Adelle Harriet Groff

Adelle passed away peacefully in Saskatoon on January 18, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. 

 Born in Smeaton, Saskatchewan on July 15, 1940. Adelle’s early childhood years were spent in the camps and small towns where her father Maurice worked as a Cat Operator, including Smeaton and Fosston, Saskatchewan and Mafeking, Manitoba. After her mother Myrtle’s passing in 1943 Adelle moved to Hendon, Saskatchewan to live with her Grandma Sellberg. Her father married Katherine Balaski in 1946 and the family moved to Clair, Saskatchewan in 1948. Adelle talked about attending 3 different schools in grade 1: Fosston, Park Villa and Clair. She completed her education in Clair. 

 While working in Invermay, Saskatchewan. Adelle met Ronald Groff and they were married in Clair on December 20, 1959. Ron was employed with Canadian National Railway and they lived in numerous rail points during their early married years mainly in Saskatchewan including: Otosquen, Kinistino and The Pas, Manitoba. Adelle had many stories of their time in Otosquen. This was an isolated rail siding, deep in the bush with no road access where they lived in a converted box car with a diesel generator for power. 

 They began their family in 1964 with the birth of son Kim. Shortly after, they moved to Clair, where they made their home for a number of years. Daughter Kelly followed in 1969. In 1977 they moved to Hudson Bay, where son Kerry was born in 1981. Their next move in 1982 took them to Melville. With one final move to Saskatoon in 1991 where they lived until their passing. Ron passed away in 2002. Adelle continued to live in her own home until October of 2023 when due to declining health she moved to Sunnyside Care Home. 

 An excellent cook and gracious host, Adelle always welcomed visitors with a hot cup of coffee, bountiful meals and delicious baking. Her homemade donuts, cookies and cinnamon buns were everyone's favourites. And oh we will miss those raspberry pies. If you left her house hungry it was your own fault. 

 Having lived in many different places, Adelle was always quick to make friends and she continued to stay in contact with her friends as best she could over the years. She was excited when she got a computer and Kerry helped her search the internet for her friends and acquaintances from years gone by. While living in Melville and Saskatoon, Adelle provided child care for many years. It’s heartwarming to hear from the children and families that she touched over those years. 

 One of the passions Adelle shared with Ron was their yard, vegetable and flower gardens. She loved preserving the vegetables & fruit they grew and also picked on their many trips to BC. Until her health didn’t allow her to continue canning and freezing. We all miss her excellent pickles, relishes and more. Mom will always be remembered by her family for the annual corn feast. 

 Adelle enjoyed sports, being an avid Roughrider fan and also cheering on her favourite curlers. A highlight for her was attending the Briar with Kelly when it was held in Saskatoon. In her younger years she enjoyed curling and to bonspiel with her friends. She also put many miles on her bicycle and enjoyed walking. One year Adelle and Kim rode their bikes from Hudson Bay to Clair. A trip of over 200 kilometres.

 The last few years Adelle faced many major health challenges including the loss of her vision and her mobility. She met each day and every obstacle with a positive attitude and a will to live. In recent years the highlight of her days were visits from family & friends. Especially with her children, grandchildren and new great-grandchildren when they arrived. She wished she could see these new little additions, but she loved to cuddle them, hold their hands and sing songs with them. 

 Family and friends were important to Adelle and she will be missed and fondly remembered by all that knew her. Right up to the end Adelle put the wellbeing of others first. Always asking about how other folks were doing. Even after losing her vision and not being able to hear well, she took the time to engage each new person that entered her life. From nurses and home care workers to caregivers and ambulance drivers she took the time to learn their names, where they came from and other details of their lives. We’ll miss visiting her, sharing a coffee, hearing her sing with the Littles and listening to her many stories where she remembered every name and detail. Her mind was sharp to the end. Adelle’s family would like to thank all those who shared in her life. 

Adelle is lovingly survived by her children, Kim (Valarie) Groff, Kelly Harris and Kerry Groff.  Grandchildren, Lindsay (Matthew) Donaldson, Taylor (Kevin) Nykiforuk and Emma (Ethan) Groff.  Great-Grandchildren, Rachel, Spencer, Blake, Parker and Sage.  Siblings, Glen (Francis), Blaine (Anne), Lionel (Lois) and Louise.

Predeceased by:  Husband, Ronald Groff.  Mother, Myrtle Gardiner.  Father, Maurice Gardiner.  Step-Mother, Katherine Sutherland.  Step-Father, Charles Sutherland.  Brother, Lyle Gardiner

In Iieu of flowers the family request donations be made to The Lion’s Eye Bank of Saskatchewan in memory of Adelle.

http://e-district.org/sites/5sk/page-6.php 

Cherished Memories is honoured to be entrusted with the care of Adelle.