Sheryl Anne Shantz (née Hartney)
December 8, 2024
With deep sorrow we share the passing of Sheryl Anne Shantz (Hartney). Sheryl left this world at the age of 57 after a courageous battle with ALS, passing peacefully on the morning of December 8, 2024, in the comfort of her home and surrounded by her family.
While the pain of her passing is immeasurable, she leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, adventure, and devotion.
Sheryl was a loving and devoted wife of 32 years to her husband, Clare Shantz and mother to her three children: Tanner Shantz, Madison Shantz, and Kaleigh Gaunt (Adam).
Sheryl was a cherished sister to Joe Hartney (Robyn), Patricia Morross, and Sean Hartney (Barb). She was also a very special daughter to Jackie Hartney and her pre-deceased father, Patrick Hartney.
Sheryl was diagnosed with ALS in August of 2023 and spent her last year of life, like all of her years prior, surrounded by friends, traveling the world with her husband, growing in her faith in God, and pouring everything she had left into her children and family.
Sheryl was a woman of incredible faith, drive, and passion. She accomplished many things in her lifetime, all of which defined the life lived in her years; “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years”.
Sheryl was an athlete. She showed us that dedication and perseverance will take you anywhere you want to go. Her sense of adventure took her to places all around the world. She ran many races, including a marathon, and fulfilled her dream of hiking the Camino trail. All of these required strength, endurance, and optimism, which were some of her greatest characteristics.
Her achievements extend beyond her athletic endeavors, as she was also a brilliant and accomplished professional. She received a Science lab technology diploma from Fanshawe College. She later went on to get a bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Ontario to further her career in microbiology with Parmalat Canada. She dedicated herself to her work in science with the same passion and diligence that she put into every aspect of her life. Sheryl’s contributions to her field touched everyone she worked with, and her professional achievements stand as a testament to her intelligence and determination.
One of her biggest values was giving back. She was involved in many volunteer initiatives, such as serving within her church with the seniors, leading Earth Day initiatives at work, and volunteering on the board for My Sisters’ Place charity. Sheryl was always ready to give of herself to help others.
In every area of her life, as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, or a colleague, Sheryl exemplified grace, kindness, and strength. She showed us what it meant to live a full life, to be present for the people she loved, and to trust in God always.
Her legacy is not just something left behind in memories but something that ripples outward, touching lives in ways both profound and enduring, as she will be missed deeply and remembered always.
So long as we live, she shall live within us.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. There will be a funeral service on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, followed by a reception at 12:30 p.m. at Riverbend Golf Community Club House, 1200 Sandy Somerville Drive, London, Ontario. Interment will take place at a later date.
A livestream of the service will be available for those unable to attend in person. To access the livestream, please click here: Remembering Sheryl.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Sheryl to ALS Canada. https://donate.als.ca/page/116715/donate/1
Leave a tribute for Sheryl Anne Shantz (née Hartney)
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A donation has been made to ALS.
Sheryl was a beautiful person, and her light and joy touched everyone she met. As part of our life group, when we were first married, Sheryl was a mentor and a blessing to us through her strong faith and kindness. We are so grateful to have known you and we pray that the comfort of Christ be with your family.
Clare, Tanner, Madison, Kaleigh: There are so few words of comfort that can ease your pain and heartache over the loss of Sheryl Ann your wife and your mother. Her love, kindness and faith touched everyone who knew her. My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere sympathy to you Clare. Sorry to hear of Sheryl’s passing. We will remember her as a friendly young person. Thinking of you, may God give you strength to keep going. Love & prayers Henry &. Edna
My deepest condolences to the family. Sheryl was a vibrant and happy person, I had the privilege of working with her. May God bless the family with peace & strength.
Clare, Tanner, Madison & Kaleigh, We are so sorry for your tremendous loss of your beautiful wife and mom. She was an amazing person and you are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve this profound loss. Dave & Deb & family
A donation has been made to ALS.
She was such a light 💕 when we first joined the family Sheryl was so welcoming and warm. Her smile made you felt seen and heard. She will be missed. Our hearts are you. With the donation to ALS, may the continued research help future ALS patients and families.
Sheryl was more than a coworker to me. Her warmth and light touched everyone around her, leaving an indelible mark on our lives. It feels deeply unfair that someone so good and so full of love has been taken from us far too soon. In this time of sorrow, my thoughts and prayers go out to her family. May you find strength in her memory and solace in the love she brought to your lives. And may her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.
Clare and family, we are so saddened to hear of Sheryl's passing. She had a contagious energy and spirit that lit up a room. She was kind and always so positive and had this gift where she could make big problems seem so manageable. You knew that Sheryl truly enjoyed life. While I've never had the pleasure of meeting your kids Clare, I know the job she cherished the most was being a mom to Tanner, Madison and Kaleigh and of course being your wife. Our heartfelt love and sympathy to you all, she will be missed.
A donation has been made. Message from the donator: Sincerest sympathies to the Shantz and the Hartney family during this difficult time.
A donation has been made to ALS Our condolences to the Hartney and Shantz family. Sheryl’s huge heart spirit and smile will be remembered forever
A donation has been made to ALS Society of Canada. Message from the donator: With deepest sympathy. Sheryl will be remembered always. She was a very special person.
Sheryl had a smile that was always warm and inviting, just like her entire soul. My condolences Clare to you and your family. May God comfort you and bless you with strength and peace. God bless.
Deepest condolences to the family. I had privilege of working with Sheryl and knowing her. Full of vibrance and such a happy and content soul. You Will be missed Sheryl.
Our deepest sympathies. Sheryl was sunshine. We wish you healing and peace. Karen & Rob
It is amazing to hear about the strength, grace and unwavering faith Sheryl embodied as she battled such a terrible ailment. Also endearing was the gentle way you catered to her continued adventurous spirit for travel and experiences. May you find solace in the precious memories you shared with the knowledge that she is now in the presence of her Lord where there is no more pain or sorrow. Godspeed to her. I am so sorry for your loss Clare and family.
My deepest sympathy to Clare and family, Bill and I knew Sheryl as a very kind and caring neighbour who lived her faith by her actions. When Bill was ill she arrived at our door with delicious banana bread for him, not just dropping it off but sitting and chatting with him. Shortly after Bill passed away she arrived at our door with her shepherds pie and an offer to make a pillow out of one of Bill’s flannel shirts, which she did within 2 days and my daughter treasures it. There certainly is another star in the sky tonight. My heartfelt love and sympathy to Clare and all of her loved ones.
Sheryl was an incredible light in our lives. For over 20 years, I had the privilege of working with her, and her energy, infectious laugh, and radiant smile made every day brighter. To Clare and the kids, my heartfelt condolences. 💔
A donation has been made to ALS
Death takes the body. God takes the soul. Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again. Our deepest and most sincere condolences Clare. Thinking of you and your family during this time. May your beautiful wife Sheryl rest in eternal peace.
Clare, Tanner, Madison, Kaleigh and family, Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of Sheryl. Sheryl was a force of nature and she lit up every room. Whether she was giving a guest lecture in Carol's microbiology class at Fanshawe or helping fellow TRU wives through it all, Sheryl's kindness knew no bounds We are heartbroken for you, but know that her light & love will continue to shine through you all.
A donation has been made. Message from the donator: To the Shantz family, My deepest condolences to hear about your loss. Sheryl was a force of light and a heart full of love. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
To the Shantz family, We are so saddened to hear of Sheryl's passing. She so generously gave of her time and talents and we are grateful to have known her. Please know we are holding you in our hearts.
Clare, Tanner, Madison, Kaleigh and Family, My deepest condolences to all of you. I’m very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Dwayne Frook
Our deepest condolences Clare and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From the Grove family Deb, Mark, Phil, Steve
Clare and family, Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Remember all the great times that you had with Sheryl, a wonderful wife, mother and neighbour. Jim, Matt and Patrick McRorie.
Sheryl was truly one of the kindest people I have ever known. She had a way of leaving a lasting imprint on both your memory and your heart. I will forever be grateful to her for the kindness, wisdom, and guidance she showed as a mentor and friend to my son during his time at Parmalat. Her impact will always be cherished and remembered. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Margarita Sanchez-Favro (Ricardo's mom)
My deepest condolences to the family. Sheryl was a remarkable person who was always full of light and life. I have many memories from the past that were always filled with laughter and adventure. From learning how to rollerblade to tap dancing and singing karaoke on New Year’s Eve. While my path took me away from London and it has been some time since we saw each other, the posts and pictures that Sheryl shared online reminded me of how much she loved life, her family and her many friends. I am grateful for having known her and my heart breaks with the thought she is no longer with us. But I know her light will continue to shine brightly.
A donation has been made to ALS.
My sincere condolences to Clare and family. Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting Sheryl, Clare spoke often of her selfless support of his service to community in his many roles with the OPP. God bless!
Claire , the kids and the Hartney family my deepest condolences for the loss of Sheryl. She will always be remembered as someone who always lit up the room with her smile and presence. Even though I didn’t see her often but when I did her smile and hugs were unforgettable. She was an amazing woman , she will be missed but not forgotten.
Clare, Tanner, Madison and Kaleigh, please accept our deepest condolences. We will forever treasure all of our travel memories and good times in Grand Bend. Sheryl had such a joy of living and will always be remembered as a beautiful, kind and caring woman. Sending love, Doug and Linda
Our deepest sympathies Clare and family. We also have Aunt Jackie in our prayers. Glad you have each other and your memories xo
Services for Sheryl Anne Shantz (née Hartney)
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 12, 2024 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 12, 2024 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 13, 2024 11:00 am
Reception will be held at:
RiverBend Golf Community Club House
1200 Sandy Somerville Drive
London, Ontario
December 13, 2024 12:30 pm
Make a donation
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My deepest condolences to Clare and the family.
~ Monika Rhodes