The life of this beautiful soul transformed from this world to the next at 88 years of age on December 16, 2021 at Saint Peter’s Hospital in Melville. She leaves a legacy of kindness for family, community, and church and for all who were blessed to know her.
Lovella was born in Whitewood in the midst of the Dirty Thirties. After the death of her father, John Harrison, when she was three years old, she moved with her mother Agnes and siblings, Jim, Irene, and Fred from the farm to town. She received all her education in Whitewood and spent her youth taking piano lessons, participating in school activities, and singing in the school and church choirs. After completing her grade 12, she left home for a new position with the Royal Bank in Oxbow at the start of the oil boom. After 6 years, she transferred with the bank to Regina and came to enjoy and experience the offerings of a bustling city. However, a handsome, shy farmer from New Finland asked her to dance at a New Year’s Dance, and they married in October 1963 and returned back to the area. They made their home in Esterhazy as the potash industry was flourishing, and she continued to work at the Royal Bank. Their first home was a renovated garage with no central heating or plumbing. In 1965, they moved into a new home that she always loved and appreciated, and there she resided until a week before her passing.
Rudolph and Lovella had two children, Charlotte in 1965 and Caroline in 1968. While Rudolph continued in the potash industry, Lovella chose to make a career as a home maker. In doing so, she also became a family maker, a community maker, and a church maker. She contributed to the community in numerous ways – warden and lay reader for the church, recording secretary for the diocesan ACW, member of the Esterhazy Music Boosters, volunteer at the Centennial Special Care Home, and representative for World Day of Prayer, Lenten Services, and Esterhazy Clergy Council. What a world left wanting if not for the efforts of those such as Lovella for all the important work they do.
Lovella was a true prairie girl. She took great pleasure in birds, gardens, flowers, lakes, and the valley. Many summer evenings were spent at lake dances with family and friends, and her favorite dance partner, Rudolph, until his passing in 1994. Lovella later developed an interest in travel with her companion, Bob Reynolds, including trips abroad. Her artistic talent shone in music and her refinement was evident in every stylish outfit, including her own creations. She maintained friendships that lasted decades and was always the first to greet a new person with warmth and invitation.
Many have benefited from her mentorship and will continue to live by the example she has set - no more so than her daughters who will forever cherish her and her granddaughter who carries her name.
She is survived by daughters Charlotte (Tim Raine) of Langenburg and Caroline (Mark MacMurchy) of Melville, and one granddaughter, Jocelyn; nieces Susan Harrison (Jim Davis), Gwen Harrison, Gaye Harrison, Mary Lou Harrison (Pat Kleisinger), Jacqueline Harrison, Ruth Towill; nephew, Hugh Towill; and great and great-great nieces and nephews.
A funeral service for Lovella will be held on December 21, 2021, at St. John’s Anglican Church in Esterhazy with Reverend Nancy Brunt officiating. Interment will follow at the Esterhazy Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Peter Carscadden Funeral Service of Esterhazy.