Eunice May Korsrud (nee Koch)

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our loving mother, sister, grandma and friend.

Eunice was a dedicated and loving wife to her late husband of 48 years, Gary, and a caring mother to her children, Greg (Amanda), Trevor (Alejandra) and Tim (Maggie). She was also a wonderful grandma to her ten grandchildren, Maia, Kaitlyn, Danielle, Kirsten, Marissa (Gavin), Kali, Ryan, Faith, Tessa and Tamaya. Eunice naturally embraced a nurturing role for nieces, nephews, her cousin's children and others.

Eunice was born in Russell, MB in 1942. Her father, Fred Koch, died at a young age when Eunice was only 2 years old. Her mother, Wilhelmina (Minnie) Mack (nee Ricker) married Edward Mack in 1946 and Eunice had many happy memories of growing up on the family farm in the Langenburg, SK area with her 4 younger siblings Marietta (Grant) Andrews, Ira (Glenda), Kenneth and Sheila (Ray) McKay.

Eunice earned a B.Ed from the University of Saskatchewan in 1964. She met Gary at the Lutheran Students’ Centre in Saskatoon while they were both students at the U of S and they married in 1965. Eunice taught for two years in Viscount and Saskatoon before she and Gary moved to Sacramento, California for Gary’s doctoral studies. In California Eunice enjoyed working as a middle school teacher and would often reminisce about her favourite (and not-so-favourite) students. In 1970, following the completion of Gary’s Ph.D program, they journeyed to Ottawa, Ontario where Gary worked as a research scientist. Eunice and Gary both loved their time on “Baylie Avenue” where they made many lifelong friends they stayed in touch with after their return to Saskatoon in 1977. Eunice was always very close to her mother Minnie and was so excited to return to Saskatchewan where it would be easier to make trips back to the family farm.

Family and her faith in Christ were the foundation of Eunice’s life. She and Gary were active members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and, later, Rock of Ages Lutheran Brethren Church in Saskatoon. Eunice served in many volunteer capacities with the church, but undoubtedly her favourite was “Creative Coffee”, a weekly get-together she and other women initiated at Good Shepherd. She thoroughly enjoyed being a grandma to her 10 grandchildren and each one was special to her. There were many sleepovers, games, visits, fun activities and laughter at grandma’s house over the years.

Eunice enjoyed many pastimes throughout her life: camping at the lake, square dancing, playing cards and scrabble with friends, sewing, gardening, travelling, singing hymns and playing piano. Eunice was a diligent diary writer and spent many evenings writing about the day’s events with her favourite cat Cindy cuddled beside her on the couch. She also enjoyed being an “Avon Lady” in Saskatoon for many years and the opportunity this gave her to visit with her many customers who were also friends and neighbours. Holiday celebrations were a special time at Eunice’s house, with her well-loved turkey dinner, stuffing, mashed potatoes and orange jello!  However, she was perhaps best known for her desserts and baking. She had many favourite recipes that she loved to make for others and enjoyed making and decorating numerous birthday and wedding cakes for special occasions.  

Eunice leaves a legacy of kindness and caring for others. She never hesitated to put the needs of others before her own. She also had a knack for remembering birthdays and was always sure to send a birthday card in the mail. Even through her recent challenges with dementia, she never lost her ability to laugh, smile and experience joy with those around her.

The family would like to thank all of Eunice’s caregivers at Luther Special Care Home and Luther Riverside Terrace. The compassion and care shown is deeply appreciated. 

Internment will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens on Saturday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial service to be held on Saturday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m., 2024 at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church (130 Kingsmere Place).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rock of Ages Memorial Fund, Camp Kinasao (Box 327 Christopher Lake, SK S0J 0N0) or to another charity of your choice.