Mary Ethel Reiger

Ethel was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend who found joy in caring for the birds and squirrels that she loved. Known fondly as the Bird Lady of Saskatchewan, she had the kindest heart and found joy in nurturing every feathered and furry visitor who crossed her path.

Ethel was born on March 7, 1940 and grew up in the Baring District on the family farm and attended Viewland School. She married William “Bill” Reiger in 1958 in the United Church in Grenfell, Saskatchewan. Together, they lived on the Reiger farm before moving to a farm south of Percival. After several years, they moved into Broadview and following Bill’s passing, Ethel later moved to Grenfell, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

In 1960, Ethel welcomed her daughter Brenda and her son Brian in 1964. Throughout her life, she worked hard and wore many hats - farmer, waitress, cook, historian - and she was well known for her baking, especially her jellies and pies. Many knew her as the “pie lady”, and she was a beloved presence at the Sunset Beach Flea Market, where she delighted in meeting people and sharing stories.

Her greatest passions were caring for birds and squirrels and tending her garden. She loved growing a variety of flowers and plants, and the growing season for her began after the May long weekend. She was very proud to be included in a rare bird book when a rare red-bellied woodpecker made her yard its home.

Ethel is lovingly remembered by her son Brian (Jo-Ann) of Edmonton; son-in-law Bill McRobbie of Broadview; grandchildren: Chris McRobbie of Edmonton, Chantelle (James) Outhwaite of Broadview and Cody (Sydney) Reiger of Edmonton; great-grandchildren: Brianna, Riley and Maddison McRobbie of Edmonton and Carson and Leah Outhwaite of Broadview; step-grandchildren Arron (Jenn) Connelly of Edmonton and Callum (Kristi) Connelly; step-great-grandchildren Zac and Derek Connelly, also of Edmonton and by her special friend Roy Stanley Grenfell.

Ethel was predeceased by her beloved husband William Reiger; her daughter Brenda McRobbie; grandson Tyler Reiger; her parents James and Mary Jane Gwilliam; her brothers: Ivan, Herman and Harry Gwilliam and her sisters Fanny Burstyk and Effie Schlechter.

Mom earned her wings by helping so many understand the ways of the earth - how to garden and by sharing her deep knowledge of birds.

She will be forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the spring.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Ethel Reiger’s name to an animal rescue in your area.