Obituary of Violet Laverne Stanger

Violet Stanger passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023 at the age of 82. She was born in 1940 in Rama, SK to Andrew and Helen Owchar, immigrant settlers and first generation Canadians. Violet spent her childhood years in Rama, Benito, MB and Tisdale. 

Violet was the youngest of her family and last surviving sibling. She lost her first husband, Fred Stanger in 1986. 

Violet is survived by her husband Ron Bresch; daughters Dawn and Denise; sons-in-law Duane and Scott; and much cherished grandchildren Desirae, Sonia, Alex and Bjorn; as well as countless dear friends.

A firm believer in education, Violet became a teacher specializing in primary education. She taught in the early years of her marriage until Dawn arrived in 1963 and Denise in 1967. In 1971, the family moved to Maidstone where she taught Grade 1 for 26 years and launched the academic careers of generations of students.

Violet was very involved in her community and was the first woman elected to Maidstone Town Council and to serve on the Waseca Credit Union Board.

Violet was raised in the tradition of social democracy. Her parents were early members of the CCF (Canadian Commonwealth Federation) and then the NDP (New Democratic Party of Canada). One of her proudest and early memories was that her family was able to give Tommy Douglas a bed for the night as he was campaigning across the province in the early 1940’s. A stalwart believer in social progress and democracy Violet spent many, many years as a foot soldier at the grass roots level, organizing and working as a volunteer for the CCF and NDP.  Violet was elected as the NDP MLA for the Lloydminster constituency from 1991-1999. She won her first nomination by one vote.  She served with distinction as Government Caucus Chair and on the Public Accounts Committee. Following retirement from elected office, Violet moved to Regina and served on the Board of Directors of SIAST and Conexus Credit Union and was an active volunteer for many organizations.

Violet lived her life with enthusiasm, strong beliefs and firm values. She laughed loudly and often and loved her family and friends completely.  She was an inspiration to many who met her.  She wished to be remembered as a good woman who did her best. That is how we will honour her.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.