mom welcomed into her home a broad range of guests… medical students, Rotary exchange students from abroad and PA Raider hockey billets and with three daughters, many boyfriends. There was always room for one more.

Mom was widowed at a young age. And her German heritage kicked in again. Her determination kept her active and vibrant for 37 years after Dad died. She continued to raise Labradors Retrievers, she worked at Armand’s jewelry store, and her love of travelling was fulfilled by her strong friendship with Doug and Florence Bruce, who gave her the opportunity to accompany their tours. She travelled the world.

To her grandchildren who knew her as Grandma’Nita, she passed on her love of Lambsies, dogs, the lake and golf. And the joy of laughter.

Mom, we will remember you for your grace and charm, your stubborn independence, and your forever positive love of life. We love you: Laura (Thomas, David, Anna), Sheila and Chris, Pat and Debra (Jonas), Paula and Duane (Cole and Michelle, (Ty), Shelagh and Keith (Leni), Holly and Devin, and Adam).

As summer approached, Mom was as usual, talking about going to the lake. And in her last few days she was insistent she go, even if it meant taking her medical equipment with her. And to the lake, she will return, to the spot she and Dad both loved.

At Mom’s request we won’t have a funeral. Instead she wanted a party at the lake. We will enjoy sharing any memories or stories you might have, at her party. Please pass those onto Mourning Glory at www.mourningglory.ca

Memorial donations may be made to the Foam Lake Golf and Country Club Building Fund, Box 747, Foam Lake, Sask. SOA 1A0.

Thank you to Warm ‘n Cozy (Star House) for the home and family they provided to Mom in the last year, and to St. Paul’s Hospital for the care they provided last week. Arrangements entrusted to Chelsea Krentz