Her unmistakable laugh engulfed a room, tickled our hearts and penetrated our souls. Like none other, it could coax a snicker out of even the biggest curmudgeon. Yes, it will be her uproarious laughter that will gladden our hearts as we lovingly remember Vicky.

Victoria Shinners (née Yianoplis), one of the founding members of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on July 28, 2017.

She was born October 18, 1922 to Greek immigrants, Marika and Anthony, in a small Milwaukee Greek neighborhood as the middle sister between siblings, Betty and Chris.

Vicky loved to share her stories, especially of her three greatest gifts. She’d reminisce about the love of her life, her soulmate and husband, Joe. She’d bend anyone’s ear about the successes of her beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. And, she loved to chronicle the founding of her cherished St. Nicholas.

A woman of great faith and a remarkable attitude of gratitude, Vicky never neglected to give thanks. Even on her sickest days, before getting into bed, she’d kneel before the icon son Tony painted, of Mary and Jesus, to thank God for all that she was blessed with.

Among her greatest blessings was her family. She will be devotedly remembered by her children; Anthony Kashinn (née Shinners) (Laurel), Marie Shinners (Jerry Van Veghel) and Barbara Kasprzak (née Shinners) (James). By her beloved grandchildren: Michelle Shinners and Elizabeth Kashinn, Jim Van Veghel (Nicole Chessari) and Tommy Van Veghel, and Ian Kasprzak (Christy), Ryan Kasprzak (Lindsay Levine) and Evan Kasprzak (Britta). And by her great grandchildren: Bryce and Colin Mueller, Sally G Kasprzak and Theo Van Veghel. She is also survived by her sister and dear friend, Betty Kalyvas, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and by many, very dear church family members.

Vicky will be reunited in Heaven, with her parents, Anthony and Marika Yianoplis, her husband, Joseph Shinners and her brother Chris Young.

On Monday evening, July 31st, we will be remembering our time shared with Vicky with a visitation from 5PM to 8PM at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church —N65W6503 Cleveland St in Cedarburg. On Tuesday, August 1st, family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a viewing from 10 to 11 AM with a Funeral Service at 11 followed by a “Celebration of her Life Luncheon” at noon—all again at St. Nicholas. Immediate family will bury her remains in a private ceremony. Gifts in Vicky’s memory can be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

“She is clothed in strength & dignity and she laughs…” Proverbs 31:25