Elmyra Esther Bartzen “Nicki” aged 85 years of Riverhurst, SK, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, with family by her side.
Nicki was born in Simpson, SK to Jim and Esther Stewart on June 27th, 1937. On April 5th, 1958 Nicki married the love of her life, Maurice Bartzen, and shortly after they started their family together.
In 1973, after having lived in Saskatoon, Regina and Simpson, SK, Maurice and Nicki moved to Riverhurst, SK where they remained until the time of her passing. While living in Riverhurst, Nicki was always very active in the community and enjoyed volunteering as a Leader of the Beavers Club, participating in Table Top Curling, and working casual bird cleaning and at RAP potatoes.
Being an extremely talented cake decorator, Nicki's grandchildren always had the most remarkable birthday cakes no matter what party theme had been chosen. Nicki had a love for gardening and was extremely proficient in canning preserves.
For years, Nicki kept daily diaries and was always able to easily look back to see what exactly happened on what day. She enjoyed collecting dolls and doing puzzles, but most of all Nicki was proud and enjoyed anytime she got to spend with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by both of her parents; brothers: Malcome Stewart, Harland Stewart, and Harvey Stewart; and sisters: Anabel McCallum, Helen Crittenden, and Lois Weflin. Nicki is survived by and will be greatly missed by her husband of 64 years, Maurice Bartzen; children: Shane (Della) Bartzen, Sheryl Bartzen, Sheridan Dyck (Jeff Purvis), Sherwyn (Judy) Bartzen, and Sheldon Bartzen (Angela Jaeger); grandchildren: Brennan (Jordyn) Dyck, Tanner (Lauren) Dyck, Brandon (Kyleigh) Bartzen, Brodie (Ivory) Bartzen, and Callie Bartzen; great-grandchildren: Braxton Bartzen ,Oaklyn Bartzen, Gray Bartzen, Kamryn Dyck, and Reese Dyck; brothers, James Stewart and Pete Stewart; sisters, Shirley Armstrong and Patricia Goldfinch; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and physicians at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital for the excellent care Nicki received during her lengthy stay in the hospital.
A Celebration of Nicki’s Life will be held on Thursday, April 6th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Riverhurst Community Hall, Riverhurst, SK. Interment will take place in Riverhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre St, Regina, SK S4P 2R3. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
