Toni Francein (Zabel) Hanna

Toni Francein (Zabel) Hanna was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan on June 11, 1946. She grew up on the family farm near Duncairn on the banks of the Swift Current Creek. Toni was the middle daughter of three born to Arnold and Ruby Zabel. Toni loved the outdoors, puddling, swimming, and skating on the Creek. She was an expert on pail feeding the calves of the many milk cows that were kept on the farm. 

Toni attended school at Silver Craig and Bissel Schools as a student of her Mom and Dad. Toni left home to attend Swift Current Collegiate Institute when she was 14. A little one room apartment in the Brinks' house across from the school was "home" until her graduation. 

After graduation, Toni began her working career at the Geriatric Centre. Toni and Don were married in 1964 and made the decision to move to the Hanna Family Farm in 1965 to start their new life together and eventually raise their three daughters. 

Toni was an enthusiastic gardener and grew vegetables, fruit, and flowers to provide for her growing family. 

Toni was very involved in girls, and later, ladies’ softball (fastball) and carried on as a softball mom with her girls. Ski trips to Fernie were much anticipated family trips as we all enjoyed downhill skiing. 

Toni enjoyed being involved in all the community activities. She was very involved in the Swift Current and Provincial Wildlife Federations as well as the Duncairn Community Club. Summer travels with the camper or trailer were cherished. Camping at the Saskatchewan Landing and later at Lac Pelletier became an annual ritual for 30 summers. Watching out for the little ones was paramount in her "mom" role. 

Toni and Don moved to Swift Current in 1984 to facilitate the girls ongoing education. She worked in retail sales and cash office management in Swift Current. Her home became a "Safe House” for many of the girls' friends. She was loved and respected by all of them. 

Toni was uprooted when Don accepted a position with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in Red Deer, Alberta, before moving to Moose Jaw as Don's territory expanded. Toni returned to retail sales and cash office management in Moose Jaw. Toni was well respected for her interpersonal skills and was a valued employee wherever she worked. Toni was introduced to the Shaklee Corporation in 1979. She established a home-based business in healthcare and environmental "green" household products that is still active today. 

Toni lost her battle with cancer on May 11, 2023. She was predeceased by her parents, Arnold and Ruby Zabel, older sister Bonnie and her youngest daughter Karla. She is survived by her husband Don (married 58 3/4 years), daughters Jackie (Ron) and Berni (Mike), Grandchildren: Brittany, Courtney (Tanner), Zack (Jess), Ty (Isabelle), Katie (Alex), Nick (Jayme), Chelsea, Keeley (Austen) and Carter (Katie). Great-grandsons: Everett, Kayce, Caiden, and Carson. Special Family Friends, Dean and Delisca, Elian, Kalaya, and Kenna. 

Always loved, forever grateful and forever in our hearts!

Memorial Donations may be made in Toni's name to Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Habitat Trust Fund 9 Lancaster Road, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 1M8. In living memory of Toni, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries).

Chrystine Dacey - Funeral Director/ Blake Seebach- Funeral Director