Obituary of Toni Pederson-Wilson

Toni (Antoinette Ruest) was born in Naicam, SK and moved to the Felton Grove district in 1924, where Toni's father operated a sawmill. Over the years he was involved in the construction of several buildings in the Greenwater Lake district.  He and his brothers were also old time fiddlers. They played at many dances in the area, and this is where Toni's love of music and dancing began. In 1941, the family moved to the village of Archerwill, SK and later Toni spent 2 years taking the nursing training course at St. Therese Hospital in Tisdale. In 1950, Toni married Glen Pederson and began her happy and rewarding life as a Department of Natural Resources conservation officer's wife. This included postings at Molanosa, Emma Lake, Nipawin (where she worked as a nurse at Nipawin Union Hospital), Hudson Bay, and Prince Albert. Toni embraced the duties of a conservation officer's wife, manning the big two-way radio in their house, and relaying messages to the firefighting crews in northern Saskatchewan. In Molanosa, in that era, there was no power or telephone, all communication with the outside world was by radio. Toni and Glen were often called upon for medical help, policing duties, and social work. During this time Toni and Glen welcomed four children: Joan Milne (Bryan), Linda Crown (Bob deceased), Brenda Kline (Brian) and Ron Pederson. Another huge joy in Toni's life were her five grandchildren

and two great-grandchildren: Erin Milne (deceased), Sean Milne, Mark Milne (Stacey), Justin Kline (Andrea), Michael Kline (Melanie), Bailey Kline and Rin Milne.

Toni and Glen spent many summers at their cabin at Greenwater Lake Provincial Park, where along with their children and grandchildren enjoyed fishing, boat rides, wiener roasts, swimming, campfires, and card games. Toni was always full of energy, often outlasting her daughters and staying up till the wee hours of the morning with late night card games, drinks and visiting with her sons-in-law.

Ten years after Glen passed away Toni found love again and married Ron Wilson. They enjoyed life in Prince Albert with their many friends. They kept busy with their families, grandchildren, cabins, home, and volunteering.

Toni was a very social person, involved in her church, taking classes, and volunteering with many organizations. Throughout her life Toni was involved with many community service organizations, including the Catholic Women's League and Legion Auxiliary, where she helped with catering and many other activities. She also belonged to the Order of the Royal Purple and the Red Hat Society. Toni delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered with the Paraplegic Association. Mom was involved with a senior’s fitness group which toured western Canada doing demonstrations for seniors groups. In her seventies, Toni continued on her lifelong path of learning. Toni had spoken mostly French at home until she went to school, but had not continued to speak it much in her adult life, so she took conversational French classes, as well as classes in computer use, painting and crafting.

The family would like to thank the staff at William Albert House for the wonderful care Toni received in the later years of her life. It feels like you have become part of our family and you truly have gone above and beyond in mom's care. A celebration of Toni’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to a humane society of your choice.

A private celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 1:30 P.M at Speers Family Centre, 2333 Cornwall Street, Regina, Saskatchewan.