Viola Reaman
August 24th, 1949 – April 11th, 2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Viola Reaman announces her passing on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan at the age of 73 years. She was predeceased by her loving partner, Lloyd Hackel, whom she lost in October 2020; and her parents, Levi and Gladys Reaman. Vi will be deeply missed by her children, Kim (Brian), Darren, and Todd (Nadine); grandchildren: Abby, Luke, Breanna, Kaydree, Emery and Everly; brother, Jim; as well as other family members. She will also be missed by her many friends who were like family to her.
Vi was born in Lestock, Saskatchewan. Her father was a grain buyer and the family moved around the Prairie Provinces before settling in Moose Jaw in 1961. Vi was a talented ballet dancer and competed at many Moose Jaw and surrounding area dance festivals. She spent one summer at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet training on a scholarship. Vi taught dance at Sitter Dance studio in Moose Jaw, and also had her own studio in Chamberlain, Saskatchewan.
Vi attended high school at the Convent of Zion which later amalgamated with St. Louis College to become Vanier Collegiate. Vi met her first husband, Art Schoenroth, when they both were in high school. The couple married in Moose Jaw where their three children were born.
Art was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and was originally posted to CFB Moose Jaw. Vi set up a dance studio on the base and taught there until Art was transferred to Winnipeg. While there and while caring for three children, Vi completed her nursing education at Grace Hospital. After graduating, she continued to work at the Grace Hospital until the family moved back to Moose Jaw.
Vi continued her nursing career at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital, advancing steadily to positions with more responsibility. She worked in the ICU and Emergency departments for many years, continually taking additional courses to further her knowledge. After her divorce, Vi moved to Calgary, AB and continued nursing at the Foothills Hospital and held a leadership position for the ICU and Emergency departments. While in Calgary, she reconnected with a high school love, Lloyd Hackel. Eventually, Vi and Lloyd moved back to Moose Jaw where Vi returned to nursing at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital and then the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital from which she retired.
Being a nurse was a calling for Vi. She had a strong and special connection to the work and to her patients. She contributed something beyond herself in being a nurse. Vi had that unique and powerful combination of medical and scientific knowledge with empathy for patients and their families. And the Moose Jaw community always felt like home to her. Vi was fondly known as “Mama Vi” at work in Moose Jaw because of her mentoring, supporting, and caring for her coworkers. One of Vi’s granddaughters is a nurse and another will be starting her nursing degree in the fall.
Vi also volunteered her time to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation by sitting on their board and was on the Festival of Trees committee. Vi enjoyed spending time in her yard among her many flowers. When the weather didn’t permit, taking care and enjoying her many house plants indoors would do. Entertaining friends and family inside or outside was also a favorite past time.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital and the Regina General Hospital for their care and support.
A Service Celebrating Vi’s life will be held on Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Apostolic Church, 1550 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK with Pastor Marvin Seaborg officiating. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Vi’s name may be made to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK, S6J 0C2. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Sorry to hear about Vi. She was a great nurse as well as a nice person. Always compassionate to her patients and to her co-workers.
So sorry to hear of Vi’s passing. We were friends at Minto Church. Vi was so empathetic & gave us so much support during Bill ‘s frequent trips to the hospital. She will be missed. Bill & Lynn Johnstone
Todd and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of Vi, she was a grand lady and a fantastic nurse.
Oh terry
Mom really liked you and loved giving you the gears and I loved it when you gave it back.
So heartbreaking to hear of Vi’s passing. I had the privilege of working with and alongside Vi. She always had great advice and was a great mentor. She always kept us smiling at work. Condolences to all her family, she is going to be missed dearly.
Connie Paul
Sending condolences to Todd/Nadine and family. I was sad to hear of the loss of your mother.
Condolences to the families.
Kathy Reilander
Known Vi since High School very exceptional person great nurse and so sad that She is gone so early.Thoughts and prayers for all her family
I got to know Vi quite well during the last couple of years as Mama Vi at the hospital. I don’t think many people enjoy going to the hospital ,however I can say that she made my day every time I had an appointment. We had great conversations. She was one of a kind. A true Florence Nightingale!
Your mom was very good to my dad,Cal Barry when he was receiving in and outpatient treatment at the Wigmore. I was sitting with dad and in walks this nurse- glasses on top of her head, a big smile on dads face and it was Vi bringing up “treats”. She lit up the room with every visit. Sorry for your loss.
On behalf of Ross, Marie, Bryan & Daniel Swayn, we’d like to express our deepest condolences to VI’s family.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
May she rest in peace.
In the 1980’s my father underwent gall bladder surgery at the Union Hospital. His doctor prescribed a medication after surgery that created complications, and for a week we watched my Dad grow weaker and sicker. In spite of the concerns we voiced as a family, the doctor refused to reconsider his choice of treatment. During this time, Vi was a constant source of joy to my Dad and encouragement for our family. As my Dad’s condition worsened, it was Vi who finally convinced the doctor to change the medication. Within hours my Dad regained his strength and was discharged from hospital several days later. He lived another 20 years, and my family has been forever grateful for the wisdom and perseverance shown by Vi.