Obituaries

Margaret Angela Schaefer passed away from this world in the loving arms of her children and grandchildren on June 11, 2024, in Regina, Saskatchewan. Margaret was 92 years old.

She was predeceased by her husband Gerald, her parents Joseph and Maryann Frischholz, father and mother-in-law Ben and Lillian Schaefer, her sisters Marion Reiman and Rosemarie Frischholz, her brothers Tony and Conrad Frischholz and granddaughter Paityn Milligan.

Margaret is survived by her unwavering and loving children Tim Schaefer (Michelle Kimery), Jocelyn Schaefer (Kevin Roberts), Ardis Lukowich (James), Michelle Schaefer, Linely Schaefer and Whitney Schaefer (Shawn Milligan). In addition, Margaret leaves to mourn her thirteen grandchildren Jesse (Kristen) Lukowich, Brittany Lukowich (Anthony Pickering), Maryann (Blair) Ector, Jamie (Tyler) Birkland, Jenna McCormick (Jim Demeray), Shawn McCormick (Michelle Leier), Kylee (Alex) Carreno, Scarlett and Maguire Schaefer and Keegan (Kendal Kazeil), Eamon, Tatumn and Kieran Milligan; nine great-grandchildren Bryce and Aubrey Ector, Logan and Oliver Demeray, Braxton, Bennett and Harlow Birkland and Jude and Noa Lukowich; her brother Leo (Pauline) Frischholz and sisters-in-law Theresa and Donna Frischholz, Maxine Csada and Elaine McEwen (Josh).

On April 5, 1932, Margaret, the eldest of six, was born into the caring arms of her parents Mary and Joseph Frischolz on their family farm southwest of Minton, Saskatchewan. In 1953, she married Gerald Schaefer and together they raised six children.

As a young girl, Margaret attended high school at the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan during the 1940’s when times were tough. However, Margaret’s parents negotiated to have her tuition paid for by donating a hog to the school. Pere Murray was pleased with this arrangement, and she officially became a “Notre Dame Hound. Struggle and emerge!” This would prove to be a sound family decision because it was at Notre Dame where Margaret honed her moral compass and strong relationship with God.

Margaret was a true entrepreneur who understood the true meaning of an “honest day's work”. This was instilled in her at a young age by her enterprising and hard-working parents. She went on to create and operate her own business, “Marg's Alterations”. The location of her business on 11th Avenue in Regina was a landmark recognized by many and she became an inspiration to scores of young women entrepreneurs.

After retiring, Margaret stayed in Regina to be close to her large network of family and friends. Family and friends meant the world to Margaret. She had a unique and special relationship with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never missed a birthday or anniversary. Margaret was very proud of her German heritage. She made several trips to Germany to visit family and to trace her ancestry. Reciprocally, her German relatives used Margaret’s beautiful home on Ryan Road in Regina as their home base when visiting Canada. In addition, she maintained a wonderful relationship with her late husband Gerald’s Irish relatives whom she visited in Ireland and hosted in Canada on many occasions.

During the final days of Margaret’s journey in life, with her children by her side, she was able to express how proud she was of her entire family. While surveying the room with love and adoration she said, “You are a swell bunch. I am proud of all of you and love you dearly”.

The world needs more people like Margaret. She was a true marvel with integrity and honour. Having her in our lives has been a blessing. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at the Pasqua Hospital Palliative Care Unit and the staff at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre Hospice Unit for their outstanding care.

Funeral Mass will be held in her honour on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. in Resurrection Roman Catholic Parish, 3155 Windsor Park Road, Regina, Saskatchewan. Livestream link to the service is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTKwDqMP9zI. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be made to Athol Murray College of Notre Dame at www.notredame.ca/giving/give-online or P.O. Box 100, Wilcox, SK, S0G 5EO.