Sherry Lee Anne Mielke

We are all saddened by the passing of Sherry Lee-Ann Mielke on October 20, 2012 at the Assiniboia Union Hospital at the age of 51.

Sherry was born on September 2, 1961 at the Quill Lake Hospital to parents, Henry and Esther Gallant. That year in May their home burned down, so they lived in a garage while Henry built a house. To cook on and for warmth they had an old fashioned cook stove with a water reservoir on the side. That is where Esther would put Sherry’s basket to keep the tiny baby warm. On October 8, 1961, in a snowstorm, they were able to move into the basement of their new house. Sherry was a happy, healthy little girl. She went to school in Spalding and then on to the Canadian Union College in Lacombe, AB, where she graduated from Grade 12. Sherry met Bill at a concert in Regina and they were married in 1982. To this happy couple was born 3 children – Austin, Dylan and Kelsie. Sherry was a good Mum and homemaker. She was devoted to family and she also loved to entertain, make special dishes for holidays and special occasions. They were very hospitable and their home was always open to visitors, friends and family. Sherry also had an interest in the community and helping others. She was involved in local 4-H sewing class and served on local school boards. Sherry was a devoted mother when it came to sports, skiing trips and shopping. She was a diligent baseball coach in Limerick and took two consecutive league championships. She enjoyed doing crafts and even opened a little craft shop which she operated for some time. She also agreed to be involved with the Wood Mountain Fire Department, organizing, bookkeeping and ordering supplies. The Wood Mountain Regional Park board and the Wood Mountain Hall also obtained her help for many years, making improvements, organizing events such as the Quad Rallies. Then Sherry took an administration course and was hired as the Village Administrator and then also as R.M. Administrator – jobs she loved. The White Mud Industries opened and urged Sherry to join their business, to which she finally agreed and was a welcome addition to their staff. As if her hands weren’t full enough, she also agreed to be a first responder and was called many times to respond to accidents and to help save lives. Sherry was very involved with the Park and knew it needed a new swimming pool. She was instrumental in getting a Government grant to get this project started. Even though Sherry’s health was beginning to fail, she, with the help of the community, brought this project to completion and now the Park has a brand new pool and buildings. Sherry was always called on to help with weddings, grads or any special functions going on and she did enjoy that. She always cared for others and loved to help out. Sherry will be loved and cherished in the memories of her family and friends forever.

Predeceased by son Austin in 1999, father Henry in 2004, infant brother Terry Allan in 1965, father-in-law William in 2002 and brother-in-law Ed in 2012, Sherry is survived by her husband Bill, son Dylan, daughter Kelsie; step-daughter Karen (Cory); mother Esther Gallant; sister Sandy (Ken); brothers Garry (Myrna), Terry (Debbie) and Carson (Lori); grandfather Allen Wood; mother-in-law Bertha; brothers-in-law Emil (Gwen), Ervin (Diane), Gene and Barry (Dora); sisters-in-law Twyla, Elaine (Wilf) and Bonnie (Lenard); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A Private Family Funeral Service was held October 23, 2012 at the Alliance Church, Assiniboia, SK. Pastor Rick Aupperle officiated. Interment followed in Morgan Cemetery, Wood Mountain, SK. Donations in Memory of Sherry may be made to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, gift to support Allan Blair Cancer Centre or Screening Program for Breast Cancer, 204 - 3775 Pasqua St., Regina, SK S4S 9Z9. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com