Sandy TRUNZER

TRUNZER, Sandy - I'm gone; a good number of you reading this will have known that it wouldn't be much longer. I took care of that quite publicly by participating in the CBC documentary "Last Right". Here's hoping that the end was as peaceful as we'd hoped. Harder than anything I could ever have imagined was to leave behind my sweet daughter Suzanna, who put her education on hold to take care of me in my final months. If that's not love, I don't know what is. It's been the highest privilege imaginable to be her mother; I suspect that she'll feel the same way about her own children one day. Also with me at the end was my dear friend Sue. Perhaps not a sibling by blood, but as close as one could come to being the perfect sister without sharing DNA. Other good friends stuck by us through the tough parts, I couldn't have asked for better companions on the last leg. Also survived by my mother, Karin, and my brother Oliver (Kelcina) and their children Allyson and Kristian. My thanks go to my wonderful and amazing medical/support team. In particular Dr. Ho Ping Kong, Lorelei Cornish, Dr. Mathur, Dr. Downar, Dr. Grossman, nurses Annelies and Cynthia. Nurses at Toronto General Hospital MSICU, Baycrest Hospital Palliative Unit 6W, Dee Kearns/volunteers (especially my angel Jane), Wellspring (Halton) and Dale Massender. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of the following: the CEEP team at Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, 416-340-4430; Baycrest Foundation (Palliative Unit 6W), 416-785-2875; TGH/TWH Foundation "Palliative Care Research" (Fund 5790 6090 0773), 416-340-4430. Cremation and a private ceremony have taken place. If you would care to share a memory with my daughter, please email her at sandytrunzerstories@gmail.com Embarrassing tales are okay, she should know that her mother was just as goofy before her arrival as after! For those who followed my blog Without a Manual, the book will be out in a few months. A portion of the proceeds will go to some very special organizations. Arrangements entrusted to SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, BURLINGTON, 905-632-3333. Suzanna - thank you for choosing me, the best birthday gift I ever received. What a ride you and I have shared.