Obituary of Melba Doreen Holm

Please click here to view the livestream of the service

It is with great sadness that the family of Melba Doreen Holm, of Regina SK, announces her passing on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at the age of 82. She was predeceased by her parents Ray and Mildred Garrison and sister Floreen Deitz. Melba is survived by her husband of 61 years, Russel; daughters Sharon of Toronto and Gwen of Ottawa; sons Garnet (Pat) of Calgary and Morgan (Connie) of Ottawa; grandchildren Aidan and Matthew of Toronto, Eric and Connor of Ottawa, Rebecca and Charlotte of Calgary and Alexander and Olivia of Ottawa; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Melba was born in northern Saskatchewan. Growing up on a farm her love of animals grew, particularly of horses. Nana spoke often to the grandchildren about taking her horse “Pal” to school.   She and “Pal” had a special bond and her love of horses continued through the years visiting Spruce Meadows and stopping to talk and pat each horse.

Melba and Russel traveled to many places around the world such as North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. She loved to visit the local shops and in particular to see the unique jewelry pieces. While raising their children many family vacations were taken in their motorhome, specifically fishing trips to Chitek Lake.

Melba was a humble survivor of breast cancer. Her strength was unyielding and with faith she overcame many of her physical challenges.

Grandchildren were a major part of her life. Visiting, bonding or just hanging out. At Christmastime, the grandkids would gather round Melba as she loved to read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the family.

 Melba showed her excellent cooking skills regardless of what was on the menu, in the fridge, or who was around the table. Melba was famous for making biscuits, borscht, stuffed beet leaves, oxtail soup, and many more delicious meals. There was always room for one more at the table and she made everyone feel welcome.

Melba was also a talented seamstress creating anything from doll clothes to matching Christmas outfits for the grandkids.  She passed her love of cooking, art and sewing to her children and grandchildren.

Melba loved chatting with family and friends, being out with her sorority sisters, the ladies of ΒΣΦ of which she was a life member.  She loved painting, many of her prints are hanging in our home. She loved crafts of all types especially the projects with her Craft and Chat group.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. To view the livestream of the service please click on the link above on the day of the service. Friends and family are welcome to participate in a celebration of Melba’s life. Interment will take place at Idylwild Cemetery near Spiritwood, SK, at a later date.

Donations in memory of Melba may be made to Idylwild Cemetery RM of Spiritwood, Box 340, Spiritwood, SK, S0J 2M0 or the Canadian Cancer Society 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK, S4P 2R3.

The family wishes to send special thanks to Dr. T. Tsang, Dr. A. Houmphan, nurses and staff at Regina General Hospital for their compassion and caring. Thank you to the staff at Speers Funeral and Cremation Services for your help and empathy.

Condolences for the family may be left here on Melba’s tribute page.