Scribbles extends our deepest sympathy to our friend Heather Dennis, husband Rodney, children Kade, Alina, Mia & Kayla and Heather's father, family and friends, whose mother Sandy Scroop passed away on Apr. 6th.
Last Dec. an article written by Vincent Ball of the Brantford Expositor shared the news that Sandy and her husband Larry had received the 2014 Ontario Foster Parents of the Year Award. They were honoured for their love and dedication in a ceremony in Niagara Falls.
"Throughout their 38 years together, the couple provided a home for over 500 children. Some stayed for a few years while others were cared for temporarily under an emergency program," said Vincent Ball in the Expositor's Dec. 14, 2014 edition.
The article continued: "Sandy said that patience, a sense of humour, love and flexibility are some of the most important qualities for a foster parent.
"One of the things I learned early on is that you can't take anything at face value," Larry said. "A lot of kids, when they came to us, were angry but they didn't know why they were angry.
"They would say things. And, well, we knew something was wrong and it was just a matter of being patient and figuring out what it was that was bothering them.
The Scroops said they knew that children they were taking into their homes had experienced some sort of trauma - physical or sexual abuse, neglect or abandonment.
"There is good in all of these children," Sandy said. "We just have to find it. And sometimes that takes a lot of patience."
"One of the things I learned early on is that you can't take anything at face value," Larry said. "A lot of kids, when they came to us, were angry but they didn't know why they were angry.
"They would say things. And, well, we knew something was wrong and it was just a matter of being patient and figuring out what it was that was bothering them.
The Scroops said they knew that children they were taking into their homes had experienced some sort of trauma - physical or sexual abuse, neglect or abandonment.
"There is good in all of these children," Sandy said. "We just have to find it. And sometimes that takes a lot of patience."
I met Sandy & Larry when I was dating Rob. His brother Rodney is married to one of the Scroops natural children, Heather, so weddings, birthdays and other family functions provided great opportunities for the two families to celebrate and spend time together.
With so many people under one roof at the same time at these events, I didn't really get a chance to speak with Sandy and Larry much, but it was easy to see what an amazing couple they were and how much they were loved and admired by all who knew them.
To Heather, Rodney and their extended family, I offer my condolences.
As you wrote on your facebook page Heather, "She dedicated her life to children and I hope the children of heaven know how lucky they are."
Somehow Heather I believe they do.
Much Love,
Kenny
SCROOP, Sandy (nee Leatherdale) Sept. 19th, 1953 to April 6th, 2015. - Yea tho I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me.
After a lengthy courageous battle with breast cancer (2007, 2009) and throat cancer (2012, 2014), she quietly passed away with the love of family around her. Leaving behind beloved husband Larry of 39 years and children (Jeffery deceased at 3 months in 1976), Michael (Tania), Karie (Steve Appleby), Stephanie (Daman Peterson) all of Brantford and Heather (Rodney Dennis) of Welland. Amazing Nana to Adrian, Ava, Justin, Ada-Lynn, Blake, Alexis, Marcus, Kade, Alina, Kayla and Mia. Predeceased by parents Jim and Barbara Leatherdale (Long Point airplane crash of 1964). Foster mom to many children over the past 38 years and in remembrance to Sammi, Madonna, Deeanna, Chantel and Cierra. Loving sister to Evie (Bryan Earle) of Niagara Falls and Rick Leatherdale (Ann) of London. Aunt to Tim (Cheri), Brandon (Krystal), Mary (Brett), Jamie (Kari), and Jesse, Leslie (Jesse), Alex and James Leatherdale. Very dear friend of Christine Laskey and Anne Reeves. Will be missed by 4 legged best friend Lily. A special thank you to Father Stephen for his help to Sandy.
Sandy and Larry were the very proud recipients of Foster Parents of the Year 2014 for Ontario. Special thanks to BGH palliative care. Sandy also wishes to express extreme gratitude to Aberdeen and VON nurses, especially Susan, Jessica and Barb, who became dear friends as well as Sam and Tara.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service was held on Saturday, April 11th at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Paris, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
To read the complete article on Sandy & Larry Scroop as featured in the Brantford Expositor, Dec 2014 - CLICK HERE
To read the complete article on Sandy & Larry Scroop as featured in the Brantford Expositor, Dec 2014 - CLICK HERE
CREDITS:
Top photo collage createe by Scribbles. Photo of Sandy & Larry Scroop in that collage was originally from the Brantford Expositor. All other photos used are from Heather & Rodney's facebook pages. Article excerpts and Obituary courtesy the Brantford Expositor
