Patricia Violet Schellenberg

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Patricia (Pat) Violet Schellenberg, age 78, passed away on Thursday, April 10th at her home in Wishart, Saskatchewan. She was born October 7th, 1946, in Watrous, SK to Erling and Margaretha (Regier) Bartel of Drake SK. Patricia was the eldest of her 6 siblings Tom, Jen, John, Trudy and twins Perry and Peggy. In 1964, She graduated from Lanigan Central High school and attended Swift Current Bible Institute (SCBI) for the following three years. Patricia spent her summer months working in Watrous, Lanigan and a missionary trip to Mississippi. During her years at SCBI, Patricia met Bernard (Bernie) Schellenberg. It wasn’t until after their schooling had finished and Patricia was attending Education College in Saskatoon that the two began to develop a relationship. After obtaining her teaching certificate in the spring of 1968, Patricia began teaching at Drake Elementary School.

Patricia and Bernie were married on July 11th, 1969, where they moved to a farm down the road from Wishart, SK. They were blessed with two boys, Christopher (Chris) and Brent. Patricia enjoyed her farm life with all the different daily tasks and chores. She placed a high priority on keeping her two boys out of trouble and well exposed to the Bible, and Patricia’s strong faith in God. She made it a priority for her family to attend church on a regular basis, and her boys to attend summer Bible Camps and Youth Group in their teens. Patricia always had “Focus on the Family” playing in the background when working in her kitchen and sometimes, John Gormly, or a local News Channel to keep up to date with current events.

Spring was Patricia’s favourite season. This was because of the exciting changes that occurred on the farm, including planting her garden and the arrival of baby animals. Patricia always took pride in her flowers, which Bernie would pick out at local greenhouses every spring. Farm life was very busy, with all sorts of different animals, from novelty chickens, ducks, and pigeons, to sheep, cattle, pigs and horses. Patricia’s hobbies included the collection of antique china and dolls, and attending auction sales with her husband, Bernie.

Patricia very much enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends when her busy life allowed. She made sure to maintain family connections and kept family and friends up to date with all the latest Wishart news. One could always anticipate a handwritten card or letter from her every Christmas, Anniversary and Birthday. The letter would always arrive on time. If it didn’t, that was Canada Post’s fault. Patricia’s letters would detail daily adventures around the farm and often included an inspirational message of support or scripture. In 1987, Patricia and Bernie had the opportunity to have lunch with Queen Elizabeth II at the now TCU Place in Saskatoon. Patricia loved life and took pride in the beautiful things around her, her relationship with God, her flowers, her daughters-in-law, and her granddaughters. Patricia was a cheerful and kind soul who found joy in every day; she will be deeply missed by her family, friends and those who knew her.

Patricia is survived by her husband Bernard, her two sons and their families, Christopher and Kimberly (Neufeld) Schellenberg. Brent and Erinn (Hilberry) Schellenberg and her granddaughters Harmony Lilly, Aurora Violet, and Oriana Rose. She was predeceased by her parents Erling and Margaretha Bartel and her little sister Peggy Bartel.

Donations in Patricia’s Memory can be made to:

Mennonite Central Committee

600 45th Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7L 5W9

or Canadian Cancer Society

55 ST Clair Avenue West, Suite 300

Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7