We at Carpe Diem want to let all our family members know that as in any family, crisis precipitates people coming together and supporting each other. We know that we will support our children, foster parents and staff during this difficult time and if any additional supports are required please contact your Case Manager.
We believe in Carpe Diem meaning that we seize each day to show love and compassion to others.
Love to you and yours
The Carpe Diem Family
**Please feel free to share a memory or leave the family a message in the comment section below
**Please feel free to share a memory or leave the family a message in the comment section below
It is with a smile I think of Shari and the Carpe Diem family today, even during this time of loss. Shari always smiled and it was contagious and she inpired you to do your best, give 200%, to believe in yourself and that every person/child is loved!
ReplyDeleteShari and I connected and I felt she always "got" me which inspired me to go, go, go. Shari always welcomed my ideas, accepted my culture and allowed me to do things "my way". Shari will always be in my heart, mind and soul as I go forward in life, as my inspiration! Thanks for love, support, and being my friend. In thoughts and prayers,
Juanita Parent
Shari was a true inspiration and a joy to be around. I will continue to "seize the day" both in my work with Carpe Diem and in my personal life as a tribute to a wonderful person and friend. Shari you will be dearly missed and my heart goes out to your family as they feel the huge void that you leave.
ReplyDeleteAlways in my prayers,
Charlene Naykalyk
I so remember Shari's words to me at my goodbye party when I left Carpe Diem. She said she remembered me as someone associated with her dad, then as a co-worker, then as a Supervisor, and then as a friend. And it is the friendship that endured. I feel the same way about Shari.
ReplyDeleteHow do you say Goodbye to someone so young, so vibrant and so wonderful? My heart aches for everyone left behind. I am holding your family in my love and light Shari, as I know you are. You truly are an Angel,
Most lovingly,
Sue Bond
I will never forget in the spring of 2011 when Shari and I set up a "Shari" day for her to visit with my homes in Minto and to chat about how I was feeling about life... at work, at home and in general. I had just learned I was going to undergo surgery that summer and I remember talking to Shari about my fears, the unknowns and her reassuring promise that we would come up with a plan together and get through it as a team. And so we did... Shari supported my strong sense of independence, gently reminding me of my role when I needed to be reigned in (it takes a special talent to help set someone kindly in their place and remain their friend and we chuckled over it later)
ReplyDeleteShe had a way of opening her mind to anything and everything a person had to say and for that I shall always remember Shari who was not just a director to answer to but a friend to confide in.
It will be impossible to ever forget the team of angels that is looking down on our carpe diem family every day
Alyssa
shari bought me my very first meal when i moved out onto my own...
ReplyDeleteeveryday i had the chance to see her she was always very happy to see me... ill miss you shari
I'm deeply saddened by Shari's passing. She was a source of joy, empathy and compassion. The world is a better place because she lived!
ReplyDelete"To laugh often and much;
ReplyDeleteto win the respect of the intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child, or
a garden patch,
to know that one life has breathed easier
because you lived here.
This is to have succeeded". (R.W Emerson)
I feel honoured to have known Shari. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
It was a such a pleasure to have crossed paths with Shari in this lifetime . Every single time I would see Shari, she always was so friendly had the biggest smile on her face that would brighten up any persons day. I'm sure she will now be God's favorite Angel. My deepest condolences to Steve and the children, mom Kathy , brother Blair and the rest of her family and cherished friends.... Lorne Deffett and family
ReplyDeleteWe have prayed for Shari and her family every day at dinner over the last month and when we told our kids that she had died, one of our younger boys said, " she was kind to every kid she met, kids remember that".
ReplyDeleteSo true.. Shari had spunky ideas, planned amazing team building activities,got really excited when good things were happening for kids, read and re-read emails she would send out to make sure that they were just right. She took great care when planning for the future.
She took great care to confront people in the kindest manner possible . She was a very cool gal who sent out amazing cards for birthdays, halloween, or just when you needed to be reminded that she noticed you were working hard.
Though I am not in the "building" anymore at Branching Out or Carpe Diem - I still feel connected to the commitment to the Carpe Diem family that Shari inspired as did her Dad as do those that will carry on in their honor.
Safe travels to her.. Prayers to her kids and husband, mother,in laws and siblings who are trying to figure out how to live without her smile.
She will be so missed. Theresa Fraser
Our deepest condolences go out to the Durkin and Lewis families. Also the entire carpe diem family, Shari was a ray of sunshine and she will be fondly remembered.
ReplyDeleteThe Compare family
We were very sorry to hear of Sherri's passing and extend our sincere condolances to her family , the Carp Diem Family and the many whose lives she impacted with her love,passion and wonderful energy!She will be missed by us all.
ReplyDelete"The pain passes, but the beauty remains". Our prayers go out to you all. John and Shabnam Vos and everyone at Sunbeam Lodge
It seems like just yesterday when we were posting comments on Jim's Memorial page. While it is sad news to know that Shari is no longer with us in body, she is always with us in Spirit. Her and Jim are looking down us telling us they have their hands full looking after all the "little characters" wherever they are.
ReplyDeleteI always remember our little chats when I would pick up Dwayne for his weekend/weeks/summer vacations at my place, and then again when I would drop him off. Always a bright smile to meet you at the door, or a friendly, calming ear when I needed to chat on the phone during those nights of screaming (Dwayne, not me...lol).
All of the Lewis and Durkin Families allowed us the pleasure of knowing this amazing young woman. They shared her with us for a very brief time and anyone who had the pleasure of sharing some of that time was truly be blessed for it.
Thanks for being my friend Shari.
Mike Clark
I had the honour of working alongside Shari at Branching Out during the early years as she endeavoured to grow her vision that has become Branching Out. During this time, I saw firsthand Shari’s drive and dedication for excellence; her attention to detail, and her absolute joy as Branching Out became the ‘go to agency’ to service children both from within the larger community and the Carpe Diem family. Her pride of the agency was only surpassed by her true love and pride...her own family. Many times we would be working in the office, doubled over in laughter and wiping the tears from our eyes as she filled me in on the latest antics of Ryan, the fabulous fashion sense of Emily, and wee Grace’s dance moves....she was absolutely dedicated to Steve, Ryan, Emily & Grace.
ReplyDeleteWorking together, there were some tough days, but no matter how difficult our day, Shari made sure to end our time together with her 100 watt smile and a “thanks for everything Jacks!”.
It is my turn to say “Thank you; for everything you were, to every life you touched my Shar-Bear”
With love
Jackie
from the hearts of all the Murphy family I would like to send our love to both the Durkin and Lewis families...and of course to her Aunt Kim.
ReplyDeleteShari was always a positive light in any room she was in and I will always remember her smile.
Mary, Mike, Liam, Sean, Kamal and Jamal
I only knew Shari for a very short time in the big scheme of things but I must say that she truly had a smile that would light up a room. I was introduced to her in her parents driveway, she was leaving and I was coming. She was in the process of wrestling her new puppy into her car so that she could ferry one of her girls to hockey. She was pressed for time and in a rush naturally. Even then I could see that the energy literally flowed from her! No matter when the time or where our paths crossed, her smile was truly infectious. I have no memories of her cross or frowning. Her laughter was contagious and she had the ability to make everyone around her feel at home. She truely took great joy in the world around her and inspired those who knew her to be the best they could be. Her children are truely a delight to behold and I know she took great pride in all three of them. She will be missed by so many and so deeply. Those who touch profoundly have that lasting effect though. Those close to her can take comfort from the lives she touched in such a positive way. Her spirit and presence will live on through her children and her work and her warmth will be felt in this world for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences go out to the Durkin and Lewis families. I worked as Dwains T.A. and respite worker for quiet a few years. Shari and the rest of her family were wonderful to me. I have never met a happier, genuinely nice person in my life. I am very saddened to hear about your loss. She was a wonderful person with a big heart.
ReplyDeleteLaurie Tessier (Kratky)
I am so happy to have known Shari and meet her family. She will truly be missed. The Lewis family have such kind hearts and it saddens me to know that this has happened. My prayers and thoughts are with your family...such a loss.
ReplyDeleteTill we meet again, you will be missed.....
ReplyDeleteWith Love, Tyler, Katie & Sophia
I am sorry to hear about this! My thoughts and prayers go out to kathy!
ReplyDeleteShari was always nice to me and never made me feel like I was "in the way".
I know I am not welcome but please know I am thinking about you guys in this hard time!
Kevin Thompson.
My thoughts are with the Durkin and Lewis family. Shari was a very caring and thoughtful person. Her amazing smile I will always remember. Shari once said she hoped she could fill her fathers shoes after his passing. Well in my eyes Shari, you did an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteShari, I miss you so much, but I am glad I have so many good memories since I was a kid with you, even when I went to your house with fer (the first time I ever took a friend to Canada) and we had pizza in the backyard w/Ry, we were laughing when my pizza feel haha, that day was funny I still can remember you laughing about it. I also remember when Alex went to Canada for the first time and he just had got back from Greg’s, and you gave him his first ice cream, and the laughs we had every time you had dinner with us, so many good memories…
ReplyDeleteI'm going to miss you so much I love you Shari with all my heart !
Chris Godward
I feel so thankful to have gotten the chance to get to know Shari over the past few years. I thoroughly enjoyed our chats and the beautiful smile that always seemed to grace her face.
ReplyDeleteWe had such a great "Shari day" going to visit my Brampton homes and we laughed at the flying birds, and licking dog as I forgot to mention that just a few of the homes have pets. That day Shari really opened up about the challenges of stepping into her dad's "HUGE shoes" as the Director of Carpe Diem. I was amazed at her honesty, inspired by her determination and touched by her warm and beautiful spirit.
Although she has left us too soon, and the void in the hearts of all those she has touched can never be filled, it is without a doubt that she has left a legacy behind. Her generosity, kind heart, infectious laugh and ability to connect with others are just a few of the qualities that I will truly miss.
She will always be remembered and my prayers go out to all of her family as well as the Carpe Diem and Branching Out family as we continue to carry the torch proudly.
May you be resting in Peace sweet Shari :)
Michelle
When I was told this horrible news? I was yet not to believe it. I didn't understand how someone so young, someone who always put others before themselves , someone who many people look up to, was able to pass away. I truly did look up to Shari. She was an amazing person and was very successful in her doings. She put many smiles on my face. As well as everyone else's. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy. I couldn't imagine.
ReplyDeleteA memory with shari:
When I was in grade 4 I was going on relief and getting picked up early from class. I guys I was so excited to get out of school I had forgotten my entire suitcase at school!!! Once we got to the Carpe diem office we had realized we didn't have it. Shari just laughed it off, stayed very positive. So, we went on a little girls date and went shopping for some clothes and things. Then went for a swim.. My point in this story is that, no matter what Shari always tried to stay positive and make others happy.
Shari was truly an amazing person and I will miss her like crazy ...
Skye St. Jean
Remember that your
ReplyDeleteloss is shared
by many friends who care
and that you're in our
thoughts and hearts
and in our every prayer
With our deepest condolences: Alan,Romy and family McKinney
Shari
ReplyDeleteHer sweet joy lingers now
In me
As her body turns slowly to stone
But her spirit to light
I caress her soul
Like I did her fathers
And upon
an ocean of tears
I sail
As I feel her breath
Upon this wind.
jj
In this silence
I sit with her
In Loss
And the pain
Falls within us
Like mist to water
As we embrace
Not in the words we spoke
But in the one's we didnt.
jj
And the saints
Slide off my sleeve now
Towards and into her
And I pray
That her spirit finds some solace
In my humble gift to her soul
May she pass
Effortlessly and peacefully
Over that final bridge
To my dear lost friend, her father.
jj
This young spirit
Counting my change
With such a smile and warmth
So contradictory to the money
Little did we know then?
How much value she posessed
With so little time
She held in her heart.
jj
In a midnight silence
While we sleep
Her spirit lifts then lingers
On the periphery
Between there and here
And I feel her
Casting her wisdom into me
With her last words
As her childhood
Fingertips
Tickle my soul
And her joy
Becomes absorbed
By her father's smile
I will miss u Shari
Like your father before you.
jj
For Kathy
I feel her pain
And it absorbs me
Casting me into a rage of disbelief
What God would do this?
What kind of God leads a person to a cliff of hope
Then throws them to the wind with an injured wing?
What compassionate being would steal the mother of children?
What God would watch this young life of joy-fade?
What strength is expected from us?
And yet
Her mother stands before us-driven
by her inner faith and beleif in her responsibility to continue to care
To find life and love from this despair!
And it is right there
That I see God-smiling
Through her heart and out through her eyes
To everyone else whose life she touches.
Kathy--this queen of hearts-this families God-send!
jj
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Durkin & Lewis family, we never had the pleasure of meeting Shari but listening to how everyone talks about her she was indeed a very special lady and will be missed dearly.
ReplyDeleteLove from
Kathy & Tommy King & Family
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
ReplyDeleteI am not there.
I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that swiftly blow.
I am the diamond glint
on newly fallen snow.
I am the sunlight
on ripened grain.
I am the soft and gentle autumn rain
When you wake from sleep in the early morning hushI am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft, starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there.
I do not sleep.
I have been blessed to have known all of you and feel such great sadness as you try to understand all of this loss. Shari was so brave and strong and was very lucky to have such a wonderful family that surrounded her. It's so hard to put into words... the world has lost a wonderful young woman. I hope there is some comfort knowing she is at peace and with her father again...watching over all of you. I'm thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences,
Love from Karen Mulholland
Today was a very hard day to try to stay positive. And to say my final goodbyes. It was hard to believe even that such a thing had happened to such an amazing person.
ReplyDeleteMe and Shari had a true connection for as long as I can remember. The little random cards id get, just her telling you that you were in her thoughts. I will forever miss those cards.
I will never forget her being so positive, supportive, her amazing smile. Her smile; it lit up hers and everyone else's face.
It's hard to let go to such an amazing person. Someone I looked at as a role model. I am going to follow after Shari Durkin, and be an amazing child and youth worker. I have full faith in that. I will make her proud while she watches down on me, and everyone else.
Shari will be missed by every one.
My prayers go out to Kathy, Grace, Emily, and Stephen !!
Once again;
Skye St. Jean
Thought and prayers were with Shari's family today as they had the monumental task of saying goodbye. For my own selfish reasons I could not bring myself to attend the service. I just could not be there and see her mom, brother, husband and especially her babies in this time of dispair. I only hope they can find peace and get through this with the love and support of those around them.
ReplyDeleteTammy Compare
At some point in your life, you take a moment to assess it all and value what and who is in your life. I did that each and every time I was with Shari. She really was the best person I knew. I have had the privilege of having a true friend in my life since we were both in grade one. Shari was the epitome of the "strong silent type". She always let others talk, and she would just listen. She would listen whole-heartedly because she truly cared about what you were saying and about what was going on in your life. Then at the end of the talk, she would come up with the most calming advice or a quick one-liner that was just perfect for the moment. I will miss my friend and our many talks.
ReplyDeleteShari didn't aspire for anything more in her life. She didn't have to. She was completely and utterly happy with her family, her husband, her kids, her home, her work, and the woman she was. So instead, she INSPIRED. She inspired everyone she met to do just a little bit more. She inspired me through her patience and kindness as a mother. Through her complete selfless acts as a friend. Through her ability to always find the time to do just a little more, even though she was one of the busiest people I knew.
We always knew that each other would be there at the drop of a hat. She was there for me during my wedding, my pregnancies; we each lost our dads within months apart. Our girls had dance together and Shari and I would sit and chat. Then this amazing, inspiring woman forces me to start yoga and pilates with her. We enjoyed that together but would quite often get in trouble for talking and giggling too much in class - reminiscent of our childhood, school days together.
I will miss her laugh. Over 35 years, being one of Shari's best friends was just "easy" and I will forever be grateful for having that honour.
Leticia Araujo and family
You will be truly missed and my prayers go out to the whole family
ReplyDeleteAntie Sharri
ReplyDeleteyou were the best person I have ever met in my whole entire life, my prayers go to emily and grace the daughters of sharri durkin
Love Roxie Reid
I was lucky enough to have met Shari and her amazing family during my last year of high school during a co-op program. To this day I have the most amazing memories of my time spent with her and her beautiful family. I cannot express the deep sadness I feel at the loss of someone so vibrant and caring. My prayers and love go out to her whole family.
ReplyDeleteSumman Naseer
Well it took me awhile to figure out what I could say about such an Amazing person..There are not enough words to describe Shari. She truly was an amazing leader, Mom, wife, co-worker and friend. She could always make you smile and was always making sure you looked at the positive side of any situation.
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot from Shari, and will carry the moments we had together close to my heart.
Shari, you will truly be missed by all!! Thank you for for being such an inspiration!!
Kim
Sheri you have made such a difference in my life. From Canada's Wonderland every year. To the wonderful play days... I miss you so much. Thanks for everything you taught me to be. I just wish R.I.P meant RETURN IF POSSIBLE.
ReplyDeleteThanks for everything you have done for all of us.