Sarah Ann Beaudoin

January 7, 1918-November 29, 2020

It is with great sadness that the family of Sarah Ann Beaudoin (n. Gillatt) of Maymont, SK, share news of her passing, of natural causes, on November 29, 2020, at the incredible age of 102 years. Sarah’s long life was a true testament to her hard work, perseverance, adaptability, healthy living and active community spirit. Sarah took every opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest, whether dipping her toes in the Pacific Ocean, climbing a pyramid, kissing the Blarney Stone, sailing in Cuba or riding a motorcycle—in her 80s.  She enjoyed trips with family in Saskatchewan, across Canada, to the US, Mexico, Guatemala, England, Europe and Cuba, although she drew a hard line to future camping after enduring two weeks of cold, wet weather, giant mosquitoes and horseflies at Waskesiu. Though Sarah loved to travel afar, she was even prouder to have attended every graduation, ball and hockey game, music and dance recital, and wedding of those she loved. Over the years, she cherished her time spent caring for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended families. Sarah was an avid quilter. She gifted beautiful, hand-stitched quilts to all her children, grandchildren, and as many great-grandchildren as she could before arthritis in her hands made quilting impossible.

In 2018, Sarah celebrated her 100th birthday along with over 300 friends and family. We all had the opportunity to celebrate a life well-lived. She loved visiting with her  guests, reading the cards and receiving greetings from the Queen and Canadian dignitaries. A highlight for Sarah was being selected as one of Saskatchewan’s Nation Builders in 2005. She was also proud to receive a third-generation UCW Life Membership and was awarded a ‘Canada 150’ medal on her 100th birthday. 

Throughout her life, Sarah worked hard but never complained. We love that she always adapted to the times and maintained an open mind about the changing world around her. At one past event, Sarah shared a somewhat risqué joke. When one attendee commented on the inappropriateness of her joke, Sarah later thought, “Get with the times!” Today the family credits her with the phrase, but more so the mindset.

Sarah’s healthy lifestyle was attributed not only to staying active, but also to keeping an active mind. Even in her later years, she remained the family’s go-to for recipes, family history, people’s names, and still remembered every birthday and anniversary in the family or community. Sarah enjoyed people around her, of all ages. She took comfort in making people happy and giving back to the community, whether making her famous donuts for the volleyball tournaments, laying a Remembrance Day wreath at the school ceremony or saying grace at pre-COVID big family dinners that had to be held in the school gym as the family grew.  

Sarah spent her final years at River Heights Lodge enjoying chocolates and candies, attending church service, loving the daily entertainment, talking on the phone, watching sitcom reruns (loudly), as she read the newspaper and did the Word Search and Cryptograms. 

Sarah is predeceased by her husband, Walter (Chinney) in 1985; her parents, Alfred Gillatt (1968), Laura Parker (1978); step-father, Bill Penny (2001); her great-grandson, Will Skopyk (2018); her daughter-in-law Betty Beaudoin (2004) and her brother Reg Gillatt (1991).  She is survived by her children, Albert (Pat) Beaudoin; Dale (Charlotte) Beaudoin; Terry (Gerald) Skopyk and Russell (Connie) Beaudoin; her sister Dorothy Belanger; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.

Though we are so thankful for her good health and long life, we would still have liked more time with her. We extend our thanks to Dr. Campbell, and the staff at River Heights Lodge for her kind and compassionate care.

Donations in Sarah’s memory can be made to the Maymont United Church, Box 68, Maymont, SK, S0M1T0, or River Heights Lodge Auxiliary/Recreation, 2001-99th St, North Battleford, SK, S9A0S3.

In respect for the restrictions due to COVID-19, funeral arrangements are pending.

 

• Date : 2020-11-29
• Location : North Battleford, SK