Vilja Pierrard
July 14, 2924 - March 22, 2022
As published in the April 11, 2022 World-Spectator
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Vilja Pierrard, beloved wife of the late Art Pierrard, on March 22nd, 2022, at the age of 97, at the South East Integrated Care Centre, Moosomin, with family by her side.
Vilja Elfriede Rohleder was born July 14th, 1924 on the farm near Bergfedt, M.B. to Heinz (Henry) and Hedwig Rohleder. Her parents immigrated to Canada in 1910 from Germany. She had six siblings and was the second youngest: Albert (Bert), Henry (Jr), Erica, Rose Marie, Wolfgang (Wilf), Gerhardt (Gerry). The Rohleder family later moved to the Redvers area to farm. Mom attended the Hutton School District country school as a child.
After completing her schooling in Redvers, Mom started nurses training at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Regina. But with WWII still ongoing she made the decision to enlist. She joined the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Services, WRCNS. She was proud to be a Canadian and proud to have served her country.
After returning home, Mom completed a combined X-ray and Lab Technician course. She worked at Wilkie Hospital, Wilkie Sk. Later she moved back home to Redvers to work in their new hospital. She was introduced to Art Pierrard by her brother Wilf who was dating Art’s sister, Marie. And as they say the rest is history. They fell in love and were married on Oct. 10th, 1949 in Manor, Sk. Mom and Dad had six children: Henry, Bob, Brian, Marilyn, Carol, Ruth.
Mom and Dad farmed in the Antler and Ryerson districts before moving to Redvers where Mom worked at the Redvers Hospital for a short time again while Dad worked at the Redvers Hotel for several years. In 1962, Mom and Dad decided to become business owners and they purchased the Fairlight Hotel. After many successful years they sold the hotel and moved back to Redvers. Mom decided to take a refresher course to upgrade her X-ray and Lab training. She worked at Moosomin Union Hospital and then back again at Redvers Hospital. She really enjoyed working with all her co-workers at both Hospitals.
In 1972 Mom and Dad took over Fairlight Hotel again and then purchased Rocanville Uptown Hotel and Motel as well. They operated both Hotels with the help of their son Henry and daughter-in-law Ann. After mom and dad sold their businesses, they retired to their farm north of Rocanville, where they enjoyed many years together.
Mom loved gardening and was an amazing herbalist with her knowledge of healing plants. She was a talented poet, seamstress and artist. She also knitted and crocheted as well. Mom supported many foster child families over the years. She was a caring and compassionate woman; her list of charities was long! Mom enjoyed going to town to get the mail and then, of course, going for coffee after! She never wanted to miss any event- be it family or community! Mom was a Rocanville Legion member for more than 30 years and enjoyed the many friendships she made there. After Dad’s passing, Mom was able to remain on the farm for another three years, with the help and support of her family and her live-in- care giver, Marie Kelly.
Then, mom moved into the Whitewood Care Home where she made new friends. She loved the trips to Archie’s for ice cream cones and really enjoyed her beloved Bingo again!! Mom lived a full life. Mom was always there for us whenever we needed her!
Mom we love you and we will miss you so very much!
Vilja is survived by her sons, Henry (Ann), Bob (Rhonda), daughter-in-law Marg, and daughters, Marilyn (Bill), Carol (Donnie), Ruth (Chico), twenty-two grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, sister-in-laws, Marie Rohleder, Maria Wilvers and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Art, son Brian, great- grandson, Dominic and siblings, Bert, Henry, Erica, Rose, Wilf and Gerry.
A Celebration of Life Mass was held on April 2nd, 2022 at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, Rocanville, SK with Father Franklin Emereuwa as Celebrant. Internment followed at Webster Cemetery, Rocanville, SK. Carscadden Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements . Online condolences can be left at www.carscaddenfuneralchapel.com The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Van, nurses, care givers and staff at the hospital for their compassionate care of mom during her last week.
Mom’s love is never far away… a warm summer breeze, a flickering candle or a bright, bright sunshiny day!
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