Emilia “Millie” Stefan passed away in Avonlea on Sunday March 10, 2019 at age 74 years. She was born February 19, 1945 in the Kayville District.
Millie is predeceased by her parents; husband Larry; brother Rudy; sister Helen (Bill) and sister-in-law Sharon Gieni.
Larry and Millie dated through high school in Kayville and after graduation they were married on September 23, 1963. They moved to Regina and lived next to Dad’s older brother George. Millie worked as a secretary for a law firm while living in Regina. They had two children Jamie and JoLynn. She ran a child care day home in Regina from 1975 until 1981. In 1981 they moved to Avonlea where they resided for 2 years before moving to Dad’s homestead in 1983. They farmed and in 1986 due to economical times Millie took a position as a waitress at the Blue Hills Motor Inn in Avonlea working there for 9 years and then taking a position in Wilcox as a waitress for 6 years. When her mother-in-law became ill with Alzheimers Millie took a position with Avonlea Extendicare where she worked another 5 years. In this line of work she found a new beginning and continued caring for her elders working in 2 different care homes in Regina until she retired in the fall of 2015. Millie was a very social person enjoying sharing a good cup of coffee with friends. She wore her heart on her sleeve touching many lives and making friends wherever she was. Millie enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking for family and friends especially making her specialty cabbage rolls and perogies. She was an avid car lover and card player enjoying a game of cards at the drop-in center in Avonlea and participating in card game tournaments all the while enjoying socializing with those around her as much as winning the card game. Most of all Millie enjoyed family and her treasured grandchildren.
She will be missed by her two children Jamie (Sherri) Stefan of Westbank, BC, and JoLynn (Derrek) Kozachuk of Moose Jaw, SK; grandchildren Samantha, Brooke, Taylen and Kelbie; brothers George Gieni and Gord Gieni; sisters Anne (Doug) Chambers and Mary (Wayne) McKenzie as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held at W. J. Jones Chapel, 106 Athabasca St E, on Thursday March 21, 2019 at 10:00AM. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church Cemetery in Kayville, SK. Reception will take place at Avonlea Drop-In Center following interment. In loving memory of Millie, a memorial tree planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com or www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca (Obituaries). Blake Seebach - Funeral Director