Mom passed away peacefully from her earthly life, at home in Thunder Bay, with her daughters by her bedside, and into the hands of our Lord, with song and prayer.
Born in Bruno, Saskatchewan, Mom was the second oldest of eleven children. She grew up on a farm among a close, musical, fun-loving, hard-working, Christian family. She became a Registered Nurse and helped deliver her youngest sibling, Ruth. Mom was the piano and accordion player for all gatherings, especially Christmas.
Mom met the love of her life, Bert Shasko, on a blind date, where Dad showed off his love of harmless mischief. They were married in Bruno's Roman Catholic Church and, due to unforeseen circumstances, had their reception in the loft of the barn (ladder access only). There was laughter, home-grown music and dancing!
She was whisked off the prairies to a very remote Northern Ontario community (train access only) of Webster, later transferring to McIntosh and then to Sioux Lookout. It was a big adjustment for a prairie girl and she used her time and nursing skills to help anyone in need. In the Sioux, she worked as an RN at the hospital full time for many years, while helping to raise their five children. Mom enjoyed friendships, square dancing competitions, boating, and gardening. She was a committed church and CWL member. The next move was to Thunder Bay, where they felt there was more opportunities for schooling. Mom continued as an RN at Grandview Lodge, part-time, until her retirement. After retirement, Mom and Dad moved to Saskatoon to help look after their aging Mothers. Many of Mom's siblings lived in Saskatchewan and she enjoyed many a walk to a favorite 'Timmie's' for coffee, conversation and laughs, with her sisters, Bernice, Adelaide, Ruth, and any others who were in town. They returned to live in Thunder Bay and close to their children in their later years.
Faith and family were very important to Mom. Wherever Mom lived, there was always a spare bed or two for visitors and meals with fresh baked buns and desserts. A 'Cream Noodle' meal was a truly unique and special event!! She lived with humility, kindness, compassion, humor, music and prayer. Mom was devoted to St. Therese of Lisieux and Mother Mary, all her life.
Ramona is survived and lovingly remembered by her children Reg, Marcia (Marcel), Monelle (Dave), Ruthanne, and Russell, and her beloved grandson Joseph, all of Thunder Bay. She is also survived by her siblings Vic (+Ria) (BC), Ed (+Mary Alice)(AB), Adelaide(SK), Myra (+Maurice)(SK) and Ruth (SK), as well as numerous nephews, nieces and friends. She was predeceased by her parents Edward and Adelheid Hergott, her beloved husband Bert, her siblings Wilfred, Harold, Al, Bernice, Virgie and in-laws Don, Virgie, Anne and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Ramona's family would like to thank the caring staff of Bayshore who assisted Mom with her personal care, while living her final years at home, especially Veronica and Ida and her palliative care nurses Steven and Crystal. Thankyou also to the staff at Willow Place, who made Mom's occasional respite periods enjoyable and comfortable.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass at 10:30 am in Holy Family R.C. Church, celebrated by Rev. Doug McClure. A private interment will follow. A live stream of the service can be found on the Blake Funeral Chapel Facebook page www.facebook.com/BlakeFuneralChapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ramona's favorite charities would be appreciated: Thunder Bay's Dew Drop Inn, Salvation Army, Holy Family Renovation Fund, and the Monastery of Mount Carmel / Society of the Little Flower.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
