Vera Szczur

Born to the late Michael and Olga Sawchuk in Detroit, Vera grew up in Royal Oak where she was president of the class of 1978 at Dondero High School. She was a long term UP health employee and cherished her community.

She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Joseph Szczur, and their beloved fur babies Kodiak and Blazer; sister Theresa (Jack) Erickson; brother Dave (Carmen) Sawchuk; brother-in-law John (Cynthia) Sczcur; sisters-in-law Kathy (Ken) Miller and Karen Szczur Klein.

She will also be greatly missed by 16 nieces and nephews, 9 great nieces and nephews and countless good friends.

Vera donated over a dozen gallons of blood to help others, volunteered at the Veteran’s Hospital in Marquette, MI, donated car loads of gifts to the Veterans over the years and was also a supporter of the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS). She was a giver, not a taker. Although Vera never had any children, as an organ donor she has provided the gift of life to others.

Vera enjoyed living life to the fullest, always embracing the moments she spent with family and friends. She adored her many fur babies and had a deep passion for animals, Veterans and having fun. Her legacy of love, kindness and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Vera’s memory to Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) and Disabled American Veterans.

Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.