Wanda Marlyn Oliver

The family of Wanda Oliver sadly announces her passing on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the age of 63. She was surrounded by love from her husband and three children when she passed away from cancer.

She was predeceased by her parents Isaac and Helena Giesbrecht; her brother and sister-in-law Garry and Heather Giesbrecht and her nephew Lonnie Giesbrecht; her sister Judy Simmonds; brother-in-law Ron Deering; nephews Robyn Deering and Jason Funk; and great-niece Elan Burgess.

She is survived by her husband Eric; her children David, Zachary, and Erin; her siblings Deanna Toews (Barry), Harvey Giesbrecht (Sonya), Donna Funk (Abe), and Randy Giesbrecht (Carrie); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Wanda would also have wanted to mention Holly Reniak, a niece who was like a sister to her.

Wanda was quick to greet anyone with a warm smile and would engage people in conversation; whether that was in a grocery store line, people staying at the Regina Cancer Patient Lodge (while Eric was receiving treatments), or customers at the Horseshoe Lodge when she was waitressing or bartending.

While staying at the Regina Cancer Lodge, Wanda was often referred to as the “water police” as she would check on each of the people receiving cancer treatments to make sure they were drinking enough water and bringing water to them if they had trouble moving around or were feeling too poorly. It was these acts and countless others that demonstrated how much of a caring and compassionate person she was. Wanda had an impact on everyone she met, with her disarming smile, genuine interest in learning more about their lives, and willingness to help others.

A running joke in her family was her claiming items as her own. If she found a pen, piece of clothing or nearly anything of Eric’s that she liked; she would say “I like this, it’s mine”. This came to be known as “Ferreting”, and she would often call herself, and affectionately be called a ”Ferret” by her husband and children.

Wanda’s family was the most important thing in her life. She raised three wonderful children who have become strong, independent adults that made her so proud. Laughter was never far from Wanda and a sense of humor helped her and Eric through good times and bad. She was an amazing advocate and support for Eric when he was diagnosed with cancer in late 2015. The role was reversed when she was in turn diagnosed with cancer in August of 2020.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but now her pain is finally over, and she is at peace. Goodbye Wanda, we love you forever more.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and designate that the donation should go to the Regina Cancer Patient Lodge.