Jeannine Schmaltz

Jeannine Schmaltz passed away peacefully on August 22nd, 2021, at the age of 81 years.  Waiting to greet her were her beloved husband, Chris; her parents, Oscar and Eugenie Lemay; 3 sisters, Madeleine Lemay, Cecile Dumonceaux, Bernadette Yanchuk; and one brother Louis Lemay. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Mark (Barb) of Medicine Hat, Stuart (Jan) of North Battleford, Shane (Jody) of Sylvan Lake and Blaine Selinger of Regina; five grandchildren, Tanner & Tiana (Mark), Brooke and Madison (Shane) and Joshua (Blain); one sister, Madeleine (Tony) Brassard; two brothers, Lucien (Sally) Lemay and Alfred Lemay; and in-laws, too numerous to mention.

Marie Germain Jeannine Lemay was born on her family’s farm south of Ponteix, Saskatchewan, on December 30, 1939.  She attended school in Ponteix and upon graduation from high school, enrolled at the Regina Grey Nun’s School of Nursing.  She graduated as a registered nurse in 1961 and worked first at the Regina Grey Nuns hospital before moving to Prelate where she worked at the Prelate Union Hospital.

It is in Prelate that she met the love of her life and her and Chris were married on September 29th, 1962.  Chris and Jeannine were blessed with three children, Mark, Stuart and Shane.  Nothing was more important to her than her family and as a full-time working Mom, she sacrificed much to ensure they were loved and had everything they needed.

Jeannine had a long and industrious career working as a Public Health Nurse for the Government of Saskatchewan.  Her office was in Leader and she travelled many miles hosting clinics, visiting schools and giving countless needles.  She also trained and served as an EMT and was an attendant for the Leader Ambulance for 5 years.  After over 35 years of nursing, Jeannine retired in 2003.  She was always an active member of the community.  She served on the Village of Prelate Council for 21 years, 9 of those as Mayor.  She also served on several Boards including the Leader Union Hospital, the Western Senior Citizens Board, the Leader School Division, the Prelate Welcome Inn and the Prelate Cooperative grocery store. 

Not only did Jeannine manage to balance family, career and volunteering, she also made time for her many hobbies.  She loved crocheting, macrame, flower arranging, paper tole, gardening, and ceramics.   Her artistic gifts could be found not only in her own home but also the homes of her children and friends and in the Church.  Jeannine loved music and could play any instrument by ear. 

Jeannine treasured her children and grandchildren and was an amazing Mother and Grandmother.  She spoiled them rotten with her treat cupboard, baking, pickles, treasure hunts, gifts and most important, her time.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Monday August 30th, 2021, at 10:30 am.  There will be a eulogy and slide presentation preceding the Mass at 10:10 am.  A light lunch will be provided after Mass.  Due to the high number of COVID 19 cases in Medicine Hat, the service and lunch is by invitation only.  However, the service will be live streamed and can be viewed on you tube.  Search You Tube – Medicine Hat Holy Family Church and then scroll down to the Funeral Mass for Jeannine Schmaltz.  It will be available once the service starts.

Interment will be at 3:30 pm at the Prelate Cemetery and is open to anyone wishing to attend.

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