In Loving Memory of Louise McFarlane
Our mother, Louise McFarlane, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 28, 2023.
She was born July 1944, in Toronto, Ontario, to Ross and Katherine Laird. She was born prematurely, weighing only three pounds. According to family lore, she was brought home in the trunk of her parents’ car in a “shoebox”. When she was six, they moved by train to Rose Valley, Saskatchewan. She grew up surrounded by her maternal grandparents; younger sister, Jane Dutton; and younger brother, Jim Laird.
She loved reading, figure skating, swimming, and spending time at her cabin in Kipabiscau. Her life changed when she was 15 and met the love of her life, Merlin McFarlane. He was the new 19-year-old teacher at her school in Rose Valley. They fell in love, and after she did a year at the University of Saskatchewan, they got married on June 27, 1964 – 59 years ago. She went back to university and completed her Degree in Education, majoring in English. She taught Grade 4 for one year at Henry Kelsey in Kinistino, and then coincidentally taught Grade 4 for one year at Henry Kelsey in Saskatoon.
Mom then decided she would rather start a family than continue teaching. Maureen was born in Saskatoon and Margie in Kinistino, where Dad was now Principal. Mom and Dad moved to Regina, Elrose, and then went over the mountains for a year to Abbotsford, BC. Missing teaching and the prairies, they returned to Saskatchewan. They lived in Viscount and then in 1992, 28 years after leaving Rose Valley, they came back home to where they first met.
Mom really enjoyed her time in Rose Valley with bridge tournaments, cross country skiing on the farm, reading, and visits with family and friends. When she wasn’t playing the organ and volunteering at Christ the King Catholic Church, she was usually found with her daughters: Maureen Blair and Margaret Kiesman; sons-in-law, Colin and Jonathan; and 17 beautiful grandchildren. Her family fondly recalls innumerable cribbage games, personalized birthday cards made by Mor, and lots of delicious baking.
She was a dedicated and prayerful lady, rich in character, and full of love. She will be greatly missed.
Funeral Mass
11 a.m.
Monday, September 25, 2023
Christ the King Roman Catholic Church
Rose Valley, SK
Donations in memory of Louise
may be made to:
Christ the King Roman Catholic Church
Box 316
Rose Valley, SK
S0E 1M0
