Stephanie Anne Handysides (née Yashuk)

Stephanie Anne Handysides (née Yashuk) passed peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital on Monday, the 13^th of August 2018 in Victoria, British Columbia at the age of 61, surrounded by her loving family and her dear friend Joan Collis. The family would like to acknowledge the continued support of our dear friend Karen Rush as well.

Stephanie is survived by her husband, John Handysides of Victoria, BC; children, Daniel Handysides (wife Corey and daughter Lexie) of Calgary, AB, Meredith Jacob (née Handysides) (Jesse and daughters Brooklyn and Jenna) of Victoria, BC, Joshua Handysides (wife Keely, daughters Amelia and Eliza, son William) of Duncan, BC, David Handysides (wife Cera) of Sooke, BC; Mother, Violet Yashuk of Victoria, BC and brother, Byron Yashuk, of Victoria, BC. She is preceded in death by Father, Alex Yashuk of Victoria, BC; granddaughter, Hanna (Josh and Keely) Handysides of Duncan, BC and grandson, Lucas (David and Cera) Handysides of Sooke, BC.

Stephanie was born on September 25, 1956 in Victoria, BC to Alex and Violet. She graduated from Claremont Secondary in 1974, then married John, her high school sweetheart in 1976. After moving to James Bay, Stephanie began working for the Provincial Government as an administrative officer and John worked as a Carpenter. Over 5 years, the couple welcomed 4 children into their home. As she raised her children and they became adults, Stephanie worked many different jobs throughout her career. She worked at the Juan de Fuca Seniors Centre, in administration for the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, she ran the Juan de Fuca Golf Course, worked as a Circulation Manager for the Goldstream News Gazette, worked in administration and support at the Times Colonist and later, worked as a Financial Advisor for Primerica Financial Services. Her children remember her as a warm and loving mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals.

Stephanie was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed making custom apparel. She was a generous, caring, loving individual who loved her family, especially her children and grandchildren and who was passionate about helping others. She was often known as a Momma bear to many others outside of her family. She was an active and dedicated member of the Canadian swimming community as a mother (Meredith, Daniel and Joshua) and volunteered at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, BC and BC Winter Games as a high-level swimming official and deck marshal, in addition to being the Mother of accomplished Rugby players in her sons, Daniel, Joshua and David. Stephanie also was a dedicated volunteer for the Juan de Fuca Soccer Association where her sons played soccer, a PAC Mom, a Home and School Mom, a Volunteer Mom for Beavers and encouraged all her children to pursue musical endeavors, as she played the piano.

The family would like to thank caregivers and hospital staff for their efforts, care and dedication.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, August 19, 2018 at McCall Gardens Sequoia Centre at 4665 Falaise Drive, with a reception to follow at the same location. Larry Page will officiate the ceremony. Those invited will gather and celebrate Stephanie’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation at 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 4H4 – [http://www.bcchildrens.ca/donate].

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com