Obituary of Irene Neufeld (Solly)

The family of Irene Solly (nee Coutts) pays tribute to her 89 years of living.  She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many.  Mom was the last surviving member of the original Coutts family in Bulyea.  She was born on the farm to parents William and Jessie Coutts, delivered by her eldest sister Helen (a nurse).  She later attended the Business School of Reliance in Regina and was employed by the provincial government as an executive secretary to six Deputy Ministers.

In 1951 she married Howard Solly and had three children.  She is survived by Debbie (Larry) Parnell, and Diane (Ross) Wilkinson and precious grandchildren Stacy Muller and Jeffery Wilkinson, and great-grandchild Hannah.  She is predeceased by her parents William and Jessie Coutts, siblings: Helen (Mansell), Mae (Gorrill), Jean (Parker), Isabel (Tannahill), Edith (Walters), Bill Coutts, John Coutts, Muriel (Malcolm) and daughter Margaret Solly.  She leaves many precious nephews and nieces to cherish her memory.

As a young girl, mom excelled at speed skating and curling.  For over 25 years, she enjoyed weekly curling with friends and family and was proud to claim defeating Ernie Richardson (a world champion) in one of her many winning bonspiels as a skip.

Mom was never happier than to provide lavish feasts and gatherings for family, friends and relatives at home in Regina, or at the lake; for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and special celebrations.  She was the consummate hostess, cook, baker, and entertainer welcoming everyone to her table.  As a piano player, who played by ear, she amazed and entertained us on several occasions with hours of music, song and laughter.

Mom and dad enjoyed travelling to the USA, Europe, England, Hawaii, Australia, Hong Kong, Fiji and across Canada; a favourite being eastern Canada in Cornerbrook and PEI.

Mom was a kind and gentle soul, always giving in any way to family, friends and to those less fortunate.  She endured hardships with grace and dignity and in 2005 she moved to Saskatoon to be closer to her daughter, Debbie.  We enjoyed spoiling her, visiting her and caring for all her needs.  Regretfully, due to Covid, we weren't able to visit her in the nursing home during her last days.  On December 23, 2020 she passed quietly and peacefully into heaven...a life worth lived and dedicated to her Lord, Jesus Christ and to her God.  Love you, Mom and will miss you.

A private, graveside interment service and sharing of memories will take place next summer.