Melva Handfield

It is with deep sadness and regret the family announces the passing of Melva on Sunday, February 10th, 2008 at the great age of 92 years, her daughter by her side. She was predeceased by her husband Jack; parents Ovilla and Lucy (Trembley) Baribeau, two brothers Benoit Baribeau, Clement Baribeau; two sisters Beatrice Handfield and Rita Mills. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory three children, Dolores Schultz, Winnipeg, Manitoba, LindaHandfield, Moose Jaw, Wayne (Leslie Ann), Moose Jaw; brother Alexandre (Cecile)Baribeau; sister Florence (Lionel) Phaneuf; seven grandchildren Gord Schultz, Wendy Schultz, Sandy (Kevin) Langford, Rhonda (Trent) Heintz, Jack (Tobi Lynne) Schultz, Ryan and Shane Handfield; seven great grandchildren Taylor, Stevie Lee, Bailey Langford, Carter and Rebecca Heintz, Kelton and Shelby Lynne Schultz; and numerous nieces and nephews. Melva was born on November 9th, 1915 at Domremy, Saskatchewan. She left her home in Hoey, Saskatchewan at the age of 18 to work for the Baker family in Saskatoon. She met and married the love of her life John James Handfield. Melva and Jack or J.J. as he was known went on to start a business Handfield Motors in 1941. Melva looked after the bookkeeping aspect while Jack took care of the mechanical side. During WW II Melva worked at Prairie Airways fixing ailerons on the wings of the plane. She was proud of this and loved to tell this story. Her hobbies during her lifetime included art club, ceramics, bowling, bridge and of course bingo. Her petit point pictures and ceramic works are treasured by her family. Melva was a very community minded person and along with her husband Jack, were charter members of the Cosmopolitan Club. Many long days were spent on fund raising events. One of her proudest accomplishments was in helping to build the Cosmo Senior Citizens Centre. In her later years she was an avid member, playing bridge two to four times a week and participating in the many functions and activities held there. She was also a long time member of the CWL where she and the other ladies gave many many hours of their time raising funds for St. Joseph’s Church. After the loss of her husband Jack in 1967 she sold the family business and went on to work at Maccam Motors and Co-op Service Station until her retirement. She was the most kind-hearted person you could want and readily gave of herself. Her family was her world and she took great delight in all her grandchildren and was a grandmother in every sense of the word. She will be sorely missed by family and friends. We will cherish her memory always. A Celebration of Melva’s life will be held on Saturday, February 23rd, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. in the Moose Jaw Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Shepherd officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donation in Melva’s name to Pioneers Lodge, 100 Albert St., Moose Jaw, Sask., S6H 2Y2 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 3rd Ave. North, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2H8