Obituaries

Ardis was born to Fred and Ranka Korpatniski in Hamilton, Ontario. When she was 4, the family returned to Saskatchewan. Ardis' childhood was filled with visits to grandparents and cousins. Favorite school activities included curling, ice skating, and drama where she was presented with Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress awards in local and regional competitions.

She began her secretarial career at CHAB Radio in Moose Jaw and moved on to work in Saskatoon (CFQC Radio), Vancouver (BC Tel), Lanigan (Alwinsal Potash Company) and Calgary (Alberta & Southern Gas Co.). It was at Alwinsal where she met her future husband, Joseph Monarchi, of Denver, Colorado, a civil engineer specializing in potash mine engineering and construction. While in Colorado, Ardis enjoyed volunteering with WAAIME, where she held the position of Scholarship Loan Fund Chairman of the Denver section for a number of years assisting mostly Colorado School of Mines candidates applying for scholarship loans from WAAIME.

Ardis was also a Life Member of Beta Sigma Phi, joining this international social and cultural organization in Moose Jaw and continuing her membership in various locations in Canada and in Colorado.

After her husband passed away, Ardis remained in Colorado for a time and then returned to Canada and chose to settle in Vancouver, British Columbia where she continued her career with the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. She volunteered for a number of years with the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, providing host duties during their annual Heritage Home and Garden tours.

Upon her return to Saskatchewan, Ardis enjoyed employment with CMA (Certified Management Accountants), SCOP, SAMRT and SCRT in Regina.

Ardis was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019 and endured Whipple surgery followed by chemotherapy. Alas, over time, the cancer spread and her body was not able to withstand a second round of chemotherapy. She passed away at the Pasqua Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan.

Thank you to Dr. Moser in Saskatoon and his surgical team for an excellent Whipple post-operative outcome. Special thanks to Dr. Souied, her oncologist in Regina, and his brilliant team of medical specialists and nurses for their expertise and kindness. Grateful thanks to the nursing staff at the Allan Blair chemotherapy department for tea, giggles and warm blankets and for taking such good care of her during her treatments. Thank you also to the dedicated staff at the Palliative Care unit of the Pasqua Hospital for their comfort and compassion. Thank you as well to Dr. Chadive, Ardis' family doctor, who was always instructed by Ardis to "keep me going" and she did.

Ardis is survived by her sister Nona Kastning of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; her brother Fred Korpatniski (Faye) of Kamsack, Saskatchewan; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and her special "other" sisters Jo-Anne, Mary and Carol and their families; as well as extended Monarchi family members in the United States. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, various cousins and a special brother-in-law and a special nephew. Also preceding her in death were Lizzy, Beau, Percy, Monet, CoCo, Chelah, Jad, Tashka and Debbie - her beloved fur companions over the years.

In keeping with Ardis' wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ardis' memory to the Regina Humane Society and/or the Regina Cat Rescue.