Obituary of Sharon Anne Melnyk

***Due to unforseen technical difficulties, part of the eulogy delivered for Sharon during the livestream of her service was not able to be heard. We sincerely apologize. Please see the written version of the eulogy following her obituary below:

"Please click here to view the livestream of the service".

Sharon Anne Melnyk, age 58, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2022 -- A loving and beautiful person lost far too soon. Sharon was predeceased by her parents George (1998) and Dorothy (2012) Melnyk, and her partner Dennis (Zack) Schlechter (2008), as well as her fur babies Bailey, Cody and Angel. She will be sadly missed by her siblings: Georgina Carter, Mike (Heather) Melnyk, Marilyn (Tim) Klock; her nieces and nephews: Meagan Melnyk (Matt Betham), Nigel Carter, Timara Klock, Matthew Melnyk, Angela Carter; great nephews: Austin, Rhett, and Wyatt Betham; Zack’s siblings and family; long-time best friend and extended family member Sheila Mann and the entire Mann family; as well as numerous cousins and friends who were all family to Sharon. Sharon worked for the Provincial Government for 35 years. She took early retirement in 2016 and was enjoying her dream of retirement. After a few years, Sharon decided she was too young to fully retire and looked for part-time work. She accepted an offer for a full-time term position back with the Government which she thoroughly enjoyed, especially when Covid hit, and she was able to work from home with her furry feline companion Meeko. Sharon worked with her team of close colleagues, whom she considered friends. She had a love of all animals; her yard always had feeders for the squirrels and birds, and she also fed the jackrabbits which came to visit. Sharon loved spending time at the lake camping with Sheila and she spent countless hours with her siblings, nieces and nephews doing the things which mattered most to them. She loved spending time with her flowers and gardening in her yard. Sharon touched many lives with her generous, helping and loving attitude. She always tried to do whatever she thought would make others happy. Everyone was always treated like family, whether she knew you for a lifetime or a few hours. Sharon truly believed in organ donations and encouraged people to sign their donor cards. In lieu of flowers, please consider signing your organ donor card or donate to Kinsmen Telemiracle, Regina Humane Society or Regina Cat Rescue. Heartfelt thanks to the very caring, compassionate nurses, as well as Bonnie and Fr JB OKAI for their spiritual care at the Pasqua Hospital who helped Sharon to be as comfortable as possible in her final days. Funeral Service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Masks are required. The service will be livestreamed. Following the service, everyone is welcome to Speers Family Centre for refreshments and visiting. Sharon, you will be greatly missed. 

Eulogy for Sharon Melnyk:

   Good morning to everyone and welcome to Sharon Melnyk’s celebration of life. We are gathered here today to share our sorrow about losing the earthly presence of our precious Sharon. She however will be alive to us in our thoughts and memories. But more importantly we are here to celebrate the life of Sharon.

   It was obvious through reading written memories and having conversations with family and friends that Sharon is very loved by so many. Words that describe her are kind, hospitable and authentic. A woman who had a huge capacity to love others, always making time for family and friends. So, who was Sharon? Well, she was many things but this is how her niece Angela described her: “She was the most genuine, warm, kind, selfless person I have truly ever met and I aspire to be even half the woman she was one day.” Timara wrote, “Her kindness is such an inspiration and how much love she has for everyone is amazing.” 

   Sharon had a happy childhood. She enjoyed helping her Dad on the farm doing chores such as baling hay. But she also was active in household chores and enjoyed going downtown shopping with her mother.

   She loved the outdoors probably because of the farm, and as a teenager Sharon and her sister Georgina went to Camp Monahan where Sharon was named Camper of the Year. And more recently she traveled to Whistler to visit Angela and experience all the region had to offer. Camping was also an activity she loved and shared with family and friends. Things such as mini golf, ice cream and campfires were some things she really enjoyed. And oh yes, there was something about setting a tree on fire when they sent a floatation lantern into the sky. Marilyn? She would also make frequent visits to Weyburn to be with Meagan and family there and apparently liked to get into the middle of a good water balloon fight! Yes, she loved the sun and she traveled to places like Mexico and Cuba. On one such trip she was observed to be crying while snorkelling. When her best friend Sheila asked, “Why the tears?” Sharon’s reply was, “God sure made beautiful things!”

   Sharon had a great love of sports. She and Georgina played softball together. Apparently, she was asked / voluntold by her Dad to be Georgina’s catcher. During a pitching practice, at home a window was broken and the person responsible is yet to be determined! This love of sports came to involve her nieces and nephews with trips to watch Georgina’s softball team and Regina Pats games, among many others.

   And then there was Auntie Day which the nieces and nephews celebrated with Sharon. These involved things like sleepovers, playing in the park and of course meals. One meal in particular was not a big hit with the kids-Fried Kraft Dinner. It seems, unknown to Sharon, her dogs Bailey and Cody ended up getting a special secret supper under the table when Sharon wasn’t looking. Apparently, there was a midnight McDonalds run later that night. Timara summed up Sharon in this way, “Auntie is a big part of why us cousins have such close relationships with each other today”.

   Sheila Mann was Sharon’s “bestie”. They met as teenagers and later together they traveled and camped. Over time Sharon became part of Sheila’s family and was known as “Auntie” by the Mann kids.

   And speaking of family, her work team was that to her as well, as she developed many close friendships there.

   It is next to impossible to say all there is to say about someone so loved as Sharon. Her presence will continue to be felt when we look at her picture, read her words, remember times spent together or catch ourselves laughing over memories of times spent together. Sharon, you were such a big part of all our lives-a beautiful, kind and caring woman. We will miss you so much but know you are with the love of your life, Zack and your dear Mom and Dad. Rest in Peace, Sharon, we love you and thank you for everything you did to make our lives so very special.