Obituary of Sheila Sylvia Klauke

Sheila Sylvia Mary Klauke, at 87 years of age, went to Heaven on New Years Day 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia, after a long and difficult journey with lung disease. 

For 58 years, Sheila was the beloved wife of John “Jack” Klauke who passed away in 2015. They were the proud parents and grandparents of what has become a very large family that includes Katherine (Jamie) Maczko, Michael (Wendy) Klauke, Joanne Klauke-Labelle (Deceased - 2015) and Elizabeth Klauke (Deceased- 2006). Fondly known as “Oma” to her grandchildren; Sarah Wilson (Chris), James Maczko, David Maczko (Erica), Harley (Amanda) Klauke, Nicholas Klauke (Deceased- 2022), Julianne Walker (Michael), Brittany Desveaux (Meghan), Jessica Nash, Christopher Nash, John Nash, Randy Labelle and Jessie Labelle. Sheila was also affectionately known as “Grand Oma” to 15 great grandchildren and has held many nieces and nephews very close to her heart. Sheila is survived by her dearest twin sister, Sister Shirley Morris and has been predeceased by a family that has surely welcomed her home, including her parents, Fred and Edith Morris, as well as her siblings Phyllis Binette (Jerry), Andrew Morris (Jean), Fred Morris (Shirley Ann) and Rosemarie Petrash (Stan).

Whenever Sheila was asked about her career, she always told people that she was a “secretary”, somehow giving the feeling that the title of being a “stay at home mom” was not enough. In reality however, Sheila left that secretarial world when she married Jack in 1957 to become a “traditional” Home Maker, of the 1950’s. She raised 4 children, loved gardening, was an active community volunteer and developed exceptional crafting skills in paper toile, painting and knitting. She was a woman of great faith and was active in the Catholic movements of CFM, Marriage Encounter, CWL, COR and Cursillo. She did go back to school at one point to get her GED, but primarily she was the backbone of Jack being able to develop his own professional aspirations and of building the family’s most treasured cottage on Jackson Cove in the Bruce Peninsula. Sheila was truly the “unsung” hero of the Klauke family, but her importance was always reverberated in our dad’s voice, when he bellowed “SHEILA”.  Anyone who knew them together, will remember this sound, which fell silent for her in 2015, when our dad passed away. With faith and certainty however, we believe that the first thing our mom Sheila will have heard when she passed through Heaven’s gates…was that unforgettable voice, calling her name once again…” SHEILA” …welcome home!

On behalf of Sheila’s family, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all the people who loved and cared for our mother, throughout her illness and especially over these last few months. We are especially grateful for the Landmark staff and Wellness Team; Dr. David Kim, Dr. Crombeen and the Palliative Care Team; Nurses and Volunteers at St. Joseph’s Hospice;  Home and Community Care (Sarah Tius); Bayshore Nurses (Blaine); VON – especially Mary and Amanda and most especially, Margaret Potter who has been a beloved friend, advocate and spiritual warrior…..there are no words to express our deepest thanksgiving for your care, love and support.

Sheila’s cremation has already taken place on January 2, 2024. Visitation will be held at McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from12:00 to 1:30p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church following visitation on Saturday, January 13th at 2:00 p.m. The mass will be live streamed.  Please go to the web site sarniacatholic.ca and in the top right hand side of the site is the link for You tube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-J7SLoF9enNCR6dwEM--uw. A private family ceremony will be held for Interment at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery on a different date. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish, may send memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 475 N. Christina St. Sarnia, N7T 5W3. (cheques only at the funeral home please) Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com