Obituary of Theresa Marie Desnomie Fiddler
Theresa Marie Desnomie-Fiddler, 64, of Peepeekisis Cree Nation, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and numerous family members.
Theresa was born on December 8, 1961, at Fort Qu’Appelle Indian Hospital to George and Evelyn Desnomie, who she often spoke of as loving and funny parents. She was raised with deep family roots and strength that would carry her throughout her life.
Theresa attended Qu’Appelle Indian Residential School and became a mother as a teenager – a role she embraced with courage and determination. Though she did not finish high school at that time, Theresa later returned to school as a mature student, attending university and achieving her goal of becoming a teacher. She dedicated 40 years to education, teaching everyone from elementary students to adults. She retired only last year due to health reasons. Theresa left a lasting impact on countless students, many of whom carried her lessons – and her love – far beyond the classroom.
In her early twenties, Theresa became a born-again Christian and experienced a deep and transformative relationship with God. From that moment on, she devoted her life to sharing God’s love. She worshipped through song, preaching, and generous acts of service. She gave freely to those in need, especially the poor and widows, and wanted everyone she met to know they were loved by Jesus.
Later in life Theresa married the love of her life, Richard Fiddler. She later wrote “Richard, someone who showed me what real love is between a husband and a wife”. She instantly welcomed Richard’s children and grandchildren as her own. Theresa created a home filled with faith, laughter, music, and open doors. She adored her children. Her grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life. She loved children. She hosted tea parties, outdoor movie nights, Sunday school, church camps, and welcomed not only her grandchildren but many other into her home. There was always room for one more.
Theresa was known for her incredible generosity – sometimes to a fault. Whether through Tupperware, Avon, Super Patch, or simply everyday life, she often gave more away than she kept. Money mattered little to her compared to people.
Theresa had a gift of humor that lit up every room. Her laugh was contagious – so much so that she was hired to facilitate “Laughter is Good Medicine” workshops. She brought fun wherever she went, hosting family bingos, karaoke nights, parties, and games. In her younger days, she loved sports, and throughout her life she remained energetic, joyful, and full of life.
Theresa is survived by her beloved husband Richard; her children Tina (Niu), Elton (Katelyn), David (Beverley), and Dion (Michelle); her cherished grandchildren Hunter, Joshua, Hope, Benjamin, Harmony, Dexten, Ellie, Kyleigh, Kayva, Sylvia, DJ, and Ezekiel; her sisters Bev, Darlene, and Vera; her brothers Bill (Till), Howard (Martine), and Dez (Joy); adopted siblings Wayne Poitras, Dutch Lerat, George Cote, and Leah Swanson Bellegarde; her special sister-in-law Louise (Randy) Lulashnyk; her adopted children Tish, Billie-Jean, Anton, Darah, Denise, Rodney, Stephanie, and Kristen; and her adopted grandchildren Tron, Dominique, Peytin, Brandon, Avery, Drew, and Karter.
She was predeceased by her beloved angel baby who she lost by miscarriage; grandparents Vera and William Desnomie and Tina and David Bird; parents George and Evelyn Desnomie; her sister Sandra; her brother Lyle; father of her children Elton Keshane Sr. and her special father-in-law Bill (Kinch) Keshane.
Theresa’s life was a testament to faith, resilience, laughter, and unconditional love. Her doors were always open. Her arms were always ready to embrace. Her laugh will echo in the hearts of all who knew her.
In her own words, she wanted everyone to know:
“Jesus loves you”.
The Wake commenced on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from the Yorkton Victory Church. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from the Yorkton Victory Church with Pastor Rick Flamont officiating. Words of remembrance was shared by family. The interment followed in the Desnomie Family Cemetery, Peepeekisis Cree Nation with Hunter Keshane, Joshua Savea, Benjamin Savea, Dexten Brass, Avery Friday, Drew Fiddler, Anton Kitchemonia and Avery Belanger serving as casket bearers. The honorary casket bearers were DJ Kakakaway and Ezekial Keshane.
Memorial donations may be made to Lily of the Valley Ministries (c/o 1 Redwood Dr., Yorkton, SK S3N 2N3) as gifts of remembrance.
