Sheila Ann Diab (Thompson)

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Sheila Ann (Thompson) Diab, in her East York, Ontario home, on October 24, 2024, at the age of 79.

Sheila was born on September 18, 1945, to John [Jack] Wilbert Thompson and Edna [Laura] (Dickson) (Thompson) Ellsworth, when the family lived at the base of Hewitt’s Hill, in Crown Hill, Ontario. In 1948, the family moved to the 10th Line in Innisfil (Stroud), Ontario.

During her high school years, while living in Stroud, Sheila attended Barrie Central Collegiate Institute, in Barrie, Ontario, where she met many friends, including Kathy Fox and Jon Lucas. Kathy, also, later became Sheila’s sister-in-law, following Kathy’s marriage to Sheila’s brother, Fred. In September 2023, Sheila and her niece, Pat, were able to attend, Sheila's friend, Jon Lucas’ Celebration of Life, which meant a lot to her. Sheila and Jon had recently reunited their friendship in the years leading up to his passing.

Following her high school years, Sheila ventured to Toronto on her own. Sheila took after her mother, Laura, and became a strong independent woman, who was very personable and easy going. Sheila was known for her love of socializing with friends, staying active, and her love and support for her family and community. She had a knack for making friends easily and making all her friends feel like part of her family.

While in Toronto, Sheila met her former husband, Hassan Diab. After years of courtship, on August 15, 1975, Sheila and Hassan enjoyed a destination wedding and reception, in Hassan’s hometown of Beirut, Lebanon, which allowed Hassan’s family to be present for their nuptials. Sheila’s mother, Laura, was also in attendance at their wedding in Lebanon. Once they were back home in Toronto, Sheila and Hassan had a second wedding reception, near Sheila’s hometown, where her family and friends could also join in on their Celebration. Though this marriage wasn’t long lasting, Sheila and Hassan remained great friends until Hassan’s passing years later.

While Sheila lived in Toronto, she worked as a Legal Assistant, for the attorneys at the Law Firm of Holden Day Wilson (formerly Day Wilson Campbell), then she moved on to working with the law firm of Borden Ladner Gervais, in Toronto, Ontario, until she retired.

Upon her retirement, Sheila embraced life to the fullest, cherishing every moment with family and friends. She found joy in traveling, golfing, bowling, and playing pool, snooker, Rummikub, and Euchre. Always bringing her competitive spirit and sharp wit to the table. A talented knitter and artist, she found creative ways to brighten the lives of those around her. Her faith led her to actively participating in church, singing with Choir Nation, and dedicating her time to helping those in need at places like Nellie’s Food Bank at the Kimbourne Park United Church, in Toronto. Sheila’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering generosity were matched only by her terrific sense of humour and her unforgettable, infectious laugh, which will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her.

Sheila was predeceased by her parents, John [Jack] Wilbert Thompson, and Edna [Laura] (Dickson) (Thompson) Ellsworth, as well as by her former spouse, Hassan Diab, her stepfather, Leonard [Wilson] Ellsworth, her sister, Joan Eileen (Thompson) Goodchild, brother-in-law, William [Bill] Daniel Goodchild, niece, Denise Ann (Goodchild) Charlebois, Denise’s husband, Brian Charlebois, step-brothers, Eric, Lloyd, and David Ellsworth, and Sheila’s brother, Frederic [Fred] John Thompson. Sadly, Sheila’s brother Fred had recently passed in August 2024, just a couple of months prior to Sheila’s passing.

Sheila is survived by her brother, Dennis Elliott Thompson, his children, Anthony [Tony] Thompson [Stephanie Hardie], [Tony’s children, Eric and Alison Thompson], Amy Thompson [William Browne], [Their children, Katelyn, Christian, Andrew, and Brooke Browne], Adam Thompson [Jennifer MacKinnon], Sheila's niece, Patricia (Goodchild) Challenger [Brian Skalitzky], [Brian’s daughter, Alyshia Skalitzky], Sheila’s sister-in-law, Kathleen [Kathy] (Fox) Thompson, [Fred and Kathy’s children, Daryn Thompson [LeeAnne Jones], [Their child, Tyler Thompson], and Darlene (Thompson) Sampson [Robert], [Their children, Michael, Matthew and Rebecca Sampson], Sheila is also survived by her great-nephews Mark Charlebois and his family, and Kevin Charlebois [Krystal (Bumstead) Charlebois], [Kevin’s daughter, Emma Charlebois], her step-sisters, Barbara (Ellsworth) Bader and Susan (Ellsworth) Charlton.

There will be two (2) Celebration of Life Services for Sheila. Both of these celebration of life ceremonies are open for everyone to attend.

1) Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Royal Canadian Legion, 243 Coxwell Avenue, (East side just south of Gerrard), Toronto, Ontario from 1pm-4pm,

2) Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Jame's United Church Cemetery, 2230 Victoria Street, Innisfil (Stroud), Ontario from 1pm-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kimbourne Park United Church, 200 Wolverleigh Blvd, Toronto, Ontario M4C 1S2 or to Nellie’s Shelter & Support for Women & Children, PO Box 98118, Toronto, Ontario M4M 1J8. These are both organizations Sheila felt strongly about. You could also donate to a charity of your choice.