Obituary of Arvena Blanche Sproat

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Sproat, Arvena Blanche

1946 – 2021

 

Arvena Sproat (nee Deters) passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, March 1, 2021 at the age of 74. She was born in Regina to parents Gerald and Lillian (Simmons) Deters and was raised on the family farm near Riceton, SK.

 

Arvena is survived by her son Darren Sproat; daughter Heather Sproat; granddaughters MacKenzie Sproat and Breanna and Kailee Woitas; a very special little man, her great-grandson, Kyden; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Sproat; sisters-in-law Alvina Deters and Marilyn Deters; and nieces and nephews including Craig (Meridell) Deschner, Regan Deschner, Deanne (Terry) Leurer, Kelly (Lorelei) Deters, Sharon (Grant) Dusyk and their families. Despite being divorced, Arvena is also remembered by many of the Sproat family who were an important part of her life including Terry Sproat (Darren and Heather's dad); brothers-in-law, George Sproat and his son Ryan, Brian Sproat and his children Ashley and Greg, Howard (Merril) Sproat and their children Allison, Sarah, and Evan, and Dean Sproat and his daughter Chaela and their families; and sisters-in-law Bonnie Sproat and Colleen Sproat.  

 

Arvena was also excitedly anticipating the birth of her great-granddaughter but sadly passed days before her birth. She would be proud to know that Breanna’s new baby girl will be named Lennon Arvena Danielle.  She is also deeply missed by her feline companion, Lacey.

 

Arvena was predeceased by her parents Gerald and Lillian Deters and George and Sylvia Sproat; sister Geraldine Deschner and her husband, Hank; brothers Richard and Leo Deters; grandson Michael Sproat; sister-in-law Diana Sproat; nephews Dale and Justin Sproat. She definitely would have had quite the welcoming upon her arrival in heaven!

 

Arvena grew up on the family farm near Riceton and graduated from Milestone School. In her younger years, she was heavily involved in sports including softball and track and field. She shared many stories of shenanigans with her brothers and sister. On the farm, Arvena also gained a love for animals. Over the years, she has had many faithful dogs and cats as well as budgie birds! She married Terry Sproat and moved to Wilke, Wiseton (where Darren was born), and Mankota before settling in Regina where Heather was born.

 

Throughout her life, Arvena had a passion for gardening and was known by many for her green thumb. Her yards were always immaculate and full of beautiful flowers and plants. Recently, she started collecting house plants and took joy tending to them and watching them grow.

 

She worked at a few different places in Regina before deciding to open a home daycare. Through her years in childcare, Arvena cared for many children who she loved like family. After her and Terry divorced, she took on other employment at The Conexus Arts Centre and eventually closed the daycare. If you asked anyone at the Centre, they would all agree Arvena had a strong work ethic; often being criticized for doing too much! She gained many friends through her employment at the Centre but no one quite as important and close to her as Florence Hubick. They were like sisters and enjoyed many coffee, lunch, and puzzle dates. We are very thankful for Florence for becoming our mom’s forever friend. Arvena was forced into retirement in 2012 due to ongoing health issues. She always missed going into work and being idle was not something she ever got used to.

 

Arvena was also very close with her sister-in-law, Alvina Deters, throughout her life. Whether they went on a country drive, visited a greenhouse, or tended their yard when Arvena lived with her, she cherished their friendship and time together.

 

She spent hours reading, doing puzzles, tending flowers and gardens, and watching “crappy TV”. Most recently, we got her an iPad. She always said she never wanted to learn anything to do with technology but when she learned that she could connect with so many people she quickly adapted. It was a short time, but she truly loved hearing from friends and relatives near and far that she hadn’t seen in years. When we looked through the iPad after she passed, however, we found many messages she had typed to people but forgot to hit the send button!

 

Heather also has a home daycare and Arvena enjoyed many visits prior to the pandemic to see the children. Almost all of them over the years knew her as “Gramma Arvena/Vena/Bena/Arbena!”  Arvena is a tough name for a kid! She treated them all like her own grandchildren often bringing them cookies or treats. Many of them are heartbroken from her loss as well.

 

Darren opened his home to Arvena and she lived with him and MacKenzie for years. They got to enjoy her cooking and in return put up with her endless cleaning (nobody else did it quite right!), watching the TV on full volume and having the kitchen table riddled with puzzle pieces. If you asked them now, they wouldn’t change it for anything. She will be deeply missed in their home.

 

She fought numerous battles with cardiovascular disease enduring four major surgeries and several less invasive procedures at the hands of brilliant surgeons, doctors, and health care staff. Our appreciation for health care workers is immense as we could have lost her many times over the last years. She always fought to stay with us and was grateful for the supports of our health care system.

 

Arvena loved her family. We were all she had and that was always enough for her. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was so proud of each of them. They are going to dearly miss the support and love she gave them. Her great grandson Kyden also brought a new joy to her life. Kyden loved going to visit “Gramma Arbena”! She spent hours reading him books or just watching him play and, of course, feeding him snacks. We are deeply saddened that she missed out on meeting Lennon but know she’ll watch over her.

 

Arvena had a way of doing things and had no problem telling you if you were doing it wrong! She was strong willed but sensitive with a huge, caring heart. If only her heart was as healthy as it was loving. Throughout the many messages we received over the last few days, there were many traits repeated; Her love of family, her work ethic, her strength, and her smile. The doctors at the end were amazed by her will to live. She didn’t want to leave us, but in the end she knew she had to. Her stubborn nature shone right until her last breath.

 

There will be no service at this time. The family will hold a private service at a later date.

 

I lieu of flowers, donations in Arvena’s memory can be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Regina Humane Society.