Obituary of Jill Sheryl Hay

JILL SHERYL (MINTZ) HAY

January 11, 1951 – January 7, 2018

I made the decision to script my own obituary because I was never short on words when alive, so why start now? I have always enjoyed spending my daughter’s inheritance, sorry girls! Now, let’s make this all about me shall we? I had lived a fortunate life. I especially give thanks to my mom and dad, Alex and Mildred (Bodnoff) Mintz and my dear brother Steve (the perfect sibling who was seldom in trouble, unlike moi, the family she-devil), for the childhood I would never trade. Thank you to Russ for our two beautiful daughters, Shana and Bev. Their tenacity could not be from my side of the family (cough) but, ultimately they have the hearts I would want to see in my children. I am truly proud of them both and I will continue to watch over them and their wonderful partners, Steve and Chris after I am gone on this permanent vacation. Love you girls so much. Vern, your death took most of the joy from my life but you never left my mind or heart. Your memory sustained me until my last breath. I can’t wait to see you again.

There have been so many friends who have enriched my life and made me appreciate the gifts of life and friendship. How lucky I was that my path crossed with these people who have made every day special. To my faux daughter Stephanie who helped me with so much, you can conclude this file knowing you aced it. Arlene you gave BFF new meaning every Saturday morning with me hearing your voice (for hours). Lee we had 60 years of friendship, Jo 45 and Susan 39…not bad eh kiddos? My supper gang Nina, Lana and Kim who despite some cooking disasters showed me that friendship obviously trumps food poisoning every time. I will hold our times together so dearly (Kim, use a plate!). Leanne and Don, what pleasure your union gave me. And Don, know why I died? “Because I can!” There have been friends too many to mention but some special warm fuzzies to Lizzy-beth, Linda in Saskatoon, Ang (Moo), Deb G, Ann (aka Susan), Shannon and Stephanie C, your friendships made me love work, not just like it. For those of you I may have missed, my estate can’t afford everyone okay?

I also had the deepest honor to have worked with the people from Regina Police Service. Many from this family continually nurtured my growth, muffled my inappropriate giggles, supported my passion for victims and gave me latitude to try my very best. I could not have been more proud to be a part of their daily lives. They enriched my soul and made me laugh in the same breath…thank you so much. My volunteers at Victim Services, you are unsung heroes. You made me proud. Lastly to the clients whose struggles and triumphs I shared, please know you were my driving force for the continued passion I felt for my work every day. Man, how lucky I was.

There will be a memorial “cocktail party” in celebration of Jill’s life on Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Blue Room in the Hotel Saskatchewan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beth Jacob Synagogue, the Humane Society, or the Canadian Cancer Society.