Obituary of Ellen Saum

SAUM – Ellen After a remarkable life as one of the true pioneers of Swift Current and surrounding district, Ellen Marie Saum passed away peacefully at Cypress House, August 15, 2016 in her 97th year. She was predeceased by her husband John Palmer and daughter, Cynthia Willison Wager, as well as her siblings Herald Tessem, June Oliver, and Lenora Carfoot. She is survived by her son, John D. (Lucille) Saum of Pilot Butte; and grandchildren, Heather Saum (Michael McGillion) of Toronto; John W. Saum (Cara Weber) of Regina; and Ward (Heather) and Grant (Janna) Willison of Kelowna. Ellen is also remembered by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Saum of Saskatoon, and her nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. Ellen Marie was born at home in Antelope, Saskatchewan on June 3, 1919. She was the third child of Louis and Agnes Tessem. A hard worker, she grew up on the farm, helped her family, and completed high school. She worked at the Healy Hotel in Swift Current and then moved to Moncton, New Brunswick to continue working. When she moved back to Swift Current, it was during one of the monthly community barn dances that she met her future husband John (who had walked 14 miles to attend). John and Ellen were married September 17, 1942 in Medicine Hat. They bought a farm in 1945 just outside of Webb, Saskatchewan. They farmed in the Lloyd district raising livestock and growing grain. They sold the farm in 1969 and moved into Swift Current city where they enjoyed playing golf, entertaining friends, and visiting with their grandchildren. Ellen is remembered for being a loving mother and grandmother who was a well-dressed and classy lady. She had a cunning wit, a great sense of humor, and she was an excellent homemaker. A huge thank you to the Allen and Sheila Holderbein and their daughters, Cherry (Ivan) Dugan and Alanna (Kelly) Pawluk for all the years of care and support for Ellen. At Ellen’s request there will be no funeral service. Arrangement were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle. Not Good-bye – Ivor Scott Scatter my ashes to the winds my love I would be as the gulls that climb the skies as the long night closes, As cirrus clouds that trail through the moon, Or as joyous waves that whip-snap foam And I shall return to you across the snows, the plains of summer I shall call from the garden, sing in the boulevard maples and gently stirs the venetian blinds as I talk to you in the night And your grief shall pass my love for even in deepest silence I shall be merely a whisper away