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HOLLY ANNE SKAPTASON DREGER
Born: Apr 24, 1946
Date of Passing: Apr 28, 2020
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HOLLY ANNE SKAPTASON DREGER
April 24, 1946 - April 28, 2020
Holly is survived by her best friend and partner, Reg Eyemoto; her daughter, her "Elskan", Marla (Joel) Jean Tran; her most amazing granddaughters, Johanna Jean Tran and Olivia Mei Tran; "The Family" in England, Holly's niece Hannah (Alex) Greenlees and children, Ollie and Lottie; her nephew Tim (Claire) Skaptason and children, Joe and Holly.
Along with many special cousins are three cherished friends: Pat, Yvonne and Darryl.
Holly was predeceased by her father Haraldur Marelius Skaptason in 1963; her brother Harold Stephen Skaptason in 1991; her mother Johanna Zoega Johnson in 2016; and her former husband James Dreger in 2017.
I will start off with some carefully chosen words which just begin to capture the essence of this exceptional human being - my Mom.
Intelligent, Witty, Resolute, Intuitive, Empath, Teacher, Leader, Logophile, Politico
My mom was a great student and attended Mulvey School and Gordon Bell High School, where she enjoyed Latin, writing, and music - always singing in the choir. She also had a few moments of stardom when she sang at Rainbow Stage and briefly in a band called the County Hall Singers!
In 1962, Stephen moved to England to design costumes for the Royal National Theatre. Mom visited Stephen, Jean, Hannah, and Tim (who were more like her kids than a niece and nephew) countless times, and as long as she was able. Wonderful memories were made in England!
My mom tragically lost her dad when she was just 17 years old. Without missing a beat, she worked, helped her mom (and never stopped helping), and contributed to the household. She could easily have gone to university and earned multiple degrees with her intelligence and her gift with words but there were many other accomplishments to come.
Shortly after, my mom met my dad, James Dreger, and they got married in 1969. On May 12, 1974, my mom received the "best Mother's Day present ever" (her words), which was me!
Mom stayed home for several years to ensure that I had the best possible start in life. If she hadn't noticed me "rocking perfectly to the beat" of the Brady Bunch theme when I was two, I may not have begun my career as a music educator. Mom took me to piano, theory, voice and dance lessons and made all my dance costumes by hand.
When it was time to go back to work, my mom noticed a void in the community - there were no childcare options. What would any other person do? They would probably just complain. What did Holly do? Along with a friend, she co-founded Lakewood Children's Centre, which is still in existence today.
My mom and dad were not meant to stay together forever, so my mom bought a lovely home in River Heights when they went their separate ways. Even though the house was "leaning", she loved it, and when she was able, she had it lifted and completely renovated, with her bathroom design winning an award!
Speaking of love, my mom happened to meet Reg at Gary's Deli in "the concourse" about 20 years ago and they never looked back. She was an excellent judge of character and she saw something special in Reg. He treated her like gold and was by her side until her last day. We are very lucky to have gained another member of our family.
Then there was my mom's career. She started in a secretary position at Great West Life, but by the time she left 25 years later, she was a respected mortgage administrator. Montrose Financial Group was so lucky (and they knew it) to snag my mom as Senior Vice-President in 1990. It is not someone's position that matters though - it is actions, and the treatment of others. My mom was patient, took the time to share her vast knowledge, treated her colleagues with respect, and did business with integrity - that is great leadership. Thank you for that exceptional example.
My mom only retired four years ago, at the age of 70. She should be golfing, tweeting witty tweets about politics, making Vinarterta, connecting with relatives or newfound friends from Iceland, and drinking her favourite coffee with Reg. She should be there to watch Johanna (Yoey) and Olivia walk to her house after school - she so loved that. She should be there to take my phone calls about important things like how to word something perfectly, or just to say how much I love her. The only solace is that my mom does not have to worry about us worrying about her anymore and is no longer sick - not that she ever, ever complained.
We would like to thank Dr. Smith (ICU) and the two exceptional nurses who helped support our entire family on our darkest day.
Holly, Mom, aunt, sister, daughter, the Amma of all Ammas, the One and Only. You were the best ever and we will be our best because of you. All our love. XOXOXO
Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will soon follow. A Celebration of Life will take place when we can all gather together safely!
Thank you to Neil Bardal Funeral Centre for their care and compassion.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: May 9, 2020
HOLLY ANNE SKAPTASON DREGER
A longer obituary will follow on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: May 2, 2020
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 02, 2020, May 09, 2020
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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I had the privilege to work with Holly in the 80's at The Great-West Life. She was the consummate professional who took me under her wing and provided invaluable guidance and patience as I learned the ropes of the mortgage world. My sincerest condolences to all who grieve her passing. - Posted by: Rolf Abt (Former Coworker Great-West) on: May 20, 2020
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It was my great pleasure when Holly found me via FB, a Skaptason cousin from Winnipeg, sharing her stories & pictures. I was wondering where she was & am very sad to hear we won't have the opportunity to connect in person some day as we hoped. In the short time we shared, it was clear how generous, funny, & bright Holly was, & how much she loved her family. My deepest sympathy to you, Lenore - Posted by: Lenore S Clemens (kin ) on: May 15, 2020
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Sending condolences from England, to the family in Canada – Marla --- Johanna --- Olivia --- on the death of Holly, their devoted Mum and Grandma. I have many memories of Holly visiting us in England. The very first was in 1967, Tim being a newborn and Hannah nearly two. All five of us squeezed into our tiny flat in Blackheath, London --- it was fine, we had a lot of fun --- with many more visits from Holly over the years. Hannah, Tim, and I flew to Canada for Christmas 1991 to spend the festive time with Holly and family. My late husband Stephen (Holly’s brother) had died that year, so it was an emotional visit for all of us. Amid our laughter and tears, it was a good time to be together in our grieving for the loss of someone we loved. Now we must say goodbye to Holly as well. Jean - Posted by: Jean Shattock (formerly Skaptason) (Sister in law) on: May 13, 2020
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Dear Marla and Family; I'm so very sorry to hear of Holly's passing. I met your mom, Holly, at GWL. Our paths crossed nearly every day as I too worked in the mortgage area in the Investment Division. Holly had a memory that was a steel trap - ask her a mortgage number for a file that was some years old and, without any hesitation, that number just came tumbling out - amazing! We had some great conversations - some funny, some contemplative, as our then life-experiences were somewhat the same; she sewing costumes at 10 p.m. and I washing walls! I remember the time you gave her an Olympic-style medal. Holly wore the medal all day with true pleasure. She was so very proud of you Marla! She loved and loves you with all her might. You were her everything - always. Please know that I am truly saddened for you and your family and for all of us that knew Holly - a wonderful person. Sincerely, Denise (formerly LeBlanc) Elias. GWL. - Posted by: Denise Elias (Former Co-worker Great-West Life) on: May 09, 2020
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Holly was certainly one of the strongest people I knew in many ways, so it seems so incomprehensible that she's not with us any longer. I worked with her for many years at Great-West Life, and I am forever grateful to her for bringing me to Montrose when my career at GWL ended abruptly. Marla's tribute does not exaggerate - Holly possessed a keen mind, quick and fair judgement and a great sense of humour. She will be missed by many. - Posted by: Kathy Stevenson (friend) on: May 09, 2020
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My sincere condolences to Marla and all of Holly's family. - Posted by: Amanda Wilson (Former Coworker) on: May 08, 2020
