Mae Edna Popoff

Mae Edna Popoff (née Chernoff) passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, at the age of 84, in Saskatoon, with her family lovingly by her side.

Mae was born on March 22, 1942, on her cherished parents’ farm in the Trinity District near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan, to Fred and Lucy Chernoff (née Konkin). She was predeceased by her beloved parents and by her two older brothers, whom she deeply admired: Peter of Regina and Walter of Prince Albert.

Mae will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years, John, of Saskatoon; her daughter Lori (Jon) Wacker of Greenville, NC, and grandsons Robby and Matthew; her son Jeff (Naureen) of Edmonton and granddaughters Nadya and Nisha; sisters-in-law Irene Chernoff of Calgary and Helen Chernoff of Prince Albert; and brother-in-law Wes (Pat) Popoff of Canora.

She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved to call her Auntie Mae, including Ellen (Wayne) Montour and Brenda (Don) Evans of Prince Albert; Rob (Barb) Chernoff of Red Deer; Greg (Marina) Chernoff of Calgary; Fred Strukoff of Vernon; Wayne (Gail) Strukoff of Kamsack; and Lisa (John) Rhodes of Vancouver, WA.

Education held a special value to Mae. Her love of learning began with journeys by horse and buggy or sleigh to attend the one-room school in Trinity. After completing high school in Blaine Lake, she continued her studies at the University of Saskatchewan, where she met her husband, John. She earned three degrees: a B.Ed, a B.A. in Psychology, and a Master of Education.

Mae dedicated more than 40 years to teaching, beginning her career in Lanigan, and later teaching in several other towns and cities of Saskatchewan. After settling in Saskatoon with John in 1971, some of her happiest working years were spent as a Teacher-Librarian in the public school system. She brought children’s stories to life by wearing costumes, using character voices and hand puppets.

One of Mae’s most adored passions, apart from Elvis Presley, international travel, sunflowers, and the Edmonton Oilers, was singing. She was a lifelong member of the Doukhobor Choir of Saskatoon and proudly participated in the Voices for Peace Tour in 1995. Mae was deeply spiritual, and found joy in delivering messages of Peace, Faith, Love, and Hope throughout her community.

Mae’s greatest joy was her family. She and John were blessed with children, and Mae devoted herself wholeheartedly to Lori and Jeff, supporting them unconditionally and being active in their education, music, and sports. Becoming Grandma to Robby, Matthew, Nadya, and Nisha brought her immeasurable happiness and meant absolutely everything to her.

Mae treasured being a wife, mother, grandmother, auntie, cousin, and friend. Her gentle sweet spirit and kindness welcomed everyone. She is extremely loved and is greatly missed, but her family finds comfort knowing she is at peace in God’s care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mae’s memory to a local library or to a charity of your choice. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Saskatoon. Arrangements entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home, 306-244-5577.