Ann Cayer

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our dear Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Great Aunt, Foster Mom & Foster Grandma. She was a sister to 8 siblings, and a lifetime friend to so very many others in her life journey.

Ann Cayer (Rempel) was born in Waldheim, Saskatchewan on October 28^th, 1940, to Helen and John Rempel. She was the second youngest daughter of 9 children, four brothers and five sisters. They were a close-knit family having grown up on a hobby farm in that same area. They didn’t have much, but they were given the tools in life that taught them to believe in God, cherish family, and work hard in life.

In 1964 Ann married Maurice Cayer and they moved to Edmonton, AB. She had a hard time living there, a big adjustment and so far away from family, that when the girls were old enough, she and the girls moved back to Saskatoon, where she continued to raise her three daughters on her own.

She found a nice home for them to live in and they settled in quickly. It was soon after that Ann’s love of children, and having a large home allowed her to open her home and heart to fostering children. Over the years, many children came and went, but always, a little piece of her heart went with them. She always wanted the best for them and to see them in a safe and caring environment. Many were long term wards that stayed with her for many years.

When she bought her home on Richmond Crescent, not only did she directly live across the street from sister Tina, but all the sisters lived close by at some point. The bond was strong in all of them.

Ann loved to entertain with family and friends. She would make incredible meals and bake up a storm. She always loved baking more than cooking and this love continued well into her 70’s. Who didn’t love her cookies or her cakes that she always seemed to have in her freezers? Many Christmas Dinners with extended family and friends shared on Richmond Crescent were some of her most cherished memories. She loved that family felt comfortable in her home. Her door was always open.

Ann enjoyed working outside of the home. For many years she was head Caterer for Williams Catering, a job she loved very much. It was such an honor for her to be able to be head Caterer for the visit of the Queen and Prince Phillip. Eventually she worked for Williams at SaskTel. New ownership of Williams took over the cafeteria and she was asked to stay on but was offered and accepted a position with SaskTel cleaning staff. That was one of the jobs she really liked the most and retired from SaskTel at the age of 65.

It was during those early years that she bought the cabin at Shell Lake, Echo Bay. She bought it because she wanted to spend time with her children and grandchildren away from the busy of the city. It was small for all the kids, but they didn’t care. They spent most of their time outdoors, with the beach right in front. Eventually, her nephew Jack came on board and built the addition. She always referred to it as the cabin that Jack built. All her grandchildren, their friends, family, and friends would at some point spend time there. As years went on, Neil took over the other big jobs like bringing water in, making good solid stairs on the steep hillside, and kept it up to date as he spent time doing much of the ongoing repairs to the cabin with her and Lani’s three kids.

She very much-loved gardening and had a beautiful flower garden. The apple tree she planted grew tall and always had so many apples. She loved lily’s especially, and her backyard was full of them. She loved all animals and had a big heart when it came to giving strays a home.

Ann was diagnosed with Pancreatic and Lung cancer on May 17^th, 2017. She continued to live in her home, and with little treatment available, she continued to live as she always had. Tanisha stayed with her during this time for companionship. Lani would help with the other business of daily life and drive her to appointments, which she really appreciated. She also very appreciated the help that Angie gave to Tanisha and her friend Jon Sabaredo and always appreciated her kindness with them. She loved when her grandchildren and great grandchildren would visit. Ann was everyone’s Gramma.

Ann will be missed and forever loved. She is survived by her children Connie Farber (Walter Larson), Lani Soyland (Kelly), Shelly De Almeida (Joe), grandchildren Tandra Tupper (Nathan), Angela Schmolke, Ashly Dear (Paul Griffith), Mitch Dear (Karen Andersen), Brennen Dear (Jeanine Pinel), Tanisha Sanderson, Tim Kinniwess, Spencer Soyland, Ben De Almeida and Great Grandchildren Brayden, Grayson, Jordyn, Bo, Lux and Easton, brother John (Rose) Rempel, sister Sarah Wilson(John), sister-in-law Alvena (Jake), numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, including grand nieces and nephews, and many dear family friends. She will be remembered as Gramma, Mom, Aunty by the many foster children who blessed her life if even for only a short time.

Ann was predeceased by Helen (Mom), John (Dad), sisters Mary Figley and brother-in-law Roy Figley, Tina Pedde, Helen Zacharias and brother-in-law Cornelius Zacharias, brother Sam and sister-in- law Gert, brother Jake, brother Isaac and brother-in-law John Wilson.

The Celebration of Ann’s life will be held at Marten’s Funeral Home in Warman, Saskatchewan on Saturday, December 4^th, 2021. Viewing will be held from 1:00-2:00, with service to begin at 2:00.

Due to covid restrictions there is a limited number of guests allowed at her funeral service. The family asks that you contact them at Grannie.Annie.RSVP@gmail.com by Tuesday November 30^th, 2021, so they can reserve a seat for you. Internment to follow the service.

Arrangements entrusted to Martens Warman Funeral Home (306) 934-4888.