Helen Lois Weatherald was born March 7th, 1928 in the family farm house. Lois was the second of five children born to Herbert and Annie Weatherald.
From a young age she enjoyed children and teaching, and this became her lifelong passion.
Lois's first experiences in learning, care giving, and teaching began on the farm and then moved to a more formal setting in the Fernley District School near the family farm. Lois thoroughly enjoyed school and learning. Her zeal was, likely, enhanced due to skipping a grade.She then left, at a young age, for Moosomin to complete her high school education. From there, her university studies took her to Saskatoon.Lois found teaching in various rural schools in the province particularly challenging and rewarding.
Lois began a home-based kindergarten in both Wawota and Nipawin. She then became a Special Education teacher for children with learning disabilities, mentoring and tutoring opportunities were also something Lois could not turn down.
Lois taught English as a second language both formally and informally.
After 'retiring' Lois taught line dancing.She also taught her kids, grandkids and anyone else she thought could use a lesson.
Lois met a tall dark man during a rigorous round of musical chairs during a church related function. This eventually led to a marriage to Alfred Gerald Kneeshaw in the winter of 1951. A residence was established in Wawota, SK. Subsequently, 4 children resulted from this union beginning in 1953 and ending in 1961 (Paul, David, Peter, Diana).
A relocation to Nipawin SK. in 1966 gave Mom a boundless variety of opportunities to educate.
Our mom endured, with grace, all the shenanigans that 3 boys and a girl could offer, the pets, pals, and even the less than perfect report cards.
Mom and Dad travelled the world and shortened the prairie winters by snow birding to the US.
Mom's bubbly personality and positive outlook were an instant attraction to any that had the privilege to know her. Her gentle kindness, compassion and patience will be greatly admired for time to come.
Mom passed away April 25th 2022 and was predeceased by her husband Gerry, sister Norma and granddaughter Christa.
Left to make her proud are her children, brothers, sister, grandchildren and great-grand children.
Rest in Peace, Puff.