Trena Kathleen Neumann

Trena’s life began in Ottawa on October 3, 1947. When she was two years old, her sisters and brothers were separated after they lost their parents in a house fire. In spite of her challenging beginnings, she shared many lovely memories of spending time with her extended family and longtime friends in Ottawa. It was in Canada’s capital in 1968 where she met Wally Neumann, her husband of 55 years, and where they married on Valentine’s Day in 1970. Shortly after, they returned to Wally’s farm near Herbert, Saskatchewan where their daughters Lisa, Nancy and Jennifer were born. In 1976 they moved to a farm near Kipling, Saskatchewan and their son, Erik was born a few years later. They remained in Kipling, where they spent many happy and fulfilling years until their retirement in 2008.

While in Kipling, Trena occupied her time raising the family and caring for numerous pets and farm animals. She loved her big beautiful gardens and proudly gave visitors a tour of all her plants, flowers, vegetables and herbs. She helped around the farm and could always be seen driving her combine at harvest time. She also enjoyed working with her dear friend in the flower shop, volunteering with her community, serving on Church council, being a Brownie leader and playing cards.

Trena enjoyed visiting with her neighbours and friends, and was known for befriending everyone she met, whether human or animal. She always wanted to be part of the fun and was famous for her sense of humour and jokes.

After the kids moved out and they retired, Trena and Wally began to spend their winters in Manzanillo, Mexico, where they purchased a home close to the beach, in the midst of the action, exactly where she always wanted to be. They enjoyed spending their time near the water and spent summers at their cabin on a hill overlooking the Lake of the Prairies in Manitoba. It was here where Trena made Wally proud by reeling in a giant walleye and earning the title of Master Angler.

One of Trena’s greatest joys in life was her grandchildren. She was so proud of them and would brag to whomever would listen. Her summer highlight was when her children and their families would make their annual visit from across Canada and the US to the Lake of the Prairies at the beginning of July.

Trena’s last few years were not easy but she kept her wild sense of humour and her immense strength, despite the hardships she faced living with dementia and aphasia. In spite of her challenges and struggles, she passed away peacefully at Crocus Court in Roblin, Manitoba with her family by her side.

Trena was predeceased by those who helped raise her: her parents (Olive and Enos); her grandparents (John and Catherine); and her aunt and uncle (Audrey and Pat) She is also predeceased by her brothers Sid and Gary as well as her cherished sister, Esther-Ann and Ann’s husband, Bob.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Wally; her daughter Lisa (Jeff) and grandchildren Joshua and Karsen; her daughter Nancy and grandchildren Tiana, Tayo and Maya; her daughter Jennifer (Jody) and grandchildren Wren, Canaan and Calder; and her son Erik (Julia) and grandchildren Nola and Sylvie. She leaves behind her sisters Margaret and Vivian, as well as Cathy Scharfe and Joe Millar, who were like siblings to her, to mourn her passing. She also leaves behind her dear sister, Gloria, with whom she has recently connected and has built a treasured relationship.

Trena leaves a scattering of family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances throughout the world who will surely miss her zest for life, her sharp wit and her laughter.

*** This poem perfectly describes interactions with Trena as her dementia became gradually more severe.

Alzheimer’s Request

Do not ask me to remember,

don’t try to make me understand.

Let me rest and know you’re with me,

Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I’m confused beyond your concept,

I’m sad and sick and lost.

All I know is that I need you,

To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me,

Do not scold or curse or cry.

I can’t help the way I’m acting,

I can’t help it though I try.

Just remember that I need you,

That the best of me is gone.

Please don’t fail to stand beside me,

Love me ‘til my life is gone.

— Owen Darnell

We wish to thank the staff of Crocus Court for their amazing compassion shown to our wife and mother. They truly loved and cared for her as family and we will be forever grateful.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 2:00 pm at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church-Roblin, Manitoba.

A burial service took place Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm (SK time) at Edenland Lutheran Cemetery-Kipling, Saskatchewan.

Donations in memory of Trena Neumann can be made to the Roblin District Community Foundation - Crocus Court Fund, Box 1599, Roblin, MB R0L 1P0

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