Heather Jean (nee MacDonald) Shopka, wife, sister, aunt and friend to so many, was delivered into the Lord’s caring embrace at the gentle age of 72. Her final journey took place on October 22, 2016 at the Vulcan Community Health Centre.
From a very early age, Heather’s compassionate and caring nature drew her towards a career in nursing, followed by a career in teaching. Her skills, personality, compassion and quest for travel took her overseas for many years where she continued her nursing and teaching calling.
Heather’s vast experience prepared her for life as an army wife when she met and married her husband of forty five years, Mike. In every country their nomadic life took them, Heather’s exuberance for life, her caring nature and her love of people surrounded her with new friends who loved her.
After choosing Vulcan as their place of residence, she immersed herself into the community. Heather felt the pulse of this small community and was a great contributor to all the groups in Vulcan and surrounding areas – whether it was through her volunteer work or her gifts of the vast array of baking and cooking she generously distributed. It is said that you haven’t really lived until you tasted one of Heather’s butter tarts or meat pies.
As her step-father before her, Maurice, (who was past president, Welfare Officer and Zone Commander of the Legion in Waseca, SK), Heather used her tireless energy, her organizational skills, her loyalty and compassion and along with her husband Mike, devoted their lives to the honour and dignity of all veterans and their families, and to the success of Vulcan Legion Branch #21, as well as the Ogden Legion Branch #154.
Heather’s absence is a great loss, not only to the Vulcan Legion where she became President and Chaplain, but to a community as a whole and to the many, many friends who loved and treasured her.
Heather is survived by her loving husband Mike, sister Sandra and step-brother Maurice Jr. (Joyce). She took joy in the lives of her niece Carolanne and nephews Roy, Morgan and Mark. She was predeceased by her father James MacDonald, mother Helen and step-father Maurice Tomarret.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Heather’s honour on Tuesday, November 29th, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Vulcan Legion Hall (240 Sinclair Road).
If so desired, Tributes in Heather’s memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #100, 119 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB T1J 2H1.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Mike …
We will so miss one of the greatest neighbours we have ever had. We were shocked and saddened on Heather’s sudden passing, along with our families and grandkids who so loved their “Auntie Heather” and “Uncle Mike”! Heather was always so supportive and caring about everyone in her realm of the community. Our hearts ache for your sorrow and we want you to know that we are always “next door” for you anytime. Our deepest condolences,
Your friends and neighbours,
Norm and Karen
So sorry for your loss, Mike. I have many wonderful memories of our times in Germany. Please call whenever you’re in Winnipeg. The world truly lost a wonderful person, and heaven got an angel.
OUR CONDOLENCES TO MIKE AND ALL HEATHER’S FAMILY AT HOME AND AT THE LEGION. MY WIFE PAT AND I HAVE KNOWN HEATHER FOR ABOUT 8 YEARS SINCE WE TRANSFERRED TO THE VULCAN LEGION. HEATHER WAS THE VULCAN LEGION AND WORKED HARD AS A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND AS PRESIDENT. SHE DID EVERYTHING IN HER POWER TO MAKE THE VULCAN LEGION ONE OF THE BEST AROUND. SHE HELPED ME GAIN MY VETERAN STATUS WITH THE LEGION AND HAD ME SEND AWAY FOR MY VETERAN NUMBER SO I COULD BECOME AN ORDINARY MEMBER AND NOT AN ASSOCIATE. WE WILL ALL MISS HER.
So sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. Saddened that Heather and I lost touch after her move from Calgary. I greatly enjoyed the years that Heather and I worked together at Byron’s Plumbing. We had the same sense of out there humour which made for many many belly laughs. My sympathy and condolences for Mike and Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
I was saddened to hear the news of Heather passing. Although I did not know her well she made me feel very appreciated through my dealings with her at the legion. My condolences to all.
Mike I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences
Mike I’m very sorry to hear about the Passing of Heather please accept my sympathies she was a very lovely lady and I know everyone will miss her a lot. My prayers are with you Mike.
John and Patricia DeMerchant
Mike, Sandra Maurice
Eileen and I always enjoyed meeting my brothers daughters even though these were few and far between.
My sincere sympathies.
Gilbert
So sorry to hear the sad news. Heather was a wonderful friend, full of life and fun, always willing to help others. Our thoughts and prayers are will you, Mike, and we want to express our deepest condolences to you.
Mike: So very sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. Remembering only good times with both of you. Thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. We have very fond memories of Heather. Heather’s great sense of humor and infectious laugh made her always fun to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mike.
Love from Ron & Donna Windsor
Mike, I am so sorry to hear about her sudden passing. To us, Heather was like a mom, grandma, aunt, sister, and friend all rolled into one. We will miss her on our camping trips out to Little Bow Provincial Park when you guys would come out for a visit even though she was always ‘busier than a one-armed coat hanger’. My girls, myself and my husband loved her dearly and will miss her terribly. You are in our thoughts.
So sorry to hear of Heathers passing. We spent many years going to school together and living across the back alley in Mervin.
Our condolences to Mike. Heather was our good friend and neighbor both in Calgary and Vulcan. She will be dearly missed by the town and the Legion.
So sorry to hear the sad news. Just talked with Heather last week. A great loss to the Town & The Vulcan Legion. Our condolences to Mike & family. Doug & Rita Day
Mike so very sorry to hear of Heather passing she was a beautiful lady with a super big heart for all around her. Al and I send our deepest sympathy to you at this extremely sad time. We keep you in our prayers.
So sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. Our sympathies to Mike and family. We remember Heather as a vital, cheery woman who was ready to take on any work for the benefit of others. I’m sure the community will miss her greatly.