On Monday May 24th, family and friends, lost a very special person. Our mother, June Groat. June was born on June 4th, 1928 and was adopted by Chris and Ruth Hagelstein of Murrayville, British Columbia.

June attended school and church in Murrayville, she was also a member of the church choir and of the local 4H club. In addition, she was enrolled in music lessons for piano and singing. Anyone who had the opportunity of hearing her sing, knew those music lessons and her natural talent, really were amazing.

In about 1947 a handsome young man appeared on the scene and the following year on May 12th, Gordon and June were married. They moved to the farm southeast of Ethelton, where Gordon was raised and began their life together. In 1957 they moved, along with their five children, to their own farm, northwest of Ethelton and spent many happy times with friends and neighbours. Also, it was after this move, another daughter was born.

In 1972 they moved to Melfort. During that time June worked at KFC for three years, then at Belle’s Style Shop for eight years. Mom was really suited for that job, as she always looked so distinguished and enjoyed working with women to find the right outifit.

In 1985, Mom and Dad moved to Watrous and Mom worked at the Manitou Lodge until she retired in 1993. From there they tried living in Summerland B.C., however this took them too far away from family and they moved back the following spring. They resided in Saskatoon until Gordon’s health started to fail, and then they moved to Melfort.

June loved to garden and when they were on the farm, and wherever they lived, her gardens and flowers were her pride and joy. She also enjoyed baking, cooking and having family or friends over for meals and celebrations.

June really loved her music and if the radio wasn’t on in the kitchen, the stereo was on in the living room, playing her favorite music. Sometimes there would be attempts at trying to learn a new dance step in the living room, followed by laughter at how we thought if should be done.

One of our many memories of Mom will be those times of getting together for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmases, and other holidays. Food, fun, and laughter was always the theme for those events.

June was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Gordon, her daughter, Marjorie Ruth, and her parents Chris and Ruth Hagelstein.

June is survived by her daughters Judy (Ken) Sundelin, Linda (John) McDonald, Wendy (Jim) Zaparaniuk, sons Les Groat, David Groat and daughter Sandy Hamel. In addition, she has 17 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren.

It really goes without saying, we will miss you Mom, always will and one day we will see you again.

A Private Family Service will be held for June at a later date.

Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions to the Northeast SPCA, PO Box 189, Melfort, SK S0E 1A0.

To leave condolences for the Family, please visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Melfort. (306)752-3838.

• Date : 2021-05-24
• Location : Melfort, SK