Viola "Vi" Duncan of Hodgeville, SK passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at the age of 90 years. Vi was born in Maple Creek, SK on May 8, 1926. Her parents, Henry and Elizabeth (nee Sulzle) Sandau, were farmers who had emigrated from Katzbach, in Bessarabia, Russia. Vi had 5 brothers and 5 sisters, and she was born right in the middle. Vi married Vern Duncan in 1946, and three years later they moved to Hodgeville. Vern was a mechanic, and soon opened Vern's Repair Shop, which was part of Hodgeville's landscape for 41 years. Vi was a homemaker and did a bit of hairdressing on the side. While Vern was busy at the shop, Vi was quietly going about the business of managing the home and caring for their children, Faye, Brenda, Debbie, and Doyle. Vi was the consummate homemaker. She was always cooking, and especially loved to bake. Her cinnamon buns were delicious, and there were always cookies, muffins, and desserts to be had. Vi was also skilled at sewing, and made figure skating costumes, dresses, and even Brenda's grad dress. Vi's children have strong memories of her looking after them, and her always being there for them. She especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and hours were spent watching them. Vi had a strong faith and was a long standing member of Salem Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday school for 17 years and was a member of the Swift Current Conference Church Women. Her faith remained strong after she moved to Swift Current; she would never miss a Sunday service and her bible was always filled with sticky notes and bookmarks. Christmas was Vi's favourite time of year, and she always made lefse, toffee, and popcorn balls for the holidays. Vi joined Al-anon in 1971. Vern and Vi loved spending time with their AA friends, the sense of community was strong and lasted through the years. She loved helping new members, she was a good listener and a strong support. Vi was a quiet, kind, supportive sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She appreciated the little things, and always saw the good. She never complained, was content with what she had, and was always happy. She understood that happiness came from within, loved to laugh, and enjoyed a good joke. Vi didn't like gossip, and would avoid it at all costs. She was well-respected at Heritage Towers and the home in Herbert. When asked by someone how she managed difficult people, she answered "I would just give them a compliment." And that is who she was, someone who understood that everyone has their own journey, and what is often most needed is a kind word and a smile. Vi is survived by her loving family, daughter Faye (Barry) Flichel, granddaughter Tammy (Darren) great grandchildren Tyler, Caitlyn, Colton, grandson Marty (Rachel) great grandchildren Kelly, Brinley, Rylee, grandson Lanny (Mandi) great grandchildren Ashley, Jake, Josie; daughter Brenda (Ted) Haubrich, granddaughter Donnell (Kris) great grandchildren Evan, Lauren, Nathan, grandson Drew (Pam) great grandchildren Taylor, Cassidy, grandson Dee Jay (Amanda) great grandchild CJ, granddaughter Daina (Jeff) great grandchild Natalie, Ainsley; daughter Debbie (Rick) Percival, granddaughter Kristin, great grandchild Deker, grandson Jordie (Christine) great grandchildren Kinley, Makena; son Doyle (Janice) Duncan, grandson Josh (Monica), granddaughter Madison, grandson Zach (Amareet); siblings Erna, Violet, Pearl, Norman, Elaine. Predeceased by her husband Vern Duncan (2000); grandson Jamie Flichel (1995); parents Henry and Elizabeth (nee Sulzle) Sandau; siblings Henry, Emma, Alfred, Rudy, Wilfred. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., at the Hodgeville Community Centre, Hodgeville, SK. Officiant was Pastor Dion Grimm. Readers were Kristin Percival and Daina Seymour. The eulogy was shared by Donnell Schoenhofen and a tribute followed by Vi's grandchildren. Pallbearers were Madison Duncan, Drew Haubrich, Dee Jay Haubrich, Darren Karst, Jordie Percival, and Lanny Flichel. Family Interment took place on Monday, November 14, 2016, at Memorial Gardens, Swift Current, SK. Memorial donations in memory of Vi to the Herbert & District Integrated Health Facility, P.O. Box 520, Herbert, SK SOH 2AO, were greatly appreciated.
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