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
So sorry to hear of Maureen’s passing. Treasure the memories of a full life together. Kindest regards.
Roy- So sorry to hear of MO’s passing. Our thoughts are with you. Keep in touch
So glad we got to visit with Moe and Roy this summer. Will miss her very much. She was special.
Roy, so sorry to hear of Maureen’s passing. We will
cherish even more our « Campion » get togethers that we have shared over the past few years.
Our love and sympathy,
Bob/Aileen Bechard
High River’AB
Roy, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Moe’s passing. Life has a way of changing that fast. Moe was always such a bright light wherever she was. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
Maureen’s sense of humour and zest for life will be sorely missed by her Friday walking friends in Swans (Saanich Women’s Active Newcomers). Our deepest condolences to Roy, Merry and family.
Jan Lewis
Swans Walks Coordinator
So sorry about Maureen’s passing.
At the Ministry of Health in Regina, I remember Maureen’s helpful manner, her cheerfulness, and the lunches that we had together in the TC Douglas cafeteria.
My sympathy to Maureen’s family and friends.
My condolences Roy on the passing of Maureen. We worked together in Regina in the mid 80’s and went through some interesting times in Finance. She brought a ray of sunshine to the office. Maureen was one of those persons that could get things done with a sense of humour.
Roy
Val and I are so sorry to hear of Moe’s passing
The world lost big time but Heaven gained all our losses. Moe was such a loving, vibrant person. Hopefully your memories will help you through this difficult time
Our sincere condolences and sympathies to you.
Doug and Val Forman
I have so many great memories of Moe as we both worked in Government and our paths crossed often. She was so smart and I valued her opinion because I knew she had analyzed the issues thoroughly. She was a very caring person and always looked for the best outcome for those receiving and affected by programs and policies.
My sympathies to you Roy and her family and friends.