Theresa Caroline (Pielak) Vanaelst

Vanaelst – Theresa Caroline (Pielak), age 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023.

Theresa was born in the family farmhouse in Candiac, Saskatchewan on May 13, 1930. It was in Candiac that she met her husband Emile Bruno Carl Vanaelst and they married on September 8, 1951. Their first child Milo was born in 1952 while they were still residing in Candiac and then Emile’s job took them to Regina, Saskatchewan where their second child Dwayne was born in 1955 and their third child Shirley was born in 1957. The family spent a short time in Regina, Saskatchewan before moving to Humboldt, Saskatchewan. The family stayed in Humboldt for 8 ½ years with Theresa raising the children at home while Emile was managing the Simpson Sears store there. After 8 ½ years of being in Humboldt, the family moved to Rosthern, Saskatchewan for a short period of time before finally settling in North Battleford, Saskatchewan in 1965. While in North Battleford Emile managed the Sears store until his retirement while Theresa spent her time devoted to her three children at home.  Emile and Theresa divorced after Emile’s retirement and Theresa stayed in North Battleford until 2022 when she moved to Calgary, Alberta to be closer to her daughter Shirley.

Theresa loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She devoted most of her time to her family during their younger years. She worked as a nurse aide at River Heights Lodge in North Battleford for many years and eventually retired from her job there. She was actively involved with Saint Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Church and the Catholic Woman’s League of Canada. She was also a judge for The Battlefords Horticultural Society Show.

Theresa was predeceased by her parents Joe Pielak and Stanislava Slusar; her sisters Mary, Laura, and Stella; and her brothers Peter, Joseph, Teddy, and Eddy; Emile Vanaelst and their son Dwayne. Theresa is survived by her sister Bernice (90) and her sister Sophie (95); Milo and his wife Laverne and their two daughters Trina and Charis and their families; her daughter Shirley and her husband Guy, and their daughter Corene; and William Vanaelst who is Dwayne’s only son.

Theresa will always be remembered for the unconditional love and support she showed her family. She had a witty sense of humour and enjoyed a good laugh. Once gone never forgotten, the stories will live on and remain in our hearts forever. We love you!

A private family interment will be held in the summer at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cemetery in Montmartre, Saskatchewan.