Obituaries

It is with love and sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Olive Sentes, late of Regina, Saskatchewan, on November 6, 2025 at the age of 92.

Joan was born on July 29, 1933 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Joseph Frank and Winnifred Wasylyna Willas. Growing up she was tasked at a young age with helping to care for the family when her mother was away being treated for tuberculosis. She loved spending time at the family farm playing with her many cousins and animals, especially the cats. She also spoke often of her wonderful memories of her years at Gordon Bell High School.

Joni and Willie made their home in Regina, Saskatchewan. Aside from a brief move to Calgary, their hearts remained in Regina, where they happily returned to raise their family, Guy (1967) and Michelle (1972). Joni briefly worked for SaskPower, where she made many of her lifelong friends, however, that focus changed when her children arrived and she was able to stay home to raise them. Later, she and Willie would launch a home-based business, Trains For VIP, selling model railroad supplies. She functioned as CEO, accountant, controller and overall boss until its eventual closure.

Joni was an avid reader, mostly mystery novels, which were considered extra good if they involved a talking cat. She also loved ceramics, gardening, and any occasion she could dress up for. She also spent countless hours on the phone as she was the conduit through which the family remained connected and updated on any important news. And thankfully she loved to take pictures, which has provided us with a vast trove of visual reminders of her life.

Her strength and caring nature touched all who knew her. Throughout her long life she was known for her warmth, kindness, and the deep love she held for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on through her family and friends.

She will be forever cherished and remembered by her children Guy (Lisa) and Michelle (Dale); grandchildren Chris (Jolene), Amber, and Devon (Carissa); her great-grandchildren Liam, Drydon, Aizlyn and Camdyn. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years William (Willie) Allan Sentes who passed away on November 5, 2019. She was also predeceased by her older brother Gordon and her younger sister Marlene.

The family would like to extend a most heartfelt thank you to all of the doctors and nurses that treated us, and especially her, with such compassion and respect. A very special thanks is extended to the amazing staff in the Heart and Stroke Unit at the Regina General Hospital and the Palliative Care Unit 3A at the Regina Pasqua Hospital.

Flowers are gratefully declined.

A Private Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held at a later time.

A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again. (Maya Angelou).