On the morning of Monday, November 7, 2022, Maureen (Moe) Yeske of Victoria, BC died peacefully at her home with her husband of 55 years, Roy Yeske, caring for her.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan on July 15, 1943, Maureen spent her early childhood in Regina attending Herchmer School, Scott Collegiate & Regina College followed by the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
Maureen was gifted with a fine intellect combined with an athletic ability, which enabled her to teach dancing, gymnastics, swimming; and, become a cheerleader throughout high school & university, ending as the head of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Cheerleaders in the 1960’s. Moe received her Bachelor of Education (1965) & her Master of Continuing Education (1979) from the University of Saskatchewan.
Maureen began her career teaching physical education at Mount Royal High School in Saskatoon. After her marriage to Roy, she taught English & Physical Education at her alma mater, Scott Collegiate. In the 1970’s Moe was the Director of Physical Education at the YWCA. Later, as a volunteer, she served on the Board of the National YWCA.
In the late 1980’s Maureen was hired by the Government of Saskatchewan in Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, then to a senior level as the Assistant to the Deputy Minister of Finance, followed by a senior manager position as the Executive Director of Health Planning at the Department of Health.
Having made many life-long friends during their years in Saskatchewan, Maureen & Roy retired in 2001 to Victoria BC. Never one to sit around, Moe made many more wonderful friends, while enjoying golfing, bridge & her book clubs. Roy and Moe were passionate travellers – from the Arctic & Iceland to the Antarctic, from North & South America to Europe as well as Australia & Asia with a trip to Kauai each winter. At the end of her life, she declared that she had been almost everywhere. Sadly, she & Roy had a couple of trips booked but will not be taken.
Maureen is predeceased by her father & mother, Wilson & Helen Harper, and by her step-mother Jean (Anderson) Harper. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Roy Yeske, her sister Merry Harper (Eric Harbottle), her step-brother Drew Anderson (Susan); her niece Anne (Harbottle) Syme & grand-niece Everly.
A contribution to Victoria Hospice would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. A special thank you to Dr. Marlene Muller, and all the counsellors and nurses at Victoria Hospice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
33 Responses
To Roy, Merry and family. Our deepest condolences for the loss of our dear friend Moe.
Moe was a very special lady & a wonderfully supportive friend to us both. We will always have special memories of our hiking days together and the fun themed dinner parties that we had with Kathleen & John, Moe & Roy and Mike & I. Happy memories of my girly getaways to the Kingfisher resort with Moe & Kathleen were so much fun. We laughed like a group of teenagers, laid in the sun & chatted non stop. Moe will be missed and we feel blessed to have known her.
Fondly Betty & Mike Chandler
Roy Sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Maureen
Roy, so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Graham Barker
Roy and Family:
Karen and I were very sorry to learn of Moe’s passing. I have many good memories of the time Moe and I spent at Treasury Board in Regina working on various management consulting projects. Her positive attitude, humour and intelligence were second to none and made working there with her a real pleasure. Moe also had great inter personal skills which came in handy on many of those projects. We also remember with fondness the going away party you and Moe held for us at your home when we left Regina for Victoria in 1990. We are so glad that you and Moe had time together to enjoy the many pleasures of Victoria, Vancouver Island and the rest of the world.
Our sympathies to you and your family.
Hi Roy and family, we were sorry to see Moe’s obituary in todays
Leader Post.
Many fond memories of our times living together in Saskatoon.
Sad to hear of the passing of Maureen.
Our sincere condolences Roy.
Roy
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Maureen. I know somewhat of your situation. I lost my wife over a year ago after 60+ years of marriage. Our years together at SaskPower now seem so many years ago. The next while will be difficult for you but just remember you have many friends thinking of you. If you ever want to talk feel free to contact me anytime.
Fred Hill
My condolences Roy on your loss. Maureen always had a profound impact on those around her and although it’s been over twenty years since we worked together as colleagues, she had an impact on me that lasts to this day. She cared about everyone she met and always strived to make the world a better place .
To the family – I am so sorry to read about Maureen’s passing. I have fond memories of visiting with Maureen and Roy at my Aunt Carol’s place many years ago. I remember her beautiful smile.
Heartbreak is something that no one can heal,
Memories are some something that no one can steal.
Many good memories of 65 years of friendship. Thank you for being our friend.
Sincere condolences to Roy, Merry & Eric and family.