Obituary of Rae Alma Busse

October 31, 1947 - Swift Current, Saskatchewan

September 9, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness, that we announce the passing of Rae Busse, beloved wife of the late Charles David (Dave) Busse, of Okotoks, AB, on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the age of 76 years.

Born in Swift Current, SK, on October 31, 1947, Rae grew up surrounded by the beauty of the prairies and spent her summers at the family cabin at Lac Pelletier. The lake was Rae’s sanctuary, where she spent many adventurous summers with her family, cousins, aunts, and uncles. She continued to enjoy time at the lake with Dave and their four children for many years.

After graduating from high school in Swift Current, Rae pursued occupational therapy at the University of Manitoba, where she met Dave. The couple married on May 6, 1967, and settled in Swift Current to raise their four children. They enjoyed many tropical vacations and fishing trips in Northern Saskatchewan. Rae’s love for her family was unparalleled, and she was a devoted mother. She was a skilled seamstress who created handmade costumes for her children as well as quilts. She also enjoyed gardening, furniture refinishing, cooking, and hosting friends and family gatherings. In addition to her many talents, Rae was also passionate about staying active.

Rae and Dave were avid sports fans and season ticket holders who faithfully travelled to Regina for Saskatchewan Roughriders football games. They also attended Swift Current Broncos hockey games and supported the team by opening their home to billet young hockey players.

Rae’s dedication to helping others led her to work as a therapy assistant. She earned her Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physical Therapy Assistant certification in 1996. Rae also had a passion for emergency services, receiving her Basic Trauma Life Support and Emergency Medical Technician certification in 1994.

Despite being diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease in 1997, Rae's resilience was unwavering. She remained strong, focusing on spending time with her family. After Dave's passing in 2005, she moved to Okotoks, AB, in 2007 to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Rae is survived by her children, Gordon Busse, Jennifer Buchanan (Shawn), Michael Busse (Jessica), and Jo-Ann Godenir (Jason); eight grandchildren, Hannah Buchanan, Fraser Buchanan, Jack Buchanan, Hayley Buchanan, Sarah Busse, Emma Busse, Anderson Godenir, Kaz Godenir; and her sister Joan Dempsey. She was predeceased by her husband Dave, and her parents, Raymond and Isabel Willy.

Rae will be remembered for her creativity, strength, and love for her family.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Lung Association, 885 Meadowlands Dr., Suite 502 Ottawa, ON, K2C 3N2, Telephone: (888) 566 – 5864, www.lung.ca, or to the Canadian Transplant Society, 50 Rosehill Avenue Toronto, ON, Suite 1108, M4T 1G6, Telephone: (416) 994-7606, www.cantransplant.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Rae’s family here.

In living memory of Rae Busse, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.