Funeral Service

1:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 9, 2026

John Barron Auditorium, RecPlex

Tisdale, Saskatchewan

Caroline “Marie” McLachlan was born on the 14th day, the 4th month, of 1940. This is how Mom always explained when her birthday was! She was the oldest child of Frank and Gertie Irwin. She grew up on the farm near Clashmoor. She attended the Girwood School 2 miles south of their farm. The Irwins also had a service station/general store and Mom helped with pumping gas, etc. She also was the big sister to 6 siblings, so was a great help to her mother with all the daily chores.

One day when Mom was about 14-15, a good looking young man by the name of Dee, stopped in for gas. And so began a friendship. Mom moved to Arborfield when she was 16 and worked in the Arborfield Cafe and continued to date Dee. They were married on August 1, 1958. They started out married life in Arborfield, then moved to the Irwin farm 10 miles South of Arborfield and began their farming career.

Marie and Dee raised three children, Marlene (1959), Donald (1961), and David (1964). A number of years later, as their children each married, their family grew to three more! Mom, in her last few weeks, was very happy to tell everyone that she had six children. Over time, nine grandchildren came along, then spouses were added, and 14 great grandchildren. Every last one in every generation was truly loved by Mom.

Dave and Michelle joined Mom and Dad in the farming operation. Mom and Dad moved to their big home in Tisdale in 1991, allowing Dave and Michelle to move to the farm and raise their family. They downsized to a condo in Tisdale in 2018.

Mom was a homemaker, through and through! She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma. She could whip up a meal, sew a dress, drive the grain truck with kids sleeping on the floor, pull start the auger engine, grow a huge garden and pick raspberries by the bucket, drive the school bus, was always “on call”. Her house and yard were always well kept! THEN, she got to work at the Fabric Basket, which she truly enjoyed!

Marie and Dee heard and embraced the gospel in 1965. They valued the fellowship and care they had over the years since then.

Mom was predeceased by her husband, Dee; sister, Bertha; brother, John; great granddaughter, Danika.

She is survived by her children, Marlene (Don), Don (Barb), and Dave (Michelle); 9 grandchildren

and spouses, and 14 great grandchildren; sister, Eileen (George); brothers, Ken,

Earl (Sherry), Gerald (Gwyn); sister-in-law, Irene; as well as many extended family and friends.

The family says ‘Thank you!’ for the excellent care provided to our Mom by the Home Care staff, Dr. Richardson, and ALL nursing and hospital staff!