Obituary of Mildred Adella Reynolds
Mildred “Millie” Reynolds
It is with heavy hearts, Millie’s children, Dawn (Peter) Kilmer, Scott (Wendy) and Tracy (Tavia) Reynolds announce the passing of their biggest role model and cheerleader, Mildred Reynolds (nee Sjolie), on February 29, 2024, at Rose Garden Hospice. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Garry Reynolds, her parents and two sisters, Janet and Joan.
Mom was born January 6, 1941, in Preeceville SK, to Elmer and Lena Sjolie. She was the oldest sibling to Donald, Janet (Dennis) Szafron, Joan (John) Publicover and Lorna (John) Thomas. The Sjolie family grew up in Sturgis on the first cooperative farm in our Province. This is where Mom began her lifelong commitment to building community where everyone can thrive and grow. She was a connector and collector of people.
Mom was a lifelong learner. She attended the University of Saskatchewan, where she met and married the love of her life, Garry Reynolds. She completed bachelor’s degrees in Home Economics and Education, followed by her Master of Education degree. After retirement, she taught at ITEP and audited University classes, completing one this past year on French Communism. She stayed connected with her students throughout her life and loved to hear about their accomplishments. She taught students in numerous schools including City Park, Aborfield, Mount Royal and Nutana.
Millie’s commitment to community included building of Millie’s Early Learning Centre, volunteering at St. Martin’s Church, advocating for the College of Home Economics, membership on the Board of the College of Medicine and Nursing, supporting many new Canadian families as they begin their new life, and travelling to Ghana to teach about food storage and preservation. Nothing was impossible to accomplish when mom set her mind to it. Her friends can attest that it was hard to say no to Millie.
Family and friends who became family were a large part of Millie’s life. She kept tabs on all of us and reminded us to stick together. She was available for everyone. Mom was so proud of her children, in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, grandchildren, and great- grandchild. She loved hearing about what we were up to over a tea or an email. Her speciality was those fabulous dinner parties. Mom and Dad loved to entertain. Special memories revolve around those beautiful table settings, and the kitchen sink, washing the dishes following a delicious meal. There were sooooo many dishes, towel snaps and gales of laughter.
Millie and Garry, have seven grandchildren, Ali, Cait, Patrick, Jamie, Matthew, Ryan, and Rebecca; and one great-grandchild, Elle. Mom created a hidden special garden and delighted in sharing the beauty of their backyard with friends and family. We spent countless hours in her exquisite flower garden drinking lemonade, telling tales and hearing about their travels around the world.
A Celebration of Millie’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, June 23, 2024, in the Riverview Room at the Remai Art Gallery, 102 Spadina Crescent E, Saskatoon, SK. In lieu of other tributes, donations in memory of Millie may be made to Millie’s Early Learning Centre, 411 11th Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0E9, Rose Garden Hospice, Box 2092, Prince Albert, SK, S6W 0A3, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Thank you, Mom, we are so proud of all you have accomplished. Rest easy, we will carry on and be the change we wish to see.
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com . Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.
