Irene Fraess: November 20, 1934 – December 12, 2024.
Irene Mary Fraess (née Tétreault), aged 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Battlefords Union Hospital.
Irene was born on November 20, 1934, near Leoville, to her loving parents George Tetreault and Leontine Laitres on the family’s first homestead. She grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, family, community and faith, which remained the cornerstone of her life.
Following Teachers College in Saskatoon in 1953, Irene began her teaching career in Fairholm, Witchekan Lake, Cochin, then to Wilkie in the fall of 1956, taking a position at Moose Park School. It was during this time that she met and fell in love with Edmund Fraess, whom she married in 1958.
That winter, she continued her teaching journey at Inverallan School. Irene’s passion for education was evident throughout her life. Though she left full-time teaching in 1961 to devote herself to raising her children, she remained committed to the field, serving as a substitute teacher in her community.
In 1975, she began a fulfilling career working at a developmental day program for severely multiple-handicapped children, a role she dedicated herself to until her retirement at the age of 65.
Irene was an avid athlete well into her 80s. In the summer, she could often be seen walking, riding her bike, or at the swimming pool doing aquasizes, while in the winter, she enjoyed cross-country skiing.
Her culinary skills were legendary – her home was often filled with the warmth of delicious meals and the laughter of loved ones gathered around her table. A true homemaker, she poured love into every dish she prepared, making her kitchen the heart of the home.
Irene was deeply devoted to her faith, family and her friends. Her love for those closest to her knew no bounds and she always made others feel valued and cherished. Her unwavering faith guided her through life and she touched many with her kindness, compassion and generosity.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and faith that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Irene will be deeply missed by her family, dear friends and all who had the privilege of crossing her path. She will be remembered and sadly missed by her children Daryl (Richard Reid) Fraess of Regina, SK, Maureen (Blair) Davidson of Lloydminster, SK, Trevor (Brenda) Fraess of Fort McMurray, AB and a daughter in-law Carolyn Fraess of Macklin, SK. Seven grandchildren, Aaron (Kendal) Davidson, Ashley (Andrew Krieger) Davidson, Jesse Fraess, Mathias (Priscilla Gallagher) Fraess, Breanna (Jonah) Kopp, Josef Fraess and Nathaniel Fraess. Three great-grandchildren, Whitley, Camila Davidson and Finley Krieger. She was predeceased by her husband Edmund Fraess in 1984, son Mark Fraess in 2023, parents George Tetreault in 1988 and Leontine Laitres in 2006, brothers Archille Tetreault in 1992, Joseph (Victor) in 2024, sisters Aurore (Eva) Rocheleau in 2017, Clemence Poulin in 2019, Thérèse Dorval in 2017, Georgette Pippin in 2010 and grandchild Douglas Davidson in 2014.
A Funeral Service for Irene was held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Wilkie, SK.
Tributes may be directed to The Town of Wilkie for the New Swimming Pool.
