Deena Shyluk Remembered in Saskatoon for a Life Rooted in Education, Music, Family and Kindness

 Deena Lyn Shyluk is being remembered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, after her family announced that she passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, following a medical emergency. The published obituary describes a woman whose life centered on family, education, music, friendship and a generous commitment to the people around her. At 53, Deena leaves behind a personal and professional legacy, with loved ones now holding close the many experiences that made her presence so meaningful.

Born in Saskatoon in July 1973 to Bunny and Yvonne Combres, Deena grew up in a close-knit family and carried those values throughout adulthood. Her obituary describes someone who believed in humility, kindness, hard work and making time for the people and activities she loved. That outlook shaped the way she approached both her relationships and her career, creating a life built not simply around accomplishments, but around connection, generosity and shared experiences.

Education became one of Deena’s greatest callings. After beginning her teaching career in Regina’s public French immersion schools, she returned to Saskatoon with her husband, Greg, and their daughters, Addison and Emilie. In 2006, she joined Saskatoon Public Schools and later worked as a teacher and administrator at several French immersion schools, including College Park, Alvin Buckwold, River Heights and Forest Grove. She was especially proud to serve as principal of École Victoria during her final year.

Her commitment to learning extended beyond her professional responsibilities. Deena earned a master’s degree in French Education and a post-degree certificate in Special Education, continuing to expand her knowledge while encouraging others to do the same. For students, families and colleagues, her work represented more than administration or classroom instruction. It reflected a belief in the value of education, language and opportunity, and her career gave her many chances to help strengthen the school communities around her.

Outside education, Deena embraced a wide range of interests that revealed her creative and adventurous spirit. She loved reading, knitting, quilting, puzzles, trivia and word games, while also enjoying international travel, day trips, paddleboarding and kayaking. Music held a particularly special place in her life. She sang, directed performances and created songs for birthdays, anniversaries and retirements, while spending decades connected to the Fireside Singers choir community. Those musical memories are likely to remain especially precious for those who heard her perform.

Family was at the heart of Deena’s story. She shared 23 years of marriage with Greg, whom the obituary describes as her best friend and soulmate, and she was a devoted mother to Addison and Emilie. She is also survived by her parents, sister Karla Combres, nieces and nephews, extended relatives and many dear friends. The family has described an outpouring of support, reflecting how widely Deena’s relationships extended across generations and communities.

A celebration of Deena’s life is being arranged, with details to be announced through the funeral home. Her family has also expressed gratitude to medical teams who cared for her during her final ordeal. As friends, relatives, former students and colleagues remember her, the strongest tribute may be found in the life she consistently chose: one filled with learning, music, laughter, family and meaningful connection. Deena Shyluk leaves behind far more than memories of a respected educator; she leaves a lasting example of how kindness, curiosity and love can shape the lives around us.