In Loving Memory of
Sally Shmyr
(Maiden: Melnyk)

of Grande Prairie, Alberta
August 31, 1922 - September 13, 2021

Sally Shmyr

August 31, 1922 - September 13, 2021

Sally (Savilia) Shmyr of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away with four generations of family by her side at Prairie Lake Hospice on September 13, 2021 at the age of 99.

Mom is survived by her children Lorraine (Dan) Dolhan, Ardi (Sid) Talsma, Ernie Shmyr, Connie Hval, and daughter-in-law Sharon Shmyr. She has 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.  Mom is also survived by her sister Emily Beiersdorfer and a large extended family.  She was predeceased by her husband Joe (1986), daughter-in-law Janice (2008), son Raymond (2013), and brothers Jack (infant), Orist (2003), and Steve (2021) Melnyk.

Mom was the eldest of five children born to Axenty and Natalka Melnyk in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. The Melnyks relocated to the Codesa area of the Peace Country in the early 1930s.  Mom worked in Dawson Creek in the early 1940s where she met our Dad. They were married in 1944 and farmed in the Belloy area until 1980, when they retired to Fairview, AB. In 1993, Mom moved to the Dieppe Manor in Grande Prairie and then to the Heritage Lodge in 2008 until her passing.

Mom lived a long, full, active and healthy life. While her passing saddens us, we are deeply grateful for the many years we shared.  Her family and community were her lifelong passions. Mom loved to entertain, she enjoyed gardening and dancing, she loved to play games and was especially skillful at cribbage. Mom was able to connect with folks across five generations: either by calling them to see how they were doing, feeding them, or offering holistic home remedies for any ailment. She loved people.

Our family would like to acknowledge both the staff and residents of Mom’s home at the Heritage Lodge for the fellowship and care received while she lived there. We will miss you. Also to the staff at the QE2 Hospital and Prairie Lake Hospice, for your care and compassion for our Mom and guidance to our family.  Thank you.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Grande Spirit Foundation.  Please specify “Heritage Lodge,” at 10111-96th Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 1Z8, or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Sally Shmyr Tribute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOOtl7zpvnU