Esme Joan McLean July 29, 1924 - June 29, 2011 Esme Joan Gadd was born July 29, 1924 at the farm North of Bienfait to Bert and Agnes Gadd. Growing up she participated in 4-H Calf Club, and loved playing baseball. She spent many happy hours with her brothers and sister, Leonard, Alice and Edgar. After finishing school in 1944 at Bienfait Rural, Esme headed to Regina to attend Teaching College. In September 1944 Esme started her teaching career at Holbrooke, teaching from 1944 -1946. She taught at Douglaston 1947-1948, South Alameda 1948- 1950, Poplar 1950-1951. While teaching at Holbrooke, Esme had boarded with the Stuart McLean family. At that time she met her future husband, Donald McLean. December 19, 1951, Esme married Don in the United Church, Estevan. They started their married life 10 miles north of Alameda on the family farm. Esme was very much involved in daily activities for the many years they spent farming. She always had a large garden, raised cattle, chickens, turkeys, and the occasional duck or goose. She always had a dog and a favourite among the many cats. Flowers were one of Esme's great loves. She spent many hours arranging flowers for Flower Shows for a great number of years. She was also very active in the Dalesboro Church and served as treasurer of the UCW for years. Esme spent many falls in the old CCIL combine bringing in the harvest. To Esme's marriage three children were born, Ken, Murray, and Donalda. Esme was very proud of her children and always encouraged them to do their best. If ever a problem, she was there to guide them. As when she was a teacher helping and guiding young people, Esme continued to do this for the rest of her life. As with her children, Esme was a very large part of her grandchildrens lives. Tyler, Ryan, and Lisa spent many a happy hour with Grandma, as she lived just across the yard. Kathryn and Thrissa's visits from Calgary were always something she looked forward to. She was very proud of all her family. Once Esme retired from farming, she moved to Estevan. Here she met many new friends. Esme loved to visit and spent many hours at different activities, especially enjoying the new church family she'd found. When Esme suffered 2 heart attacks in 2009 she moved to Creighton Lodge. Here too she met a number of new friends. Upon hospitalization on May 3, 2011, she knew she was going to have to leave Creighton, but was looking forward to once again making a new move and meeting more new friends. Esme had many ups and downs during her 2 month stay in the hospital and in the end lost her battle Wednesday, June 29, 2011. She will be greatly missed by family and many friends. She was predeceased by her parents Bert and Agnes Gadd, her brother and sister, Leonard Gadd and Alice Shortreed, nephew and niece Robert and Barbara (infancy) Shortreed and numerous in-laws. Surviving her is her husband Donald, sons Ken (Diana), Tyler, Ryan, Lisa; Murray (Jana), Danny and Thrissa; daughter Donalda McLean (Mike Larocque), Kathryn; one brother Edgar (Diane) Gadd and a number of in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. The funeral service was held at the Church of Christ, Estevan, Sask. on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. with Tim Pippus officiating and delivering the eulogy. David Widenmaier and her church family and friends sang numerous hymns. Esme was laid to rest in the Alameda Cemetery. Those so wishing may make donations to the Estevan Church of Christ or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan in Esme?s memory. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan. Thank you We, the McLean Family would like to thank Dustin, Shirley and Hall Funeral Services for their lovely job. Tim Pippus and the Church of Christ for the beautiful service and lunch. Tim, your words were very comforting. You had obviously gotten to know Esme well. David Widenmaier for your lovely job of the hymns you sang. Bob, Calvin, Larry, Daryl, Dennis and Bill for helping to deliver Esme to her final home. Tony, Allen and the Alameda Cemetery for doing the finishing touches. We express thanks to all the honorary Pallbearers who have been her friends throughout her life. Willie, Michelle, April and Dana for being there, like you always are. We are grateful to all the family, neighbours and friends for all the calls, visits, food, flowers and cards. Everyone seems to know just exactly when to be there. All your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. - Sincerely, Donald; Ken, Diana, Tyler, Ryan and Lisa; Murray, Jana, Dan and Thrissa; Donalda (DJ), Mike and Kathryn
