Merylene Lorenz (nee Pelletier) - beloved Mother, Kohkum, Great Kohkum, Sister & Aunt passed away peacefully on September 30, 2016 at the Yorkton District Nursing Home. She is predeceased by her parents Daniel and Elysa Pelletier (nee Cappo); brothers; Donald and Ivan; sisters; Yvonne, Lorena, Eulalie, Mary (Hall); nieces; Constable Ivy Redgun (nee Pelletier), Stacey Brass; nephews; Ronald Hall and Constable Lionel Poitras. Merylene leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory, daughter; Darcy (Darcella) Pelletier of Yorkton; sons; Donald Smith (Jenn) of Airdrie, AB; Kevin Lorenz (Colleen) of Pense, SK.; adopted daughter Eva Lerat, Saskatoon; grandchildren, Shelby Lorenz (Rhea), Branden Robillard, Shanda Lorenz (Cody), Drae Pelletier, Xenon Harpe; adopted grandson Jarod Lerat; great grandchildren, Isabella, Ryder and Maverick and her sister Geraldine Pelletier of Regina, SK; as well as many nieces, nephews and family members. Merylene, (Eagle Woman-Kinewiqwe) was born on August 17, 1936 at Muscowpetung Reserve to Daniel Pelletier and Elysa (nee Cappo). The Pelletier family lived on Muscowpetung where Daniel helped his father-in-law, Headman Patrick Cappo with farming. Eventually, the Pelletier's left the reserve, and settled in the Crescent Lake District near Yorkton, where they purchased a farm to raise their children. Merylene was the fourth eldest of seven children. As a young girl, by age 7, Merylene was responsible for preparing meals, baking bread and taking care of her younger brothers and sisters. The family worked hard and helped each other. These values influenced and shaped Merylene's life. Merylene's education began at the Ituna Orphange where she attended school with her older sisters, Lorena and Geraldine. Later, Merylene attended Meadowview School where she completed grade 8. In 1951, Premier Tommy Douglas presented Merylene and two other graduates with their Grade 8 Diplomas. Merylene continued her high school education in Lebret, SK. Merylene continued to further her education through university classes in the area of Social Work. Merylene was active in the Association of Metis and Non-status Indians of Saskatchewan and was eventually appointed to their provincial board which led to the creation of The Gabriel Dumont Institute and the SUNTEP (Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program). Throughout her life, she promoted and valued the importance of education. In 1963, Merylene married Albert Lorenz, when the twins, Darcy and Donny, were born the family resided in Regina. The Lorenz family re-located in Yorkton where their son, Kevin was born. Merylene, or Aunty Bubbles was like a mother to several nieces and nephews. She enjoyed spending time with family whether travelling to pow-wows, conferences or attending meetings. She enjoyed playing cards and sitting around the kitchen table visiting with her family. Merylene loved her grandchildren, playing games with them, taking them places and going on family road trips. She was blessed with three great-grandchildren. Merylene worked at Social Services where she was employed for nine years. During that time, Merylene was a politically active member in the Association of Metis and Non-status Indians. Eventually, Merylene left her government job to work with her people. She was the director of the Native Alcohol Counselling Program; and as an Economic Development Worker. While in Regina, Merylene was employed as the Director of the Girls Treatment Centre in Regina, and as a family support worker. In 1989 Merylene returned to Yorkton and was a councilor at Shelwin House until she retired in 2001 at the age of 65. Merylene was a hardworking, independent woman who was dedicated to helping her family. She never liked to see anyone struggle and was more than willing to offer assistance. Our mom, Merylene, will be deeply missed but always loved and cherished by those who knew her. Prayers were held on Tuesday evening, October 4, 2016 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Fr. Francis Hengen of St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church officiating. Pianist, Diana Hornung led members of the Parish Choir in the singing of the hymns 'Day is Done', Psalm 27, and 'Christ Be Our Light'. The lay-reader was Colleen Lorenz. The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton with Fr. Hengen officiating. Pianist, Lorraine Lysak led members of the parish choir in the singing of the hymns' Morning Has Broken', Psalm 27, 'On Eagles Wings', 'Blest Are They', 'Song of the Angels', 'For the Beauty of the Earth'. The lay-readers were Jen Harpe Smith and Michelle Kennedy, the gift bearers were Drae & Shanda Lorenz, and Jarod Lerat was the cross bearer. The casket bearers were Skyler, Misha & Daniel Pelletier, Travis Kennedy, Jarod Lerat and Jessy Eklund. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Memorials were to the Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research or to the Alzheimers Society.
