Anna Catherine SommerMarch 16, 1926 - February 6, 2012
The death of Mrs. Anna "Ann" Catherine (nee Rey) Sommer of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, Watson, SK, occurred peacefully on Monday, February 6, 2012, at Humboldt District Hospital, Humboldt, SK, with family at her side. Ann was born on March 16, 1926, to Martin and Maria (nee Williman) Rey at Englefeld, SK. She grew up there and attended Englefeld School. Ann was 16 years old when the family moved to a farm southeast of Watson. There, she helped with the farming operation and with raising her siblings. On October 7, 1947, Ann married Stephen "Steve" Sommer at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Watson. They began their life together on a half-section of land south of Watson, where they ran a mixed-farm operation, and raised their family. In 1968, after her youngest child Steven started school, Ann began working as a geriatric aide at Quill Plains Centennial Lodge. She had been in the first class of Special Care Aid taught in Saskatchewan. Ann retired from that position in 1985. In 1974, she and Steve had retired from farming and moved into Watson. Ann was very active in the C.W.L. and, over the years, served in every executive position. In addition, as a 4-H leader, she taught sewing. She and Steve also chaperoned a busload of 4-H members to Iowa once, which they really enjoyed. Pastoral Care and Cansurmount also benefited from Ann's dedicated, volunteering spirit. In her leisure time, Ann enjoyed crocheting, gardening, tending to her flower beds, playing cards - particularly Canasta, and socializing with family and friends. On June 1, 1997, she and Steve moved into Sunshine Manor in Watson. Their door was always open to company, and they especially welcomed visits from their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In 2005, due to failing health, Steve became a resident of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, where he resided until his death on March 31, 2009. Ann continued to live in their home until the fall of 2011, when she too moved into Quill Plains, her home until the present. Ann will be lovingly remembered by seven children: Theresa (James) Graf of Watson; Charles Sommer of Edmonton, AB; Annette (Matt Jones) of Stratford, ON; Neil Sommer of Lloydminster, AB; Mary Jane (Frank) Sapara of Watson; Betty Lou (Dan) Silljer of Regina; and Steven (Hope) Sommer of Watson; 22 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters and one brother: Margaret (Clarence) Becker of Kelowna, BC; Al (Val) Rey of Regina; and Beth (Wilbert) Czemers of Cupar; in-laws: Mary Rey of Cupar; Marlene Rey of Edmonton, AB; Joyce Rey of Regina; and Evelyn Silzer of Watson; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Steve Sommer (March 31, 2009); son, Norman Sommer (in infancy); parents, Martin and Maria (nee Williman) Rey; and by two sisters and four brothers: Mary Rey (as a teenager), Helena (James) Murray, Martin Rey, Joe Rey, Tony Rey, and Ted Rey. The Prayer Service for Ann was held at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Watson, on Sunday, February 12, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., led by Willy Gaudet and Wanda Bryce. Scripture readers were Irene Gabriel and Maria Strasser and the eulogy was delivered by James and Theresa Graf. The Funeral Mass was offered at Sacred Heart R.C. Church on Monday, February 13, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., concelebrated by Fr. Darryl Millette and Fr. Daniel Muyres, OSB. Others taking part were: Darron Sommer, crossbearer; Maria Strasser and Hope Sommer, scripture readers; Robert Graf, intentions; Rhonda Graf and her children, giftbearers; The Chuck Sommer family, ushers. An honor guard was formed by members of the Sacred Heart C.W.L. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Ann's life." Active pallbearers were Ron Graf, Peter Graf, Andy Silljer, Tom Sapara, Adam Sapara, TJ Sillijer. Interment followed at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery, Watson. Memorial donations may be directed to the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge Heritage Garden Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.