Obituary of Rae Marie Veller

Our dear wife, mother, & grandmother Rae Marie passed away on March 11, 2023 after a difficult and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  Rae was born on March 2, 1951 in Midale, Saskatchewan to Matthew and Borgheld (Doud) Duignan.  She recently celebrated her 72^nd birthday.  The first ten years of her life were spent in the village of Maxim, Saskatchewan.  The family moved to Regina and this became her home for the remainder of her school years.  Rae completed her Certified Nursing Assistant program at the Saskatchewan Technical School in Saskatoon in the spring of 1972.  Her first nursing assignment was in Unity, Saskatchewan.  It was here that she met her future husband, Ron.  They married on July 14, 1973 in Regina.  They would have celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary this coming July.  Rae had already made extensive plans for what was to be a major celebration with family and friends.  After marriage Macklin immediately became home in the fall of 1973 and has remained so for close to 50 years.  It was here that they raised their children and developed long lasting friendships.

Rae is survived by her husband Ron and four children: Timothy (Christy) & grandchildren Ethan & Kaleb; Patrick (Nancy) & grandchildren Hannah, Kaden, Faith, & Irelyn; Matthew (Alissa) & grandchild Tristan; Megan (Sheldon) & grandchildren Daxton & Ryker.  Rae leaves to mourn a sister Patricia (Terry) Lumsdon with whom she shared a very deep and loving relationship.  She is also survived by brother in-law Cliff Veller; nieces Shannon Bowes, twins Jaki & Jessie Veller, Krystal Veller; and, nephews Trevor Veller and Todd Lane.

She was predeceased by her parents Matthew & Borgie (Doud) Duignan, parent in-laws Balzer & Eva (Kessel) Veller as well in-laws Betty Blaine & Don Westerman, in-laws Wilfred Veller and Judy Veller, and nephew Lloyd Westerman.

Family was first and foremost to Rae.  She deeply loved and cared for all her children, their spouses, and grandchildren with the greatest regard.  Nothing made her happier than to spend time with her children and grandchildren at any time but, particularly, during all major holidays and special family celebrations.  These visits were always accompanied with cheerful happiness and, of course, a plentiful supply of excellent food and gifts for her family. 

Her caring and love also extended to the many cousins of the Duignan and Doud families as well as the Veller relatives.  Given her kind, caring, & gentle nature she developed a myriad of friends within the community of Macklin and beyond.  The last number of weeks amply demonstrated this as friends and acquaintances offered words of comfort and concern for her beyond measure with the giving of many cards, flowers, and food.

Rae was well known for her culinary skills not only by family and friends but also many throughout Macklin and area.  Along with her dear friend, Paulette Reschny a successful catering business was formed and remained in existence for over 25 years.  She also had an aptitude for decorating her home inside and out in grand style especially for all major holidays; particularly, St. Patrick’s Day given her strong Irish heritage. 

May God take you into his arms.  We will dearly miss you!