“When tomorrow starts without me and I am not there to see if the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me, I want so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today. While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say, I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time you think of me know I miss you too. But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand and said my place was ready in heaven above.”

It is with great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude we announce the passing of one of God’s most divine souls, our Mom, Maria Johanna Adriana Sheddy (nee DeJong), known to most as Marjo Sheddy. Marjo passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Edmonton, Alberta, after a short but courageous battle of pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren as she took her last breath and journeyed off with angels to the Heaven’s above.

Marjo was born on April 19, 1947 in Tilburg, Netherlands where she lived until a young age at which her parents, herself and two sisters ventured on to make Canada their home. They settled in Calgary, Alberta where she completed school and enjoyed extra curricular activities. Mom’s favourite was basketball, even though she was shorter than most of the team, she never gave up and played hard. After graduating mom made the move to Drumheller, Alberta where she started her family and lived there for many years until recently moving to Edmonton, Alberta. Mom enjoyed family, friends, reading, cross stitch, gardening, birds, being in the mountains, her Netflix shows and movies, puzzles, music and attending her grandchildren’s sports. She made the most of any day no matter what was going on.

Our mom always dedicated her life to helping others with her career choices at the Metis Heritage Friendship Center in Calgary, Director of the Drumheller Day Care, Program Coordinator for the Town of Drumheller, her role as the Native Liaison Officer with Corrections Canada and the small retirement jobs she worked at right up until her passing. The extra roles she took on being the leader of Girl Guides Canada, sitting on the board for Restorative Justice, driving the school bus and working at Walmart, she never ever left anyone who needed support go without love. Regardless of what her endeavors entailed, she always did everything with honesty, integrity, and grace. Mom was the perfect example of what love is. Even when faced with some of life’s largest adversities she remained steadfast and dedicated to over come the obstacles. Mom was always kind and cheerful to everyone who crossed her path, never worrying about herself but always putting the well being of others first. Her vibrancy and selfless giving nature always made occasions special, she went above and beyond to show her unconditional and non-judgemental love. Numerous times Mom would help out families in need and never expected anything in return. Mom was always employed, sometimes with two to three jobs to make our home stable and give her children what they needed. We are so proud of how hard she worked for us to give us a wonderful quality of life. Mom was also a second mom to all of our friends and to her last day she still kept in touch with them. She loved everyone and left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Loreina, Patrick, and Jenny Sheddy mourn the loss of their true supporter, biggest fan and the one person who loved them unconditionally but are so proud of her grace and bravery over the last few months. She is our hero. She gave us so many life lessons and we will carry on her huge heart with passion. No words will ever be enough to explain how much love she has given us. Her memory will live on through us kids and her grandkids.

Our mom was the most wonderful Grandma, going above and beyond to support and show grace to her grandchildren, Jadin, Madyson, Toni, Emma, Oliver, and Sylas. She learned how to do Tik Toks like no other Grandma. Mom made the best home-made french fries, and the grandkids never complained with her toast and chocolate sprinkles for breakfast. She loved her grandchildren more than anything and will now watch over them from above.

Mom was extremely passionate with our family, trying to organize and remember all the birthdays and special occasions. A day was never missed that we didn’t get a good morning or good night text message. She will be missed by her great friend, Alain, and friends and family in Calgary and Drumheller, Alberta, as well as her sister, Rian DeJong.

Marjo was predeceased by her parents, Augustinus ‘Gus’ and Elisabeth ‘Betty’ De Jong, her younger sister, Josie Smith, as well as some cousins, aunts, and uncles who she deeply cared for. She was hit hard with the loss of her son, Jamaal ‘Jim’ Peter Sheddy in 2017. We are sure Jim was there to greet Mom and take her hand, walking by her side through the heavenly gates. We said our goodbye and he said his hello.

It was at Mom’s request that no public Celebration of Life will be held. If desired, Memorial Donations may be made to a Charity that means something to you, please donate on behalf of my Mom, because family was everything to her. We thank you for your support, kind words as we navigate life without our Mom, Grandma, and best friend. We held her hand for the last time on December 5, 2023 but we always feel her touch. If her heart touched you, feel blessed and carry that love forward.

“So when tomorrow starts without me don’t think we are far apart for every time you think of me I am right here in your heart”

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2023-12-23
• Location : Locally Family Owned (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com