Obituaries

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Anita Monica Hopfauf (Koller) on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the age of 60 years. Anita was predeceased by her mother Trudy Koller, father Werner Koller, stepfather Albert (Butch) Desjarlais, grandparents Frank and Mathilda Geschwandtner, Joseph and Mary Desjarlais, her brother Jarret Desjarlais and brother-in-law Gerald Cousins. Anita is survived by her husband Peter, daughter Carly (Michael) Sliva, son Chad (Ara Cheers) Hopfauf, grandchildren Oliver and Roman Cheers-Hopfauf and Lainey Sliva, her sisters Leana (Murray) Gettle, Tamara (Ryan) Gudmundson, Tina Koller and Courtney (Kyle) Shields, and numerous cherished extended family members and friends.

Anita dedicated 18 years of service to the Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan, retiring after making an indelible impact. She began her journey with the organization in 1999 as the Partnership Program Coordinator and later served as Executive Director from 2007 to 2017. Prior to this, Anita worked in child protection with the Riel Local Parent Aide Program and with Social Services in Saskatoon. Throughout her career, she actively contributed to numerous boards and councils, playing a key role in the implementation of the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program. She also served on the provincial Alcohol and Drug Abuse Advisory Council (ADAAC), the National Council on Welfare (Federal), and as a Board Director for the Metis Addictions Council (MACSI) and the Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC).

Anita will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, as she was the heart and soul of every gathering and the unwavering matriarch of her family. She was always the one planning the next family event, making sure everyone stayed connected. With a heart full of empathy, Anita cared for others deeply, always putting their needs above her own to make sure they felt loved and supported. The people she cherished most were her family, especially her children and grandchildren, who meant the world to her. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan or Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

There will be a Celebration of Anita’s Life on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Child Parish, 2636 - 7th Avenue East, Regina, Saskatchewan. Lunch to follow.