Marion "June" Sproule

She went by the name, “June”. However, she was affectionately known to her husband Ron, as “Hart”; to her children, as “Mom”; to her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, as “Nana” and “Mrs. Sproule” to thousands of students.

June was born in St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, but grew up on a farm near Landis, Sk. Many of the farms close by were owned by Hart relatives and she would enjoy all the visiting and holiday celebrations. This atmosphere cultivated her love for family and heritage.

Her father was self-taught and instilled in her the love of reading, history, the appreciation of nature and a strive for knowledge.

With that, she was drawn to further her education past high school and sought out to become a teacher by attending the U of S in Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Normal School.

Her first job was teaching in the town of Watson, Sk., where she was told, “Watch out for that Ron Sproule!”. Apparently this warning was ignored, as she began dating him.

Not sure as to where the romance was going, June took a position at a school near Lethbridge, Alta. There, she joined the Lethbridge Flying Club and became a licensed pilot.

Ron realized that she was “The One” and proposed. They were married on August 7, 1951 at Pinwherry United Church.

Ron was hired as Postmaster at Watson and the couple set up house in the residence provided in the Post Office building.

The family grew to three daughters and June settled in as a stay-at-home Mom. However changes were in store…

In 1960, there was a teacher shortage and she was tempted back into action. Although, that wasn’t too difficult, as teaching was her passion. After teaching elementary grades for two years, she finally got back to teaching high school.

The next change came with the unexpected birth of a son! But, after much begging from her fellow teachers, she went back to work after a few months.

As a teacher, June was known for inspiring students to learn things in and outside the curriculum. She was an executive of the Saskatchewan English Teachers Assoc. and the STF. Along with teachers in nearby districts, she was instrumental in creating regional drama festivals. In order that art classes be available in her school, she took art lessons to ensure they were established. (She took up art as a pastime. Many pieces of her artwork with her signature prairie skies and grain elevators grace the walls of her family and friends.)

June retired in 1988. Her happiest thoughts were when, throughout the years, her students would drop by to see her and tell her how she had influenced their lives.

She was community-minded. She became the first woman to become a councillor on the Watson Town Council. (The giant Santa Claus is her doing)

As a member of the United Church, she served as: an elder; Sunday School teacher; UCW president; beloved choir leader and substitute organist.

She joined the Legion, the Lionettes and was Worthy Matron for her Eastern Star chapter.

She would be the first to admit that she wasn’t athletic. However, she enjoyed curling and bonspielling and golf with the girls. But, her true passion was watching sports, such as: Dad playing hockey; professional tennis and curling. Her all time favourite was football…She was a great Rider fan!

In 1990, she and Ron moved to Comox, B.C. where they set up a yearly routine of wintering in Mesa, Arizona. June was popular in their trailer community as the director of their theatre and entertainment presentations.

When she fell and permanently damaged her knee, they were unable to make the long trek.

June loved the mountains and ocean scenes of Vancouver Island. Sadly, due to failing health, she and Ron moved back to Saskatchewan and took up residence in Trinity Manor in Saskatoon.

After Ron’s passing in January 2023, she moved to Sherbrooke Community Centre for more compassionate care. There, she became involved with singing; wheelchair dancing; art and petting the communal cat (She always loved cats).

Her greatest joy came from the visits with her family and friends who brought a smile to her face.

She passed away peacefully in her sleep with family members present.

She will always remain a legacy to those whose life and soul she touched.

Left to honour her memory are her children and grandchildren: Ronda Sproule, Children Jill (Paul); Evan (Michelle); Pamela Yaremko (Terry), Children Michael, Brent (Sarah) and Hilary (Brandon); Kelly Regier (Mark) Children Wade (Ashley), Camille; Keon Sproule (Jody Fulcher) Children Natashia (Andrew), Jesse, Connor (Lauren), Anna (Dax). Also included are 18 great grandchildren.

At this time there will not be a funeral service. Donations maybe made in June's name to the donor's choice of an animal rescue / shelter.