Sheila Marion Edgar

Sheila is finally at peace.

The family of Sheila Marion Edgar (nee Smith) sadly announce her death on August 6, 2022, age 80, from complications of Parkinson’s and dementia.

She leaves Harry, loving husband of 58 years; children, Laura (Graham), Stephen (Nadia), and Christopher; five grandsons, Devlin, Harrison, Andrew, Ethan, and Quinten; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Predeceased by her mother and father, Marion and Gillbert Smith, and her brother, Comrie.

Sheila was an athlete, a track star at age 11; and in her adult years, she swam, ran, hiked, bicycled, snowshoed, cross country skied. In the 1970s she was a co-founder of the Cambridge Women’s Hiking Herd which is still active today. She drew the line at canoe tripping. “Only if there is a 3-star hotel at each campsite.”

Everyone who knew Sheila loved her sense of humour and her infectious laugh. She was always the life of the party. She was the “host with the most”. Her party philosophy was to crowd as many people as possible into a space, and let the interactions begin. That was pre-covid, of course.

We remember many interesting, tasty recipes. Laura took her overcrowded recipe box and published a book of some of her favourite recipes. Ah, and who can forget her almond crescent cookies, her honey whole wheat bread, and her deluxe granola, made in a large roasting pan?

Sheila’s professionalism as a teacher is well known. In her first years, she taught English at high school. After taking a break to raise children, Sheila returned to teach English As A Second Language. She established the ESL department at Eastwood Collegiate. Many of her former students thank her for their success in their chosen profession today.

Sheila and Harry fell in love while working together at Woodeden Easter Seals Camp near London Ontario in 1960. They credit camp volunteer Mona Winberg, a friend with cerebral palsy, as their cupid. While her father had some doubts about Harry, he finally agreed to the marriage, which he organized down to the tiniest detail.

Sheila was in her element with her grandsons. She very early discerned each one’s strengths and nurtured them. Of course, that meant making sure they enjoyed the great outdoors, nature walks, hiking, tobogganing, swimming. She also loved reading to them. And she knitted afghans for each of them.

There will be a celebration of Sheila’s life at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, 57 Stirling Ave N, Kitchener ON at 2pm on Saturday August 13. Visitation will be for one hour before the service, with a reception afterward. For everyone’s protection please wear a mask.

We are grateful for the four years of loving and professional care Sheila received at Chartwell Westmount LTC, especially during her last days. Instead of flowers please consider donations to Parkinson Canada (www.parkinson.ca) or Alzheimer’s Society Waterloo Wellington (www.alzheimer.ca/ww/), or the charity of your choice.