SHERILYN ANN STEPHEN (KOLISNYK)

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SHERILYN ANN STEPHEN

After a brief illness, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mom Sherilyn Ann Stephen (nee Kolisnyk) on December 8, 2021, at the age of 72 years.
Sheryl will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her children: Jeffrey (Susan) and daughter Kathryn; Craig (Sandra) and children, Lauren and Clay; and Allison (Nicole) and children, Caleb and Lily; her mother Frances Kolisnyk; sister Marlene Cooper, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Sheryl was born in Winnipeg and grew up in East Kildonan, where she made many lifelong friends. In the 1950s her family purchased a cabin on the lakefront in South Beach, Gimli, which became their favourite summer destination. It is also where she met the love of her life Allan, whose family had a cottage down the road. She would always fondly tell stories of how they met and those early days of courtship at the beach. This was a love story that lasted for 46 years.
Sheryl graduated with her teaching certificate from the University of Manitoba. She married Allan in 1969 and soon after left for Toronto to begin their married lives and new careers in the big city. They moved back to Winnipeg a few years later to be closer to their roots and start a family. They settled in Southdale, where they raised their three children and were active members of the community through their kids' sports, music, church and volunteer work.
Mom loved the role of being a stay-at-home mom. She thrived on nurturing her family through delicious home-cooked meals, baking, and keeping the household running smoothly. She also took time to stay active through exercise and daily walks with friends. Mom was an accomplished sewer; from making her own clothes in her youth to sewing doll clothes and costumes for her kids and grandkids. Over the years she hosted many family gatherings, which brought everyone together on a regular basis.
In Mom and Dad's retirement years they found many opportunities to travel with friends and family. They particularly enjoyed wintering in Texas, where they took up square dancing as a newfound activity.
Mom's five grandkids were her pride and joy. She loved spending time with them and was always creating fun environments where they could work on crafts, bake, and make special memories together.
Very thoughtful and caring, Sheryl would always put others before herself. She was a true angel in this world and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A service will be held at the Windsor Park United Church, 1062 Autumnwood Drive on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Fully vaccinated attendees and masks required as per COVID protocols.
In remembrance of Sheryl's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Windsor Park United Church.

E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2021