Obituary of Maureen Ottenbreit

Maureen Josephine Ottenbreit (née Kelly) passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at her home in Wintergreene Estates. Maureen is survived by her daughters, Colleen Kot (Gerry), Laura Friesen (Blaine), Kerry Ottenbreit (Phil Symchych), all of Regina, and Sheila Ebbels (Bill) of New Jersey; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Buchko (Jordan), Erin Kot, Derek Friesen (Shayann), Kristyn Unger (Dustin), Anastasia Symchych, all of Regina, Julia Symchych of Vancouver, Kelly Ebbels (David Clarke) of New York, Lendon Ebbins (Dave) and Will Ebbels of New Jersey; four great-granddaughters, Gabriella Buchko, Nevaeh Sauer and Lydia and Ellianna Friesen, all of Regina; and one great-grandson, Sam Ebbels, of New York. Maureen is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Charlene Ottenbreit of Winnipeg, Mary Ottenbreit of Medicine Hat, and Valerie Ottenbreit of Denver; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by great-grandchildren, Annabelle and Zachary Buchko; and, in 2018, by her beloved husband, Frank.

The only child of Dot and Joe Kelly, Maureen was a life-long resident of Regina, attending Sacred Heart School, Scott Collegiate and the University of Regina. She took an early interest in accounting work and kept books for the Saskatchewan Motor Club, The Debenture Company of Canada, and many smaller firms. When she met and married the love of her life, Frank, her focus turned to raising their four girls. Volunteer work in the library at the girls’ school, Ecolé St. Pius X, led to 25 years of employment as a secretary with Regina Catholic Schools.

Maureen built a life full of love with her parents as cornerstones and her devoted husband Frank at her side. Service to community and hospitality were central to her life. Christ the King Church, CWL, and Regina Beach communities, MacKenzie Art Gallery, Regina Symphony Orchestra, PARCS, and SMILE were among the beneficiaries of her time, talents and support. Maureen enjoyed square dancing, playing bridge, swimming at the lake, dragon boat racing, music and the arts, reading, hosting dinners for family and friends, camping in the early years, and traveling the world in later years, but the cottage remained her lifelong happy place. She was ever so proud of her family and active in the lives of all of her grandchildren. Maureen loved that her family continued to grow with the next generation of great-grandchildren.

Maureen was grateful to find the warm and embracing community of Wintergreene Estates in her final years since Frank’s passing, and the family is especially thankful for the care and compassion of staff and fellow residents. A Mass of Christian Burial in grateful thanks for Maureen's life will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Christ the King R.C. Parish, 3239 Garnet Street, Regina, SK. Piano preludes and Words of Remembrance will commence at 10:45 AM. All are invited to a reception in the Parish Centre immediately following Mass. Private committal to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maureen’s name to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre or a charity of choice.