Shay Van Wyk

Shay Van Wyk
Appleton

Died Saturday, September 21, 2002, the first day of Autumn, at Cherry Meadows. She was born to the late Fred and Mary (Dowhy) Stutz in Madison, WI. Shay married Robert Van Wyk on November 29, 1941 in Appleton; he preceded her in death in 1979.

Shay was very active in community service. She was President and member of “Kimberlaires” Chapter of Sweet Adelines, an advisor for Appolo Flor Theta Rho Girls Club, Co-Chairman of the Red Cross School Health Program, Speech Coordinator for A.F.S. program at Appleton East H.S., a life member and volunteer with Appleton Medical Center Auxillary and Member of the Deborah Rebekah Lodge #13. Shay was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church where she had taught Sunday School. Other favorite times were spent with family or in her car with friends, driving on country roads to view fall’s changing colors, see the migrating flights of waterfowl, enjoy holiday decorations of homes in the valley, or spot springs early blooms of trillium, crocus and tulips.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Linda) Van Wyk; her daughter, Sherrie (Ammar) Saadeh; three grandchildren, Tim (Lisa) Van Wyk, Peter Van Wyk and Annis Saadeh; two great grandchildren, Peter and Nicole Van Wyk; a brother, Don (Nellie) Stutz; three sisters, Gloria Stutz, Alyce (Bill) Beld and Ruth (Jim) Bengel; two sisters-in-law, Therese Stutz and Gin Drew; many wonderful caring nieces and nephews and dear friends, Phyllis (Tom) Gambsky.

She was preceded in death by her son, Richard “Dick” Van Wyk, a brother, Howard Stutz and a sister, Marie Stutz.

The Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2002, at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH of CHRIST, 724 East South River Street, Appleton with Rev. Jane Weeden officiating. Friends and family will be received on Friday at Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial is being established in her name.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231

MY MOTHER KEPT A GARDEN

My Mother kept a garden,
A garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave my life its start

She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem…

And when the winds and rain came,
she protected me enough—
But not too much because she knew
I’d need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong—
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother’s garden,
I am her legacy—
And hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me.
Author unknown

We will miss you, Mom