Dr. Lisa Van Schie-Wynn
In Loving Memory of
Dr. Lisa Van Schie-Wynne
May 19, 1964 – April 24, 2010
Lisa died peacefully at Lac Le Jeune surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 24, 2010. Lisa is survived by her husband, Dr. Andrew Wynne and sons Evan and Foster. She also leaves her devoted and loving mother Lila Van Schie of Lac Le Jeune, brothers Brian Van Schie, and Andrew Van Schie both of Ontario, father and mother in law Thomas and Betty Wynne of Coquitlam and sister in law Mary (Michael) Sturrock of Vancouver, nieces and nephews David, Samantha, Robert and Alison. Lisa was predeceased by her father Cornelius Van Schie in1998.
Lisa was born in Timmins, Ontario and her family later moved to North Bay, Ontario where she spent most of her growing years. She obtained her Medical Degree from the University of Western Ontario. She met her husband Andrew, during their Family Medicine Residency training. They both practiced medicine in Merritt and then Kamloops. Lisa was a founding member of the Thompson Valley Family Obstetrics
Group at Royal Inland Hospital, where she took great pleasure in bringing many new lives into the world.
Lisa excelled in sports which included tennis, triathlons, running and swimming. Nordic skiing was her passion. One of the highlights of her skiing career included winning a gold medal in the World Master’s Nordic Ski Championships in Lake Placid, New York. She married her husband, Andrew on that same day, March 7, 1998.
Lisa was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2001 shortly after the birth of her second son.
Her boys Evan (1998) and Foster (2001) were gifts that she celebrated for many years, despite her continuing battle with cancer.
Milestones were reached that were unexpected because of her determination, love and desire to see her boys grow into adults. These milestones include witnessing the boys swim across Lac Le Jeune, ride the bus together to and from school, camp to many beautiful areas including trips to the Grand Canyon, Alaska and most recently a round trip across Canada. These memories were created with her boys because of her endless love and strength.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to family, friends, health professionals and numerous other people that have shared in Lisa’s courageous journey. The last few months were challenging for Lisa, but with help of family and multiple caregivers she was able to die at home surrounded by peace, tranquillity and love.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 1:00pm at Holy Family Parish Church, 2797 Sunset Drive, Kamloops, BC, officiated by Father Forde.
If people desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lisa’s memory to St. Ann’s Academy, 205 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2S7.
Andrew, Evan, and Foster- What a beautiful tribute to honor a beautiful woman. Thinking lots about you- lots of love.
your friends
Marcia, Klaus, Alex and Kate
Dear Lila, Andrew, Evan & Foster,
I cannot tell you how it was such a shock to read of Lisa’s passing in the North Bay Nugget. Lisa was a great chum of our daughter Michelle and used to spend time with us celebrating birthdays and such over the years when they attended Our Lady of Fatima school.
She has left behind a lot of lovely memories for a lot of people. Love to you all.
To Mrs. Van Schie, Andrew, Evan and Foster-
There’s a picture in the corner of the mirror in my bedroom- me, Lisa and Kate R., standing with our arms around each other, circa grade 8 or 9. We were Charlie’s Angels- Lisa was always the smart one!! That picture has moved with me so many times and been in numerous frames- but it always reminds me of what wonderful friends I had growing up.
I remember Lisa in kindergarten at Our Lady of Fatima- she was my constant companion through elementary school. So many memories- Saturday afternoons at the Empire Bowling alley, canoeing at our cottage (trying to tip that damned old Sports Pal canoe!!), cross country skiing at the Canadore trails, going to Mass and bringing home a bulletin to prove to Mrs. V that we really went!
The last time that I saw Lisa was at my wedding- that was 22 years ago. There are pictures from that day too- Lisa travelled from school to come for my special day.
We lost touch over the years, but I’ve never forgotten my first best friend.
Mrs. V, Andrew and those sweet boys- you are all in my heart tonight. I wish strength and peace for all of you.
It’s true- only the good die young. Lisa- “I always thought that I’d see you- one more time again…” Peace sister.
Michelle
To Andrew,
Lisa was an inspiration to everyone. She was a wonderful physician who really listened to her patients concerns. When she left Merritt many of her patients went with her and were upset when she became ill. As a nurse working with her she always respected my concerns and took the time to explain things. We prayed for her when we heard of her fight for her life via the “grapevine”. The world has lost a beautiful person. Hug those handsome boys that she loved so much. Take care. Maureen
April 28, 2010.
Dear Lyla,
I was so very shocked to read about your, dear, Lisa, in the North Bay,
Nugget. I can remember, when she was just studing medicine and you were
working at Canada Trust. You always kept me updated, on her becoming a
doctor. I know how very proud you were of her and how much you loved her
and your family. Lyla, you are in my thoughts and prayers, along with
her dear husband, and boys. Thinking of you with Love.
Bonnie Parslow
To Lisa’s family from Jim Steward’s family
We are all so very sorry about Lisa…we remember her as a fun and gutsy teen, setting off with Jim to “rescue” Neil Thompson’s boat for him and drive it back to North Bay! She also visited us at our Eagle Lake cottage…a good life, well lived but much too short…she accomplished much more than many would if they live to be 150! Love to you all, Fred and Diane Steward
To Mrs. Van Schie, Andrew, Evan and Foster,
I was so saddened to hear of Lisa’s passing. I am a former patient of hers from Merritt. She was a wonderful doctor – full of energy and ideas who always showed a keen interest in her work and genuine care for her patients. Since she left her practice, I’ve never really been able to find another doctor who can fill her shoes. She was exceptional and will truely be missed. Wishing you strength at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lisle
Dear Dr. Wynne and Family
We were very shocked to learn about Dr. Van Schie, we remember her here with very fond memories. She will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
~Switchboard Staff~
Dear Andrew, Evan and Foster:
We were saddened to hear of Lisa’s passing…she was a wonderful person. I will miss our talks at the pool, hockey rinks, and soccer fields. Please accept our heartfelt condolence. She will be sadly missed.
Nancy, Bruce, Tyler and Maya
Dr. Wynne and Family
I am deeply saddened to hear of Lisa’s passing. She was a wonderful, caring physician and extraordinary person. Since her diagnosis she was often in my thoughts and I’m glad Evan and Foster had the opportunity to create memories with their mom that they may cherish the rest of their lives. She truly was a remarkable person. I wish you all the love and support to get through this very difficult time.
Dear Andrew, Evan, Foster and Lila,
We are so sorry to hear about Lisa and wanted to send you our deepest sympathy. Lisa was a wonderful person. Even through her illness, she found the time and energy to befriend our family and to take an interest in our children, who happily remember many hikes, swims, boat rides and tennis games. Her love for her family shone in all she did. She gave an example of courage and determination that will inspire us always and we are very grateful for the time she spent with us. We are thinking of all of you and sending our love,
Cynthia, Bob, Emily and Jimmy
Lisa was such a courageous, determined, wonderful lady. While I performed many CT scans on Lisa, she always talked about her boys Evan, Foster, and Andrew. She was always so brave and so optimistic.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Andrew, Evan, Foster and all of your family.
She was such an inspiration to me and I am so glad I was able to meet Lisa and was able to be there to listen to her stories about Evan and Foster. Her light will live on …
Susan Shaw
To the Family of Dr.Lisa Van Schie-Wynne,
I was deeply saddened to read in the North Bay Nugget that this wonderful young lady had passed away at such a young age.
I had the privelige of teaching the Van Shie children at Our Lady of Fatima School in North Bay ON. I taught there from 1968 to 2000.
I remember Lisa as not only being a gifted student but also as a remarkable young lady who had a thirst for knowlege and who ,even as a teenager ,wanting to make a difference in the lives of people. She most definitely achieved her goal in both her peronal and professional life.How fortunate her patients were to have such a caring ,kind,knowledgeable and dedicated doctor and how fortunate for her family that she cherished the moments she spent with them.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad time . God bless you.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Hodgins( Labelle) Retired teacher Our Lady of Fatima School
Dear Mrs.Van Schie, Andrew and your Boys;
I was deeply upset to learn of Lisa’s passing and the devestating impact this is having on you all.
Lisa and I met when I moved to North Bay in grade 5 and became fast friends with our love of and connection to sports. I remember my Dad taking us cross country skiing together for the first time and I could see Lisa was hooked way back then. We took swimming lessons together and froze every morning taking our Bronze Medallion in Lake Nipissing, but later became lifeguards together for the City. I remember spending many nights together hanging out with our other friend Michelle Gibeau and one in particular when Lisa was doing a hilarious version of Hand Jive from Grease in our back yard. We laughed over that one for years. In grade school we went on a camping trip and I still recall the sight of her in a stylish conductor’s hat I loaned her, squishing the hundreds of black flys that were eating us alive. We won a fire making contest by pouring bacon grease on it just before the judges arrived! We ran summer Legion track together and never seemed to get tired of the many bumpy school bus rides and cramped quarters…we loved it and couldn’t wait for the next one.
Although we drifted apart through the years, she was often in my thoughts and I would hear snippets about her life as a Dr. and her life out west. I did not know she had married and had two lovely boys. What a wonderful Mother she would have been. I was so glad to read that Mrs. Van Schie had moved out west to be close to you all. She is a lovely lady and I remember fondly many conversations with her over the years. She was so proud of Lisa and her accomplishments and they had a special connection together.
I know she has left an indelible footprint on her son’s lives which they will remember and will help to carry them through tough times ahead. Lisa never bent down to adversity and always kept her chin up and did her very best which was such an admirable quality. I sense that was the case with her battle with cancer. I can just picture her trying to plow through each day and live it to the fullest.
She was a lovely spirit and she impacted my life in such a positive way. One of my fondest memories of her was seeing her run down Marshall Park Drive alone, and at top speed, with her best buddy Skipper at her side as always. What a pair they made. How she loved that little dog. When I think of Lisa and hear about all of her wonderful athletic accomplishements I think she reflects this statement very well: The vision of a champion is someone who is drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when no one else is watching.” That is how I will always remember Lisa.
Sending love and support from the entire Robillard family formerly of North Bay – Kate (London), Matt Sr.(Ottawa), Matt Jr.(Toronto), Andy (Fergus) and now deceased and dearly missed, Jean Robillard.
Dear family and friends. Lisa was our Dr. when we gave birth to our first and only son. She was always more than a Dr. She was a kind and loving sprit who always found a way to make you laugh during the most uncomfortable appointments.
I just scrap booked my son, now almost 11′s, baby album and there is a photo of her holding our son. I remembered and thought of her as I put the pages together, wondering how she was doing with her health. We moved from Kamloops, for Vancouver, just after she was diagnosed and I remember her very fondly even after moving. She caught some of my skin cancers before they went to stage, helped my son with respiratory issues but was more than that, she was someone you were comfortable sharing anything with and she left you reflecting life in a positive way after each appointment.
Our son is shaving off all his hair for the Children’s hospital shave for the brave, but a pony tail first for a wig, here at his school. My friends in Kamloops have contributed in Lisa’s honour and I have sent the comments to my son’s teacher, for their assembly June 4th.
Our thoughts are with you all. May Lisa continue to inspire us all, as I too will make and meet milestones with our family and loved ones and use her strength to guide them to reality, as I reflect on wisdom from our brief yet memorable encounters at the office.
Our thoughts and love are with you all during this time,
Lisa, Greg and Zackory Turpin
Dear Lila, Andrew (Brother), Andrew (Husband), Evan and Foster.
I am so sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing. Lisa was a great, kind, caring person who was so positive in her engagement of life. You will miss her so. I am so greatful that she was a friend. Thinking of you all.
John, Lynne and Isla Sinclair
Dear Andrew, Evan and Foster
Our loving thoughts are with you at this time. We are relieved her pain is over, but so very sad for your broken hearts. May we see her shining star – the brightest in the sky at night.
Love Julie, Pete, Max and Harrison.
Dear Andrew, Evan, Foster and the Wynn and Van Schie families
Our loving thoughts are with you at this time. We are relieved her pain is over, but so very sad for your broken hearts. May her beautiful memories help you all through this difficult time.
Love, Laverne & Jim Aitchison, Cindy & Chris, Terry & Bob
Dear Wynne and Van Schie families,
I met Lisa through my late husband, Fred Gunter, who was her cross-skiing coach at West Ferris Secondary School. She was his student, but she became much more, a real friend to both of us. We shared her love of skiing and stayed in touch through skiing, such as when she won her medal at the World Masters in 1998, which I attended also. While I had learned of Lisa’s illness a few years ago through her brother Andrew, I was still shocked to hear of her passing at such a young age. My thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time,
Emmanuelle Gunter
Dear Dr. Wynne, Evan,Foster and all family ..I am so very very sorry to hear of Dr Van Schie’s passing. I do hope you received my call weeks ago, and always, I am happy to be of help with anything you may need . I do wish you love and prayers, I am so glad I met Dr. Van Schie, she was SO wonderful to work with, and of course, you also, Dr. Wynne. Much love, Nadeen.
Dear Dr. Wynne, Evan and Foster,
I am very sorry to hear about Dr. Van Schie’s passing. She was our doctor when I was expecting and delivered our first son in Kamloops in 1998. I remember her as a wonderful doctor and a very compassionate and caring person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From, the McCormacks
Dear Andrew, Evan and Foster. I was deeply saddened to hear of Lisa’s passing. Lisa would not know who I am, but I remember her coming into the lab on my evening shifts and she was always so kind and caring. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Annemarie Calder
I wanted to share with you how much Dr. Van Schie meant to me. Although I only knew her as a patient I instantly felt connected to her. I met her when she was doing a locum for my dr. and I immediately thought – wow, I wish she was a regular dr. here. After a short while my dream came true and she started her shared practice. She was so kind, caring, giving, and enthusiastic. She approached me as a patient like I was very important. She listened, evaluated, interpreted and included me in her thoughts, concerns, and ideas. I think about how much she loved her family and children and how lucky they are to have had for a mother one of the most compassionate and altruistic people I have met. Life will be difficult without her physically but remember she will always be with you in your hearts and memories, in who you are, and in who you become because of how she touched your life. I wish you much love.
Her Beautiful Spirit,
Now is free
to range the heavenly lanes,
Unhampered by the bodily ills,
that fettered her like chains.
So let us,
Never Weep for her
Whose Heart at last
Is Free,
But pray that one day
we’ll rejoin her
In Eternity.
Missing your smile Lisa, and that beautiful sparkle in your eye.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Dr. Wynne, Evan and Foster,
My sincere sympathies in the loss of Lisa. I enjoyed working along side her in the delivery room. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Lisa’s family
I loved Dr.Van Schie while she was working here in Merritt, and was so sorry when she left. I heard she got cancer and prayed she would beat it but it seems God had different plans for her. Just know you will be in my prayers and how very sorry I am that she is gone. Love and Prayer
To Andrew and your boys:
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. It is a great tribute to Lisa and all of you that she overcame so many obstacles in her illness and lived so well and courageously through it all. I will always remember her as an energetic and well respected colleague. Our thoughts are with you at this time of grief.
Andrew, Evan and Foster,
Please accept our sympathies for the loss of Lisa. At each of the Michell dinners, we always enjoyed hearing Lisa tell us about the latest sport the boys were mastering and how proud she was of each of them. She was a lovely lady who we were fortunate to know.
Andrew, Foster and Evan
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Sonja and I remember seeing her in the mat clinic when she was pregnant and we were pregnant with Anthony. Who know that years later the boys would end up playing on the same hockey team and become friends. If you ever need a place to drop off Foster, Anthony would love to have him over for play date. Our prayers are with you,
The Coreas
Dr. Wynne and family – My wife Debbie and I were saddened to read of your wife Lisa’s passing. I met you briefly during my career with the RCMP and you were very kind to Deb when she was admitted to emergency at RIH several years ago. Take care and God Bless.
Shawn and Deb Walton
Dear Lila, Andrew, Evan and Foster,
We were very sad today to look on the Lac Le Jeune blog and read that Liza passed away. She put up such a long brave battle. Our thoughts are with you all at this time. June and Terry Benesh
Andy and family I was very saddend to read of Lisa’s passing via Colin’s email. I only met Lisa the one time briefly in Clearwater as the “gang” was getting ready to embark on yet another adventure, this time a canoe trip with friends and family into Clearwater Lake and then into Azure Lake. When I met her I was struck by her strenth and positive attitude about the upcoming challenge. It is no an easy feat for just anyone to conquere those lakes via a canoe but in (as I understand) her usual fashion Lisa took on the challenge and was an inspiration to the rest of the travellers. I wish I had the opportunity to get to know her better.
My heart goes out to the family and if you are ever in Prince George and need a helping hand please be sure to look me up!
Take care and be strong during this difficult time.
Dear Lila and Family ,
I was so saddened and shocked to see the notice of Lisa’s passing in the Nugget I remember when we worked together at Guaranty Trust how proud you were of her when she was going to medical school and what a great daughter she was to you . I can see she became a wonderful mother , doctor and wife , Lila my prayers are with you at this most difficult time ,
Karin
Dear Lyla and Family,
How shocked & saddened I was to read of the passing of your Lisa in the Nugget, please accept my deepest condolences. Lyla, your friends in Holy Name CWL, also have you in their thoughts & prayers.
Take care & God Bless
Marion
Dear Andrew, Lyla, Evan and Foster;
We are so sorry to hear of Lisa’s death. Her courage and optimism was wonderful to see and we will all miss her around Lac Le Jeune. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to you all.
God bless,
Don and Eileen
Dear Andrew
I am sadden by this news .
Lias was wounderfull person physician and colleague I admire her courage
and your devotion to her.
Pleas accpet my deepest sympathy
yours
Majid
Andy, Evan and Foster
We are saddend to hear of your loss. Lisa is an amazing person and an inspiration of love and courage. It is an honor to know her and your family. We will be here for you always.
Please accept our deepest sympathy
always
Jen and Kirt
Dear Lila
I was very shocked and saddened to read of the death of your daughter Lisa in the North Bay Nugget. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your heartbreaking loss. How sad for her husband and children. I remember how proud you always were of her when we worked together at the trust company.You and all those who loved her are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julia Ouellette
Dear Andrew, Lyla, Evan & Foster,
We are thinking of you – asking the Lord to comfort you and give you strength on this day and every day. Lisa made such a profound impact on my life. The circumstances in which we met were unfortunate but I am so blessed and grateful to have known her. Even when we were frustrated with the circumstances and didn’t understand them, we prayed for each other and kept holding onto God. I will miss my friend so dearly but am comforted by the fact that she believed and held onto the hope that God gave her. Despite the physical circumstances, she didn’t let go of her desire to seek God. Her unconditional love and faith inspires me and gives me hope for the future. I hope it can console you in this sad time. We are sending you our love and prayers,
Kathy, Irma and Jasper
I’m thinking of you all today. My prayers are with you.
Love Susan
Dr. Andrew Wynne and family,
May it help to ease the sorrow in your hearts to know that sympathetic thoughts are there with you.
Sincere condolences,
Carlton & Doreen Olson
We were very sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing. She was the amazing Doctor who brought our two children into this world in Kamloops. I look back on those times often and with much appreciation for the kind of Doctor she was and the excellent care I recieved.
Our thoughts have been with your family often since her diagnosis and she will always be an important person in our life.
Sincerely,
Andrea and Stephen Pyle
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Andrew, Evan, Foster and the rest of Lisa’s family. She was a very brave and exceptional mother, wife, doctor and woman. She fought long and hard to provide her family with wonderful memories. She has left her sons an amazing legacy of love and courage, and I am very sorry she will not see them grow into the wonderful men I am certain they will become. She and Andrew are an inspiration to all of us that were blessed to know her. My thoughts are with you.
Taralyn
My deepest sympathies to Andrew, Evan, Foster and the rest of Lisa’s family.
I had the pleasure of growing up with Lisa in elementary and high school. She always had a sense of humour and a positive outlook on life.
Although I lost contact with Lisa after high school, I was always impressed to hear updates about Lisa’s many accomplishments from mutual friends like John Sinclair, Ted Quinn and Mark Sherry.
You knew growing up with Lisa that she was a special person that would go on in life to have a positive impact on other peoples lives.
Lisa, you are a very special person and will be dearly missed!
God bless you and your family!
I am saddened to hear that Lisa is not longer with us and please accept my sympathies to the family. I was a friend of Lisa’s in high school. We entered the high school science competition to get some bonus marks and we ended up winning an award. I always loved the enthusiasm Lisa brought to all her endeavors. Every time I thought of Lisa over the years she has brought a smile to my face. She was truly a remarkable person and will be missed by all.
Dear Andrew,
I just learned of Lisa’s passing and am sorry that I didn’t hear in time to make it to prayers or her funeral. I know how difficult this time must be for everyone, but you especially. I expect you will find tremendous comfort in the eyes of your children, a place that Lisa will always live. While the story of Lisa’s too short life is a tragedy, it is also a story of incredible strength, determination, and love.
Take care of yourself and your family and live your life fully, as Lisa would want you to.
With a great big hug,
Michelle
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Vanshie,Andrew, and the rest of Lisa’s family. I am saddened by the news of Lisa’s passing. I knew Lisa from Highschool,and got to know her more while running track and field on the highschool team and for the City of North Bay. She was an excellent runner and athlete,a very pleasant, easy going, & great personality. It was a privilidge to have known Lisa,even for the short period of time that I did. Again,my condolences to Lisa’s family. God bless!
Derrek
I have just only learned of Lisa passing by email, via a mutual friend.
When I think of Lisa, I smile and laugh…and remember alot of crazy times and alot of mileage.I will never forget a c.c.running trip to Malone, New York in the fall 1981. There was this bond that all of the kids that went to Our Lady of Fatima seemed to share and it continued throught high school. I was a year ahead of Lisa and remember when she was in grade 7, she beat Ann Raymondo in the 400 and 800 meters at the Catholic Elementary School Championship. Ann was in grade 8 with me, and defending champion and record holder in both races.
Lisa was not only a Lady Champion, she was Champion Lady. You only had to me her once, to never forget her.
May I express to my sincere sympathy to Mrs. Van Schie, Andrew, Evan and Foster.
Wishing you Peace.
Mike McCarty
To Lisa’s family, I met Lisa a few years back when I played soccer with her and what a wonderful, wonderful lady she was. Very sorry for your loss.
Lisa was and will always be a great inspiration to me. Thank you for the wonderful memories at Lac Le Jeune. You will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thank you for your courage to live…words can’t express this lost. You are greatly missed. Rest in peace.