SCHMUCK, Emma Pearl “Perky” (nee Barker)
December 23, 1918; Regina, Saskatchewan – April 25, 2014; Dundas, Ontario.
Perky left us in the same manner she lived: with faith and grace. Predeceased by her husband Clare (2000) with whom she enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Dedicated and loving mother of: Diane Scott (David), Howie, Julie Gregg (Andy), Wendy (John Taylor), Mary Lou, Bev Wing (Paul), Linda Vanderhout (Dwayne), and Ron. Devoted grandmother of Sean Scott (Julia), Carolyn Shaw (Greg), Jessie and Ian Gregg, Jane, Leah and Shelley Vanderhout, and Kirby Taylor. Wonderful great grandmother of Zoe, Amon and Ryan. Survived by her dear sister Gibby McLeod; predeceased by her sister Muriel Edgar. Remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Perky was raised in Regina and went on to graduate from the University of Manitoba (1939, Home Economics). She worked as a Registered Dietitian until after WWII when she and Clare started their family. Her tireless lifestyle included Pi Beta Phi, Red Cross Sewing, CWL and numerous other charitable causes. She actively encouraged her family and friends to participate in skating, golf, skiing, yoga, gardening and crafts. “PERKY” was her apt lifelong nickname! Her patience, common sense, organizational skills and boundless energy will continue to provide inspiration to all. She exercised moderation in everything except for having children and showing love and kindness to others. We are truly grateful to everyone who filled Perky’s life with happiness. Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to gather on Friday, June 20 from 3-6 p.m. at The Hamilton Golf and Country Club, 232 Golf Links Road, Ancaster.
I knew that ‘Perky’ was not your typical Ancaster parent when I met her in the 1960s at parent/teacher sessions at the high school. It wasn’t simply her insights on education and child-rearing that impressed me, but the esteem that her children had for her. Howie and Wendy understood the exceptional nature of their mother. Mary Lou expressed that same respect for her in later years. Truly, a remarkable lady.
Sincerely,
Ray Reed
As the mother of my good friend Linda, Perky was all that was good about mothers – always there, always supportive, always welcoming, always active. To all of the Schmuck family and extended family I express my deepest sympathy. I know how much you will miss her.
Dear Linda and family, I have so many fond memories of your mom. She was always so warm and welcoming. She had a way of making everyone feel special, even though there were often many visitors in the beautiful home in Ancaster. I know you will miss her terribly, but some day you will smile at the wonderful memories of life with “Perky”. lots of love, Anne
I will always have fond memories of gatherings and birthday parties with the Schmuck, Fahlenbock and Patzalek clans. With my wedding falling so close behind my Father’s death, I’ll never forget how Aunt Perky quietly slipped in and helped Mom with so many of the small details. I can still see the two of them working on the floral arrangements in the basement of the Jerseyville Road house. And it was at her suggestion that I wore Linda’s beautiful hat and veil on our wedding day. So many happy times to recall and warm our hearts.
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Howie,
Darryl, Nicole, Marissa and I (Jen) want to express to you (our dearest longtime friend) and to your siblings our deepest condolences. I met your mom only a couple of times as a very little girl and remember your home in Dundas. Any mom that produced my dear friend, we know was an absolutely wonderful woman who I know from so many stories raised an incredible family who now share so many wonderful thoughts when they think of their mother.
my thoughts and prayers are with you always
Your friend always,
Jen
To us, Perky was the perfect role model for a neighbour. She was family-centred, warm, kind, and thoughtful. She always brought a beautiful bouquet of peonies to our door from her garden on our anniversary. She was a wonderful person and we thought the world of her.
Dear Family,
I will always remember the good times our family always had, when we went to see you in Ancaster. What a warm feeling when we were there. Perky was a remarkable woman/aunt and always made us feel at home. I will never, ever forget her and Uncle Clare. It was a real treat when we would go to see them there and in Dundas.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Stay strong. Love…Carol Anne Schmuck
Your mom was an amazing person – raising 8 kids in a wonderful small town. Wonder what it was like for her growing up in Regina in the early part of the century. She lived a great long life full of adventures. I remember her as I was a teenager being so on top of her game!! She was a great mom and a wonderful person who truly left this world a better place. As Ronnie said – she is a sweet older lady and I love to spend time with her. What better a mom is that at 96!! My thoughts are with all the family at this time – she is your mom – but a celebration seems appropriate for all she has lived. She is truly remarkable – and remember all of you as kids have some of that in you!!
Jane Brunton
Ron
I did not know your Mother personally,but I am sure she was a great lady.
You will miss her.
Sincerely
Jeannette
Dear Family,
How sorry I was to hear of Perky’s passing. She was a fine lady. I really enjoyed our visits in Ancaster and Dundas. She always was so good to us. She and Clare had me over for supper every time our band played at the Fisher Hotel in Hamilton. Then, they would come to our show.
I know how much you will miss her. Stay strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Love…Carol Anne Schmuck
Thank you so much, to my extended family, who stood by Grandma through her ups and downs during her decline. All my memories remain fond and clear. It is partly because of her grace and humour, and partly because of your presence in all of these memories. Every one of you carries her qualities, and not a single one is wasted. Perky lives on in our hearts, but most vividly through the pearls of personality she bestowed upon you.
I miss and love you all. I anticipate our reunion with great excitement!
Dear Linda and Dwayne,
We send our condolences to you both and your Daughters at this sad time. While we didn’t know your Mother Linda , I’m guessing you are a lot like her so she was among the best.
Sincerely,
Charlie and Carole Giggey
Ron, We had not met Perky but she must have been a great lady because she instilled wonderful values in her children.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Ron
I send condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mother. Stay strong and cherish the many
wonderful times I’m sure you shared with her over the many years.
Sincerely,
Ken
We will miss Perky very much. Thursday club at Perky’s house was always the loveliest day of the week! Love to all the family.
Dearest Howie,
Thinking of you, sending warmest condolences.
Allan & Norine
Our deepest condolences go out to Ron and his siblings upon the recent loss of their dearest mother. We were just recently speaking with Ron, and admired the gentle and loving manner in which he described her, always with a smile on his face and an interesting story about a family gathering. Draw strength and comfort from all the loving memories you hold in your heart.
Fondly,
Mark and Erin
Ron
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mother. You always had such nice stories to share about her and it was very evident that your family was blessed to have such a great mom.
Ellen Spring
My dear cousins. Our deepest sympathy on the death of your dear Mother. I have so many memories of our times together when we were young and coming to your place for Baptisms First Communions and anything else that was worth celebrating. John and I remember the shower you had for us and all of you made something for us with your Mother’s help I am sure. John still uses some of the tools. It is hard to believe how long ago that was and now some of us have grandchildren. Your Mom and Dad were a wonderful example of family life. You still have all the wonderful memories to help you through these difficult days. Our love to you all. Kathleen & John
We have such fond memories of our dear neighbour Perky. She often came over to visit with Peonies and often admired the leaves from our Japanese Maple Tree. We always treasured the beautiful craft she made from the leaves and we had great visits even after she moved into Amica. Our 3 children grew up next door to an exceptional neighbour who always had kind words and even after our children moved away and had families of their own, Perky often inquired about their well being. She would also send over lovely treats and gifts for our children and grandchildren. What great memories we all have of Perky. Our sincerest sympathies are extended to the family at this time.
Howie i just happened to be looking up another Ancater death,Dale Dally and I saw the fine obit of your m others…in the late 50s I had a globe route in Mansfield and your mom always gave me a tip on collection day.I will let my mother know all the best david balfour
Dear Diane, Howie, Julie, Wendy, Mary Lou, Bev, Linda, Ron and families.
I was so sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of your Mother, Perky……a dear longtime friend, of whom I have many fond memories. My children join with me, in extending our deepest condolences, at this sad time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers, and we send our love, to all. Isobel.
Dear Wendy, John, Kirby and Family; Although we never had the privilege of meeting your Mom, Mother-in-Law and Grandma, we feel we know a small piece of her from some of the visits you would speak of Wendy, during our years at SJK and also through the wonderful caring person you are Wendy. God Bless each of you at this time, may the many great memories bring you peace.
Love Jim, Jane, Jessica, Joel and special thoughts are sent to you from Ruth
Dear Mary Lou and family,
I think your mom is a large role model in raising a family. We, the Marshall’s, always felt such pride in knowing your parents had started their family in what later became our home on Jerseyville Road. Prayers for all of you as you journey through her loss and regain strength in knowing how much you are loved.
Mary
Our condolences to all the famiy on the passing of a wonderful mother and gracious lady. I have so many fond memories of overnight visits while attending St. Anne’s in Ancaster with Diane and siblings.
With love, Susan Laneville
To Wendy : So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I lost both parents in the past two years, and understand what a loss this is for you, and your siblings. We haven’t seen each other in a long time, but I remember you well, and hope you will keep me informed of a service for your Mom when it is decided.
Linda, Dwayne and Family,
I didn’t know your mother but it certainly appears she had a long and very fulfilling life on this earth, enriching the lives of all those around her. I have no doubt you have many wonderful memories warming your thoughts and hearts during this difficult time.
Please know Laurie and I are thinking of you and send our deepest sympathy to your family.
Hugh
All those mother-and-daughter Brownie banquets, sleep overs at the “Castle,” idyllic summer afternoons playing in the yard and over the garage, clipping the latest Betsy McCall cut-outs from magazines in a basket, taking a Christmas gift wrapping course … all fond memories of my friendship with Wendy in the warm, welcoming, and encouraging environment Mrs. Schmuck provided to her children’s friends. Our mothers were/are amazing women! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers,
Patty Ann
Dear Wendy,
I’m thinking of you all this Mother’s Day, and remembering the days when I would scoot up Park Lane and cut through the trees to share in fun times and great adventures in your happy home.
I have nothing but good memories of both of your parents. They were always kind to me and I can vividly picture your Mother’s smiling, welcoming face as she added yet another plate and jewel-coloured tumbler to the dinner table.
Those were wonderful times and I’m grateful for the many memories. Your Mom was a remarkable person and I will remember her always.
Love, Tricia
HB, Your mom was a such a warm and gracious lady who gave the family the true values and meaning of life. Your tribute of the roses yearly on her birthday was a great example. I remember in Ancaster family and friends usually hanging around your kitchen area with you mom enjoying every minute of what was going on. She really was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts are with you and all the family. Norm
Condolences from the Schmucks in Victoria, B.C.
I have many fond memories of the Schmuck family and ours getting together during the 1950’s in St. Bruno, and how your mother was so involved in everything the kids did. She was a very caring woman, and I know she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Tim Stanford
Dear Family
We share many common bonds. Perhaps the most significant was our relationship with our amazing mothers. On behalf of the Jackson clan let me express our love and support for you all. Aunt Perky will forever be remembered as the elegant lady and loving mother.Growing up our families shared many magical moments together. These were made special by the always loving and caring attention of Aunt Perky and Auntie Pat. Some of my best remembrances are of the sleep overs in Ancaster at the mansion. There was always so much fun and so much food. A special treat was Uncle Clare taking us all for ice cream. I was privileged to have Perky and Clare as my Godparents. They taught us all that large families work, if there is enough love to go around. Thank you Aunt Perky for everything. Give Uncle Clare and my Dad Don a huge hug and a kiss from me when they get of that golf course in heaven. A little less golf now boys, another very special lady has arrived.