It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Lucille Theresa McEachern, 88 years of Saskatoon and formerly of Lanigan, SK, who passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.
Our father was a warrior and our mother was a saint. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our saint, our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Lucille McEachern. Mom was the second born child to Sebastian Mogentale and Stella (Estella) Cunningham. Mom and her 4 siblings grew up on a farm in the Sinnett area. She married Jerry McEachern on June 29th, 1950 and produced nine children from that union – something that she felt was her major accomplishment in life. Those nine children produced 12 grandchildren, who went on to generate an additional 16 great grandchildren. There were many good years but 1972 was a particularly tough year for Mom and Dad. Dad lost his hand in a farming accident, and Michael (the second youngest son), was diagnosed with leukemia. Michael lost his battle 2 years later, a loss that Mom and Dad bore with stoicism. Mom loved life on the farm and was a prolific gardener, sharing her bounty with neighbours and friends and creating all manner of preserves for the winter. The family homestead was situated at a crossroad and was always a hub of activity. Many times, people would stop for a cup of tea and it was never any trouble to throw an extra potato in the pot for unexpected dinner guests. Mom loved to be active (thankfully) and enjoyed dancing and sports in her youth, and bowling when the kids left home. Another thing that Mom did when the nest emptied out was take a “Health Care Aid” course. She happily worked at the LeRoy Lodge until rheumatoid arthritis ended her career. When the boys were young, Mom and Dad spent many hours in hockey rinks around Saskatchewan, and she continued to cheer her offspring on as recently as last winter. In 2000, the farm well seized up with rust from our heavily mineralized water, so Mom and Dad moved to Lanigan. They fit into “town living” as naturally as they managed to do most everything in their lives. Mom liked to travel once the kids left home. She visited England with Dad to meet his war mates, travelled to the home of her Italian father in northern Italy, spent time in Mexico, took a cruise to Hawaii and Alaska, and made it to 7 of the 10 provinces of Canada. Mom loved playing card games with her family and was a skillful cribbage player. She mastered the computer and the smartphone when she was well into her 70’s. Mom was a great cook and took pride in creating massive meals for family and friends. Everything was made from scratch! Last fall she was serving tea to her brother and his wife, when she pulled her niece aside and said, “I did something today that I have never done in my life.” Her niece nodded apprehensively, waiting while Mom confessed, “I BOUGHT cinnamon buns!”
In Mom’s own words: “Everyone just wants to love and to be loved. I was just an ordinary person, who did the best that they could. Even though I made mistakes, I lived a long and fruitful life. Thanks to all my family and friends for all the wonderful times. Don’t cry for me – I had a good life and we raised a wonderful family - cheers!”
In our words: Mom, thank you for your loving guidance, your indomitable spirit, your quiet strength, your ability to laugh easily and often, and especially for your unconditional love. And for helping us with our homework.
Mom is survived by her eight children: Doug (Julie) of Clavet, Deb of Kelowna, Don (Colleen) of Kelowna, Bill (Sandy) of Kelowna, John of Lanigan, Dorothy (Gary) of Kelowna, Dave of Saskatoon, Scott (Sherry) of Saskatoon; 12 grandchildren, Shaun McEachern (Donna), Jodi McEachern (Gildus), Shauna McEachern, Darren Fernuk (Judy), Michael Fernuk (Caroline), Alison Nagase, Erin Ryan (Connor), Michael McEachern, Morgan McEachern, Kassidy Garnett (Jake), Mitchell McEachern, and step grandchildren Dana and Lisa Johnstone; 16 great grandchildren: Tracy & Jeff McEachern-Ruetz’s children: Megan, Olivia, Anthony; Shaun & Donna McEachern’s children: Kendall & Asher; Jodie McEachern and Gildas Fotso’s daughter: Emery; Darren Fernuk’s son: Jericho and two step grandchildren, Braden and Tristan with wife Judy Jaunzems Fernuk; Shauna McEachern’s daughters: Alya and Maryam; Michael Fernuk & Caroline Gilbert’s children: Zoe and Malcolm; Alison Nagese’s children: Sophia and Miles; Erin and Connor Ryan’s children: Samson, Levi, and Wolfe; Dana Johnstone’s daughter: Shaelan Hillis; Lisa Johnstone’s children: Lexi and Hunter Audette. She is also survived by sister Dolly (Wes) McCurdy and brother Joe (Joan) Mogentale and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lucille was predeceased by her parents Sam and Stella Mogentale, son, Michael McEachern, husband, Jerry McEachern, sister, Mary McEachern, grand daughter, Tracy Ruetz, nephew John Mogentale, niece, Tara Mogentale and brother Luis Mogentale.
“Not all super heroes wear capes. Our super hero, our Mom has returned to heaven.”
A Private Family Prayer Service / Visitation took place at Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home & Crematorium, Humboldt, presided by Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor. A Graveside Service took place August 19, 2021 at St. Ignatius Cemetery, Sinnett, SK.