Obituary of Audrey June Lucille Jonasson

With heavy hearts we said goodbye to our mother, Audrey Jonasson, as she entered her eternal rest.

Audrey was born in rural Saskatchewan near Wadena to Charlie and Violet (Swartz) Clark of Elfros, their only daughter and youngest of five children. She grew up in the farming community. After high school, Audrey completed business school in Saskatoon returning to work as a bookkeeper in Wynyard where she met her life partner, Harry (Haraldur) Jonasson. They married on June 20, 1955, at the Elfros Church with a garden reception at the Clark farm. It was a life-long partnership in every endeavour.

To know Audrey was to know her love of family and friends, pets, sewing and handcrafts, travel, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The first family home was in Saskatoon where their first two daughters, Shaune and Wendy, were born. A short move to Kindersley was followed by relocation to Yorkton in 1959 where Norma and Darwin joined the family. In 1980, Harry and Audrey moved into the dream home they built on an acreage south of Yorkton where many family gatherings generated wonderful memories. Yorkton was home until Audrey left for in Regina in 2017.

Audrey was an active homemaker, but more importantly, she and Dad fully supported and encouraged us in all our endeavours: music, cat shows, and other ventures. Audrey also worked at Zeller’s in the fabric department for several years during the early 1970s.

Mom was compassionate about her pets, from a young girl on the farm with her own cow and her horse named Trixie to the many cats and dogs that became our beloved family members. She enjoyed breeding Himalayan cats and Labrador pups. Every pet had a home; no stray was ever turned away.

Audrey’s crafting skills were eagerly learned by her children and grandchildren. The handmade quilts and blankets adorn many family bedrooms; others were gifted or sold at markets with additional creations.

Her hands are now still. Her mind is at rest. But her legacy lives on in our memories and in all the creative treasures bestowed upon us.

Audrey was predeceased by her husband, Harry (2013); her parents, Charlie (1976) and Violet (1979); her half-brother Ivan (2009); her brothers Norman (2006), Garth (1988) and Wesley (1931); her aunt Lucille (Swartz) Orchard (2008); and her grandson Kyle (2012). Audrey is survived by her daughters Shaune Jonasson (Mark); and her children, Christopher Evans, Charlene (Jerrod) Evans-Stroud, and Michael (Tara) Evans; Wendy Ratke (Garry), their children Will Ratke, Melissa (Greg) Ottahall; Janice Johnston; Norma Rattie (Roger); and their children Afton (Adam) Barabash, Kristen (Mike) Sandnes; Darwin (Catherine) and their children Rae-Anne (Cory) Jonasson and Haraldur Dennon Jonasson; as well as twelve great-grandchildren.

The Jonasson family extends our most sincere gratitude to Nick and the staff at Dove House in Regina, SK for the exceptional care extended to Audrey. Mom was so happy to be spending her last months in such a warm, happy, and homey atmosphere.

Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to your local Animal Shelter.