Sandy Shumka peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023, with her family by her side. Mum had a very brief illness, which ended a life full of love for her family and friends.
An obituary never quite catches the nuance of a person. Mum was stubborn, and clever, and beautiful. She was always ready to volunteer, whether to quartermaster a Guide camp, or pick up a grandchild from school. She wanted to live, and while her body gave out, her soul lives on in heaven, and her memory will be forever with her husband Syl. Her values and legacy will live on in her daughters and sons in law Karen and Troy, Natalie and Alex, and Allison and Henrik. She will be missed by her grandchildren Brianna, Paula and Kyle, Zoe, Thomas, Mattius, Elena, and Elliot.
Sandy was a lifelong member of the Girl Guides of Canada; she started as a Tawny Owl, became, amongst other roles, a District Commissioner, camp committee member, treasurer, trainer, and finally, Trefoil Guild member. Sandy was always planning some sort of adventure with Trefoil, and many of her friendships were created through Guiding.
Volunteering her time was important to mum; she was often found pinching perogies and rolling cabbage rolls at St Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. Sandy also volunteered many hours with Sendial, and would remind us that she needs to call her people for their orders Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those were Sendial days.
When the youngest of Sandy’s three daughters was in Junior High, she trained to be an Education Assistant, and worked at Victor St. School, and Doncaster Elementary. Her sense of humour and bountiful common sense in such a challenging and yet rewarding job made her a great asset to the school.
When Sandy retired, she enjoyed travelling, sometimes with fellow Guides, and sometimes with her spouse of 50 years, Syl. Together they went to Hawaii, Europe, and Eastern Canada. She’s on to her last big adventure.
Many thanks to the amazing staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Artemis Place.
A private Graveside Funeral will occur early next week. On Friday, May 12, 2023, everyone is invited to share their memories of Sandy at Kingswood Girl Guide Camp, 611 Linnet Lane, 1:00-3:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Blair & Jennifer, Joshua, Luke.
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Gino and Louise Peluso Syl,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. Keeping you in our prayers.
Gino and Louise
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Loretta Slavik Syl & family,
Our condolences on the recent death of your beloved wife, mother & grandmother.
Sandy was ever the cheerful neighbour.
We will miss seeing her on her strolls with Molly on Carman Street.
Thinking of you,
Loretta & Ann
Uncle Syl, cousins and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Auntie Sandra was always a bright light in my childhood and she will be missed.