SAUER, Renee
Posted: April 6th, 2024
SAUER Renee (Melenka) Sauer, beloved mother, daughter, sister, and dedicated Registered Nurse, passed away suddenly on March 25, 2024 due to a brain aneurysm. Renee leaves behind a legacy of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering love, especially for her children. Born on June 26, 1972, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Renee was raised in Lethbridge County attending Sunnyside and McNally Community Schools and later, St Joseph’s Middle and Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale.
Renee was the cherished mother of Jessi Melenka (16) and Jake Melenka (10), both of Cranbrook, BC. As a mother, Renee sought to instill the values of empathy, kindness, and resilience. Her devotion to her children knew no bounds, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments including judo and 4-H (Jessi) and hockey and lacrosse (Jake) and their aspirations.
The daughter of Albert and Susan Sauer of Lethbridge, Renee was raised with a deep sense of community and a commitment to service. Alongside her brother, Greg Sauer, of Calgary, Renee learned the value of hard work from an early age mostly growing up near Sunnyside and later the McNally area on five acres of land. It was here that Renee rode and jumped their Honda three-wheeler, participated in 4-H (sheep) and gained a deep appreciation for animals. While not having the opportunity to have a horse of her own, she was able to share in this love much later living vicariously through Jessi in recent years. Although it was not always the case (think teen years) Renee loved rural life, including times at the family farms near Seven Persons (Debler) and Conquerville (Sauer) with grandparents Lilian and Tony Debler and Anna and Lois Sauer, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Renee also loved summer camping trips and journeys that defined the early years to places including Lake Newell, Elkwater, Blairmore, Waterton and West Glacier (Montana).
Professionally, Renee spent two years at Lethbridge College before joining Green Acres Animal Clinic. It was here that Renee fostered her love of animals and began her long legacy of rescuing as many animals as she possibly could. Following this, Renee moved to Calgary where she trained as a Licensed Practical Nurse. This career took her to Jasper, where she had the honour of providing care for an individual who suffered a spinal cord injury and was confined to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic to end of life. Renee’s time in Jasper came to be remembered as among her happiest and Jasper her most beloved place. Renee later returned home to Lethbridge before moving to Cranbrook and Fernie where she worked in hospitals in both BC (Cranbrook and Fernie) and Alberta (Crowsnest Pass). Renee returned to BCIT where, with great pride, she fulfilled a goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Her caring nature was legendary and exceptional skills were evident in the interactions with patients and colleagues alike. Whether providing comfort to those in pain or advocating for the most vulnerable, Renee approached her work with unwavering dedication and a profound sense of duty.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Renee was a passionate advocate for animals and those less fortunate – and stories abound. Her compassion seemed limitless and was both a blessing and a curse for this highly empathic human. For most, it is no secret that Renee struggled with her mental health through much of her adult life. While stigmatized, especially in the early days, Renee learned to embrace this disease and did not shy away from her challenges publicly.
In addition to her loving family and friends, Renee leaves behind a community deeply grateful for her presence and inspired by her legacy of kindness and generosity. While she may no longer walk among us, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
As a life-long giver, it is fitting that Renee was able to provide the gift of life, even in death. As a result of Renee’s donation of organs, four individuals will receive the gift of life. While we grieve her loss, Renee’s family is buoyed knowing that Renee’s heart continues to beat in a donor recipient. Renee’s family encourages anyone who has considered but not done so to register as a donor.
In addition to being predeceased by all of her grandparents, several aunts, uncles and cousins, Renee was predeceased by her best friend, Carol Braat, whom Renee held near and dear to the very end.
A celebration of Renee’s life will be held at a later date and at a location to be determined.
In lieu of flowers or monetary donations, the family asks that you make an investment and donation in kindness, non-judgement and respect for humans (especially those less fortunate) and non-human species alike. Renee sought a better world defined by kindness. An act of kindness (random or otherwise) with Renee in mind would mean the world to us.
Renee will be dearly missed but never forgotten, her memory serving as a beacon of light and love for all who were touched by her remarkable presence. May she rest in peace, knowing that her life was a testament to the power of compassion.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com
Deepest sympathies to all the family in your loss. Blessings to Renee and family for the generous gifts she has left for others.
Never forgotten
I had the pleasure of working with Renee at Elk Valley Hospital. I always admired her kindness and gentle spirit. A beautiful smile always to greet you. I am sincerely so very sorry Jim, Jessi, Jake and family. Her beauty lives on through you. An Angel to watch over you. HUGS
Rest in Peace my sweet friend, you will be forever remembered with joy and happiness.
I am truly sorry to hear of Renee’s passing. Though I haven’t seen her for many years I have thought of her. She was always kind to me in those elementary days at McNally. May you all find some measure of comfort and peace during this difficult time and always.
Our family is so very sad to hear this tragic news….Renee was an absolute sweetheart with the kindest heart. I see that she carried this everywhere she went and touched people with her sweet nature and gentle soul. Rest in loving peace Renee. And Mr and Mrs Sauer and Greg and to all of your families we pray you find some peace and continue to surround each other with love.
We are so very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. We were lucky enough to know Renee albeit not well but she was a lovely and kind hostess with a gentle soul. She is now with the rest of the angels knowing she gave the gift of life to four very lucky people. Rest in peace dear Renee.
Bert, Susan,Greg, Jessi and Jake
We are heartbroken to hear of Renee’s passing. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed. Sending our condolences and lifting you up in prayer.
So sorry for your loss! Sending love and prayers to all!
Words cannot describe the sorrow felt, and the love we all hold for Renee and her entire family.
For those who have received the gift of life, I hope Renee’s gifts leave you with all the love and caring that she had in every fibre of herself.
I will always remember beginning our nursing journey together, I was your dopple-ganger, we always got mixed up in the eyes of others. Amazingly our careers brought us to the same place and we continued working together at times. I hope that wherever you are, you are happy and at peace. Until we meet again Renee. All my love.
Leahh
My friendship with Renee has spanned over 30 years, with long periods of time where we didn’t see each other. I had prayed for a special friend in Cranbrook, and God reunited me with Renee. Our friendship began with a shared love for beauty, home decor and crafting. Renee had a natural talent hospitality . She was the most soft-spoken and giving person I had ever met. I made sure to tell her this every time we were together because the truth came easily when I was with her.
Renee had a deep love for her children, Jesse and Jake, treating them as if the three of them were one person. She showed incredible patience as a mother, tirelessly traveling with her children all day without complaint. Despite her busy schedule, she always found time to care for everyone in her life, including me. She would regularly drop off flowers, shovel my path, trim my hedges, and even clean my house. I witnessed her selfless acts for many other people too.
Renee’s inner beauty radiated outward, and I was always in awe of her. I miss her deeply and will continue to do so always.
My wife Rickie and I had the opportunity to meet and visit wife Renee several times during her time in Kamloops. While we did not know her well or for long, it was obvious she had a kind and beautiful soul and we enjoyed her company and genuine personality.
Our condolences go out to the whole family and in particular to Jess and Jake. Our hearts are with you.
Deepest Condolences to all who cared for Beautiful Renee! To me she was an angel who walked among us, and brightened our lives in a special way! God bless you Renee, and God bless your family and friends! May we all meet again someday! God Bless!
Sending sincere condolences Mr and Mrs Sauer, Greg and to Jessi and Jake
It breaks my heart the sad news of Renee’s passing
She was always a kind, caring person with a big heart ♥️
She will forever be remembered for her heart warming smile
My heart goes out to you all ♥️
So sorry to hear this. The McNally group and community always holds a special place in my heart and it’s because of the people. Renee embodied that warmth and even though it’s been years since I’ve seen her, it brings me right back so quick.
Rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to her family.