Reina Thurston Proudfoot

Reina Thurston Proudfoot Nee: Lillian (Lynn) Mildred Robinson May 17, 1919 – November 18, 2014 It is with profound sadness and yet, a sense of comfort and peaceful hearts, that the family announces the passing of Reina, at 95 years young. Following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, she died peacefully with family by her side. Born/raised in Saskatoon, Reina lived a full life with her husband Bill Proudfoot. After he passed in 1971, she became a successful realtor with RE/MAX in Edmonton. A loving mom, a gifted artist, a loyal friend and a golf enthusiast, Reina touched many lives with her kindness, courage and humor. Reina will be missed by her four children: Graeme (Judy), Bruce (Trish), Rodney, Dianne, along with grandchildren: Elise, Cameron, Jennifer, Kerri, Chris, JoAnne, Rich, Spencer, Chris Martin and great grandchildren: Willem, Graeson, John, Morgan, Aliya. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 7, 2015 from 2 – 5pm at the Derrick Club at 3500-119 Street, Edmonton, AB. T6J 5P5. A special thank you goes out to the dedicated healthcare staff who supported Reina in her last years – Royal Alex/Glenrose hospitals, Strathcona & St. Joe’s Alzheimer Centres. In lieu of other tributes, donations to The Alzheimer Society 1-866-950-5465 would be appreciated. To express condolences, read about Reina’s life, share your memories or add photos please go to www.serenity.ca or mail to Dianne Pearce #600, 21-10405 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J3S2 Life’s meaningful events: Reina (Lynn) was born and raised in Saskatoon, the youngest daughter of Allison and Martha Robinson. She and her siblings Claire and June, were all very intelligent, hard-working and successful in their careers. Reina excelled in school and grew into a beautiful young woman, full of life and artistic talents. During the depression she worked at the S. S. Kreske Department Store and sold her mom’s pies at the Greyhound Depot coffee shop, often sleeping on the countertop at night because there was no money for cabs. Reina spent many happy summers with family and friends at Waskesiu Lake in northern Saskatchewan. She also loved to dance and had many courtiers before the way – but it was the handsome USAF pilot Bill Proudfoot who won her heart on that New Year’s Eve 1941 at the Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon. They were married in December 25, 1942 to Bing Crosby’s “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”. The four Proudfoot children were born over the next seven years (Graeme, Bruce, Rodney, Dianne) and the home fires burning as Bill was on call much of the time with pilot duty. After the war Bill took a job with Standard Oil, during which time they lived in South America, Toronto, Ottawa, New York and Saskatoon – and Reina had the arduous task of moving her babies each time! Reina’s Norwegian strength of character and robust personality helped her cope and keep the fires burning while Bill travelled on business. She was also able to flourish in foreign countries, and developed a propensity for travelling that lasted a lifetime. In 1950, Bill and Reina settled down in Edmonton, where Bill took on a job with Interprovincial Pipeline (now called Enbridge) as their chief corporate pilot. And of course they promptly became Edmonton Eskimo fans! Reina was a very resourceful home-maker and while raising four active children, she generated extra income sewing fur hats for women and furrier fashion shows in Edmonton. She called herself the “Mad Hatter” and in her spare time she baked, gardened and decorated the home. Reina also was an avid bridge player and she joined the Oil Wives Club and CAVU Club (Ceiling & Visibility Unlimited), where members focused on fund-raising activities to help those in need. These two clubs were formed from the oil and gas and aviation sectors, and Reina cultivated a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. In 1960 Reina and Bill joined the Derrick Club where they took up golfing, curling and having fun with the many new friends they made. These were very fun years for them, as the four kids were mostly grown up and off their payroll! It was during this time they joined a number of golf tours with friends, to Hawaii and northern USA. Tragically Bill died suddenly in 1971 of a heart attack and Reina had to pick up the pieces of her life. At the age of 54 Reina became a successful realtor with Royal Trust and later joined Re/max. Here she met more wonderful people and those who stayed true during her last years were Sharon Campbell, Jim Rudolf and John Templeton. During her time in real estate, Reina volunteered to organize, write scripts, design costumes and choreograph the Christmas shows for the Edmonton Real Estate Board. In her usual fashion, they were a smashing success and very funny. In the early 1980’s Reina bought a cabin out at Pigeon Lake where she hosted many wonderful family functions and the annual Re/max golf tournament (at age 90 she finally hung up her clubs!). She also loved to entertain and hosted many delicious dinners in her home with friends and family. A kind and generous soul, Reina often invited people who were alone, especially over Christmas. We will always remember her famous Christmas dinners and her “chicken soup for the soul” gifts that landed on many a door step of friends who were struggling. In her senior years, Reina became very interested in holistic health and spiritual growth – she joined the Centre for Self-Awareness where she developed wonderful like-minded friends. She also travelled often with her sister June to Australia, Europe, the Mediterranean, Hawaii and Arizona. The last 10 years of Reina’s life were very difficult as she bravely battled Alzheimer’s, several injuries, operations and rehab. During this period she was placed in several healthcare facilities and the family wish to express their sincerest thanks to the dedicated and compassionate staff at the University/Royal Alex/Glenrose Hospitals and the Alzheimer Centres – CapitalCare Strathcona and St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital. In order to ensure the whole family can attend, the family is hosting a Celebration of Life Service on Feb 7/15 at the Derrick Club at 3500-119 Street, Edmonton T6J 5P5 from 2 - 5 pm. We would welcome your presence and memories of Reina.

Reina Thurston Proudfoot

May 17, 1919 - November 18, 2014