The most loving Mother, Melvina

Hi, my name is Tessa Schepers, and I am raising money for my (Mandy, Shane, Rushell, Medaya, Zachary, and Octavia's great) Nanny Melvina Baranieski. Many of you know her as a mother to Terry, Trina, Derald Keagan, & Jodi Lougheed. If you do have the pleasure of knowing my grandmother, you know what a beautiful, kind & gentle soul she has, with a big hint of stubbornness. She is someone everyone cherishes to have in their lives.

I decided to start this donation because (as explained below) she is the most giving woman I know, faced with too many devastations, including burying and partially paying for her twin's funerals, Terry & Trina. It breaks my heart knowing not only did she have to watch them fight their long battles with cancer but then asked to pay for the events of their death after raising and supporting her kids her whole life. She is a woman who won't accept handouts, especially from her family. When I mentioned I might start something to help with funeral expenses, she was unhappy with me (to say the least). I could not rest, however, if I didn't try.

My Nan has four children, her oldest being Jodi; her twins, Terry & Trina; and the baby, Derald. She gave them everything she could with whatever she had and is an incredible mother, despite some struggles. Her children leaned on her for advice and mentorship their entire lives, especially in adulthood.

Anyone who knew the name Baron Roofing and the company's success knew Terry created it and knew that he could never have done it without my grandmother's help. They grew the company from the ground up and flourished it into one of Niagara's most successful roofing companies. In the process, my Nan became a second boss to all the boys, "THE boss," as many would say. She was rewarded in many ways but declined many deserving repayments financially.

During the creation of Baron, Trina had a baby girl (me). It wasn't long before she was a mother on her own and needed the help and support of my Nan. Whatever we needed, whenever we needed it- she got for us (even things we didn't know we needed at the time or just some extra help). My nan was always selfless and put Terry, his business, Mom, and me first at every opportunity. She declined most/any returning payments her way, once again.

Shortly after, Jodi & Russ gave two beautiful grandchildren to my grandmother, & then Terry & Nancy gave my grandmother another two beautiful grandchildren. She tried to give them and her other grandchild, Zachary, everything she could. Spoiling us all at every expense without asking anything in return from our parents and certainly never us.

Her children and her grandchildren were and are the light of life. A few years ago, we were faced with more than painful circumstances. During the process, my uncle was diagnosed with brain cancer, and we were told there was not much time left. He showed his strength in many ways, especially by doubling his life expectancy. We were then forced to hold a covid funeral where my grandmother buried her young son.

Two weeks after the funeral, my mother, Trina, was diagnosed with numerous cancer types. We had our hope, but unfortunately, she faced the same daunting task- a new short life expectancy. She fought hard and, like her twin, doubled the expectancy. Within two years, my grandmother had to bury her beautiful, intelligent, and remarkable twins.

I watched my grandmother pay for her daughter's funeral flowers, urn, etc. It spoke to me in way more ways than I liked. This doesn't seem right. My grandmother should never have had to bury one child but never mind her twins nor pay for anything at their funerals. Although a small portion was covered and I am grateful. No mother should have to build her children up to give everything she has left with nothing in return..

My cousins and I are young, but we have big hearts with lots of love to go around but could not afford to help with our parent's funeral or help her, for that matter, financially right now (not that she would let us haha). I was hoping, after all, she's given, you could reach into your heart if you knew my grandmother or family and donate to her, as my uncle and mother would not have wanted her to spend a dime..

Thank you for your time, donations, thoughts, prayers, and love.