Mary Ellen Froese

FROESE, Mary Ellen

May 21, 1938 - August 5, 2024

After a brief and courageous battle with an internal infection, we are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs Mary Ellen Froese in the early morning hours of Monday, August 5, 2024 at the Royal University Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. Mary Ellen, a single child, was predeceased by her mother and father, Helen and George (Lawson). Left to mourn is her husband of 66 years, Jacob (Jake) (Froese), her daughter Sherry (Korol) and husband Gerry, her son Scott (Froese) and wife Vicki and Grandson Brandon (Froese).  

Mary Ellen was born in Saskatoon where she attended Wilson Elementary School followed by City Park Collegiate and later graduated from Saskatoon Business School. Early in her work career, she gained employment with CN Rail, where she met her husband for life, Jake Froese. Her worked evolved and culminated in a 31 year career with the Saskatoon Board of Education, working for 12 years at Lorne Hazelton School followed by 19 years at James Alexander School, both in administrative roles. 

Mary Ellen and Jake fell in love and were wed on June 7, 1958. In 1959, their daughter, Sherry was born and two years later their son, Scott was born. Her love for Sherry and Scott was true and unwavering and she always made the time to lend an ear to her children and offer advice when needed. Later, in 1997, she became a grandmother to Brandon Froese whom she came to love deeply, always interested in Brandon’s successes and was always there to listen during the tough times as Brandon grew into the man has has become today. She was always so proud of Brandon and was not afraid to tell her friends and family of the pride she carried within her heart for him. Along side her husband Jake, she became a lifetime member of the Knox United Church in Saskatoon, where regular attendance at weekly church services and functions became part of her daily life. She had a very unique love for dogs, and donated much money and many hours to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Saskatoon. Her days as a volunteer at the SPCA were often a discussion at the dinner table. She would tell us about the successes of particular dogs along with some tears shed as described the not so successful moments she experienced. She also had a strong love for horses, and this love lived in her heart throughout her life, even though she spent most of her life, living in the city. Also discussed and demonstrated at the kitchen table was her love for egg salad and mayonnaise along with her love for peanut butter. This love for peanut butter was hereditary, as Sherry and Scott now carry on this love and addiction. Mary Ellen always offered the gift of friendship to anyone who was looking for a friend and a soulmate. She had developed countless friendships that stood the test of time up and until her final day. Mary Ellen had the ability to talk about what needed to discussed, but she also loved to laugh and joke about the simple and unimportant things too. Her friendships were her world and she would want everyone to know this and feel her love. 

A very special acknowledgement and thank you is offered to the doctors, nurses and staff of the 5th floor, Sub Unit 3, Observation Unit at the Royal University Hospital, who provided and demonstrated professional and compassionate care to Mary Ellen in her final weeks and days. These acts of compassionate care will never be forgotten.

Funeral Services will held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at the Knox United Church in Saskatoon, followed by fellowship and a light lunch at the hall located On the lower level.

Mary Ellen Froese: A Daughter, a Wife, a Mother, a Grandmother and a friend. She will be loved and missed by everyone……..forever and always.

In lieu of flowers, donations to SPCA in Saskatoon are encouraged. We know that Mary Ellen would appreciate this.