Date of death: September 25,2021
A family service will be held in Toronto on Sunday September 26, 2021 at 12:00pm.
Livestream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/1322327/7351c0b454
A graveside service will take place on Sunday September 26, 2021 at 3 pm at the Beth Jacob Cemetery, 1250 Snake Road, Burlington.
Please note: In an effort to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus, graveside services will be limited to a maximum of 100 persons (including Clergy) for the safety of mourners, funeral home and cemetery staff. Masks must be worn, covering the nose and mouth, and social distancing 2m (6′) is required unless you are of the same household. For those that wish to participate in the mitzvah of Kevura, gloves must be worn. Names and phone numbers will be requested. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sharyn (nee Title) Gunter-Cipin, age 86, formerly of Hamilton, ON and Toronto, ON, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Saturday, September 25th, 2021. She chose to die on her own terms as her cancer had spread significantly, without hope for recovery.
Sharyn is predeceased by her husbands, Morton Gunter of Hamilton, and Reuben Cipin, of Glace Bay and Edmonton. She is survived by her children Arthur Gunter, Sheldon Gunter (Laura Ettelman), and Shayla Gunter (Jack Goldstein). She was the adored Buby (“Bubs”) of her grandchildren Kerry and Yael Gunter, and Matti and Ari Goldstein – all who were the joy of her life, as well as Reuben’s grandchildren Dina and Elana Cipin and the others who adopted her as their own Buby too. She was also in love with Reuben’s new great-granddaughter, Ruby, born this year.
Sharyn was the glue that held her family together, and was so loved and proud to be an aunt, great-aunt, cousin and more to a large group of diverse individuals. She will be missed greatly by all, more than anyone can possibly imagine. She became a surrogate mom to so many of these wonderful people, especially in the years since their own parents had passed away.
Sharyn grew up in Toronto, in the Village, and studied Early Childhood Education at Ryerson. She became a pre-school teacher and that led her to advocate for deaf children’s education when her eldest son was born deaf. She became a trailblazer when she began a preschool for the deaf in Hamilton, where she lived for 25 years, during her first marriage to Morty. She was involved in Hamilton with Beth Jacob Synagogue and the National Council of Jewish Women, where she made life-long friends. Sharyn moved to Toronto in 1980 with her children after Morty’s passing, building a new life that included volunteerism, important non-profit work and being active in the Jewish community. She had a knack for bringing people together and began matchmaking in the early 1980s. Sharyn made over 40 successful marriages during her lifetime. She also loved travel and adventure, and was fortunate to have time to travel across the world when she was in her 50s and 60s, making a myriad of friends along the way, including in the Volunteers for Israel program.
Sharyn met her second husband, Reuben Cipin, when they were in their mid-60s, in Toronto. They married in 2005 and spent 20 years together before his passing in 2018. Reuben’s children and grandchildren were like her own, and they were proud to call her Buby.
Sharyn’s friendships, whether they lasted a lifetime or only a few short years, meant the world to her. She surrounded herself with genuine, kind, fun, and loving people, and each one held a special place in her heart and in her life, right until the end.
Thank you to the cancer and palliative care staff at Princess Margaret Hospital, especially Drs. Nadler, Wasson, and Saltman, and nurses Malka and Sonya. Thank you to Dr. Susan Joyce and Dr. Maxwell Sauder who saw Sharyn through so much since 2018. Thank you also to the wonderful staff at Amica Thornhill, the Central LHIN caregivers, and especially to our extraordinary caregiver, Ellen Soriano. You’ve been there for it all in the past few years.
Buby, Mom, Aunty Sharyn… we love you and will miss you so much. There is an empty space in our lives now.
May her memory be for a blessing and may her neshama have an Aliyah.
Donations welcome in her memory, to Ve’ahavta or Mazon Canada or to the charity of your choice.
The family is accepting outdoor shiva visits, weather-permitting, at 87 Tansley Rd., in Thornhill. Please use the following link to sign up for a visit https://forms.gle/94fy4fFiqGJk4Pj28 Check email and Facebook for further information. The family asks that only those who are fully vaccinated attend in person.
I lived on the Hamilton Mountain not far from the Gunters. I was best friends with their niece Miriam and I remember a number of times when, as youngsters, we were in the Dominion parking lot with boxes around our necks – tag day for the Deaf as arranged by Sharyn. Many years later, I reconnected with her at 2 Neptune as I was asked to give a talk by one of the residents. After, she came up to me and invited me to her place. I spent a wonderful evening talking about the old days. I meant to keep more in touch but life got in the way. Sharyn will be greatly missed by all who where fortunate to know her. My deepest sympathy to Arthur, Sheldon & Shayla. Risa Shuman
Hi Risa. While I don’t remember you, my brothers do and I read this note to them and to Grit. Thank you so much for sharing your memories with us and for your condolences. I’m glad you had a chance to reconnect with our mom after so many years. Be well.
Shayla and family
She was a great person a great (great) aunt and always had so much love to give ANYBODY! I will miss her and will remember the memories I have of her fondly.. she was always so good to me. I hope she’s giving them hell in her good-natured-way in the next life.
Love to you all.
Erin
Your mother sounds like an amazing woman whose life you will continue to celebrate. Our deepest condolences on your loss. You are in our thoughts.
To Shayla and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother, Sharyn. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you hugs and love at this difficult time.
Rachel, Earl, Emma and David
We knew Sharyn for many years. She was always very friendly warm and outgoing. There were alot of family connections.We will always remember being pleasantly suprised to find Sharyn outside of our cottage day or night many summers picking worms for fishing.
Shayla, Arthur and Sheldon,
So sorry to hear if the passing of Sharyn. Your Mom always remembered everyone and would not hesitate to stop, say hello and chat. My son enjoyed going out fishing with your Mom at the cottage and played cards with her and Chickie which was also lots of fun!
Dear Shayla, Arthur, Sheldon and families.
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom
Sharyn was an amazing friend and an wonderful woman. We will miss her immensely.
May her memory always be a blessing and it give your strength and inspiration.
Love, Shelley and Markie
To Shayla, Sheldon, Arthur and your families:
Although it was often years between seeing Sharyn, her presence and interest made for a seamless continuation of our connection, from cottaging in Washago to concerts at Earl Bales Park and back to Washago again. She is, as you all are through your connection to her, a great character.
Condolences from Natalie and Steve
Our hearts are with you all as we remember Sharyn. I will always remember her as a strong and spirited woman, and feel blessed to have known her for most of my life. May cherished memories bring comfort and strength to the family during this difficult time.
Condolences to the Gunter & Goldstein families. Sharyn was such a wonderful person & I loved hearing all the stories about her at the funeral & obituary.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing to you and your family. My deepest condolences to you all.
My deepest sympathy to Shayla, Arthur, Sheldon, and all of Sharyn’s family and loved ones. I loved hearing more about your beloved mother in today’s service, and this obituary. May her memory be a blessing, as I know it will.
Sharyn was the first person I met on moving to Hamilton and we lived nearby for many years. Morty,, Sharyn Irv and I were good friends for many years, and I kept in touch regularly even after she moved to Toronto. We wish Arthur, Sheldon and Shayla all our best wishes.
She worked very hard for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Societies, for them and to help Arthur with his problems. she was very dedicated to her family.
Always an honest and good friend
Joyce and Irv Dain
Dear Shayla and family,
We were saddened to hear about the passing of your mother. Our deepest condolences in this difficult time. Baruch Dayan Haemet, May her memory be a blessing and may you take comfort in her memory.
Heather, Mark, Jordan, Daniel, & Abby
Dear Shayla, Arthur and Sheldon
It is with profound sorrow that I offer you my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother and my wonderful friend, Sharyn. She is now at peace.
Barbara Pollack
Shayla, Jack, and the entire Gunter family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your dear mother. My deepest condolences at this difficult and challenging time. I am very sorry for your loss. Baruch Dayan Emmett.
Albert M. Benlolo
My deepest condolences on your loss. I remember meeting her at various events with a smile on her face and always wanting to talk to everyone around. She will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to Shayla and her family. Your mother was very kind and meant a lot to my friend Karen. I remember her hosting Karen’s shower many years ago. As a cancer survivor when I run next week I will also walk on memory of your mother.
Aylene (Warren) Joseph
Arthur, Sheldon and Shayla and families
My condolences goes out to all of you on your mum’s passing. I will alway remember your mum and her love for helping others in both Jewish and Deaf/Hard of Hearing groups. She was a wonderful and full of life lady! I am sure she will be partying and dancing with your fathers in Heaven.
Cherish the memories of your dear mum! May she Rest In Peace and free of pain!
Hugs to all of you!,
Dear Shayla and family
I was sad to hear that your mom had been suffering and now has passed away. Your Mom, grandmother had so much to share with the world ! I had amazing times with the events that Sharyn (and Shayla) planned. What a intelligent, creative compassionate woman. She’ll be missed.
May her memory be a blessing .
Penny
Thank you Marilyn for your kind words and in remembering my.motheras she will always be a strong advocate to the deaf &hh group.
Thank you again
Sharyn was loved and will be missed by so many. I have so many fond memories I don’t know where to begin. To be in her presence was like being bathed in sunshine. I remember her warmth her big hugs her baking and that twinkle in her eye. She welcomed everyone with such a big heart and had so much love to give. Rest in peace Sharyn you are loved and missed by all that knew you. To the Gunter family may your memories sustain you through this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
We are sorry for your loss. May Sharyn’s memory be for a blessing.
Marla, Aubrey, Alyse, Zack and Myles
Dear Shayla and family,
John and I send our condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. She was a special lady.
We are thinking about you and your family.
Susie and John Daides (from Beit Rayim Hebrew school)
Shayla, Jack, and the entire Gunter family, we were saddened to hear of the passing of your dear mother. Our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Love
Janice, Chuck, Chelsea and Clark Rothman
All the Burman family are deeply saddened by Sharyn’s passing but admire her will and strength in making her own choice to die in peace.
She managed her life in a unique, innovative and diverse way, always finding new challenges to embark on. We will all remember her with laughter and fondness. May her memory be forever a blessing
A bright light has truly dimmed with the passing of Mrs. G. As lifelong family friends she will be dearly missed. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Love,
Sherry, Jeff, Ruby and Jonah
Years ago in Hamilton,Sharyn and I were heavily involved in the National Council of Jewish Women.I remember her strong personality, her exuberant laugh, her winning smile.We send our condolences to all in her family.
We mourn your loss; our hearts are with you.
Esther and Stan Simpson
To Shayla and your entire family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom.
May her memory be for a blessing.
My heart goes out to you all. Sharyn was a big part of my and my family’s life for 55 years in both Hamilton and Toronto and although we lived in different places during those years we always found each other. May her memory be a blessing for us all who loved her. May her family find consolation in the many friends who also loved her!
Condolences to all family and friends of Sharyn.
As a life long friend of Steven’s, I have had the pleasure to be in Sharyn’s presence over the years.
Sharyn always made me feel like a somebody.
Our condolences on her passing.
Our joy to the celebration of her life.
Gary Chapman and Debra Sigler