May 19, 1933 – August 7, 2026
Sheila’s family is heartbroken to share that she passed away on Friday, August 7th, in her 94th year. Despite her strong fight to recover from an emergency surgery on July 28th and a follow-up operation on July 30th, it was too much for her body. Fortunately, the family had some precious moments with her during those eight days.
Sheila lived a rich and full life. Born in Yorkshire, England, she spent her childhood in the small town of Rossington where her parents, Muriel Power (née Eyre) and Thomas Power-an Irishman from County Cork-were both respected educators. She grew up alongside her younger sister Anne in a close-knit family. The bond between Anne and Sheila remained strong throughout their lives as they shared countless joyful memories from their youth.
Initially considering a career in teaching like her parents, Sheila soon realized it wasn’t for her and instead pursued training as a librarian. Her love for reading-often tackling two or three books simultaneously-made this choice perfect for her. In 1965, Sheila followed Anne to Canada after being appointed Science Librarian at the University of Western Ontario in London.
It was at UWO’s Science Library that Sheila met James Phipps, who would become her husband and partner for nearly sixty years. James was then a junior faculty member in Botany at UWO and also hailed from England, specifically Birmingham. Their courtship blossomed quickly; they discovered shared interests like wine, gardening (inspired by Sheila’s father’s success with daffodils), music, literature, history, art, cats, and their mutual desire to raise a family together. They married on October 7th, 1967 at St. Peter’s Basilica in London.
Soon after marriage came children; William and Patrick were born within just over a year of each other followed by Georgiana (Georgie) in 1974. After becoming a mother, Sheila dedicated herself fully to raising them rather than returning to work. Shortly after Georgie arrived, the family moved out to rural Ailsa Craig where they took on the renovation of an old farmhouse that needed plenty of care. From painting walls to tending geese and rescuing a young orchard during the severe drought of ’88 while James was away-it was all hands-on deck for Sheila.
The Shawyer family from London (later Newfoundland) brought joy into their lives as friends while raising kids-Jo Shawyer became one of Sheila’s closest friends over the years. Throughout everything else happening around them, Sheila maintained connections with Elizabeth Wass-a dear childhood friend-with whom she cherished many delightful times.
In 1986 came heartbreak when Patrick died following an accident caused by a teenage driver while returning home from Medway High School along Mc Gillivray Drive; William suffered serious injuries as well but survived this tragedy which challenged Sheila immensely but she faced it with incredible strength. She will be laid to rest beside Patrick.
Among other contributions throughout her life included serving on the Sesquicentennial Committee of Mc Gillivray Township (1842-1992), which later merged into North Middlesex Municipality. This committee a significant book detailing early settlements-a project that remains an important historical resource that fills their family with pride.
Sheila enjoyed traveling but avoided flying whenever possible! In ’65 she bravely crossed the Atlantic Ocean via freighter during winter storms before arriving in Halifax amid bright sunshine against snowy landscapes! With Anne and their mother as young women they visited Germany together; later adventures took them across Scotland during James’ sabbatical trips including Italy-which held special fondness for her-Mexico through fieldwork trips with James while practicing Spanish (“Donde e Matehuala?”), exploring places such as Rocky Mountains vineyards around Okanagan Valley plus St Louis area among others! She loved hiking hills too having once worn down James during walks across Scotland!
As someone beautiful inside out filled with charm & sparkle; sharing warmth through laughter & affection left an unforgettable mark wherever she went! Always lighting up any room walked into by displaying both intelligence & talents ranging from floral design writing articles for magazines during fifties along crafting calligraphy alongside sewing projects or knitting/embroidery creations showed versatility about herself!
Later in life she became grandma-to four amazing boys Ethan Graysen Spencer Connor who adored deeply! Being involved made all difference bringing immense joy & fulfillment into life experience creating loving bonds formed there!
For most part living settled down together at RR#3 Ailsa Craig since ’74 onward reaching remarkable age ninety-three! Together James remained steadfast companion filling hearts eternally missed now separated only physically not spiritually connected anymore either hereafter without question! Neighbors within community especially surrounding Mount Carmel Church supported wholeheartedly providing kindness shown especially memorable surprise birthday celebration marking milestone turning ninety featured unexpected lovely display candles arranged beautifully outside lawn catching delightfully off guard!
Sheila leaves behind friends neighbors families alike-including husband James remaining sons Will daughter-in-law Georgie Battersby husband Peter sister Anne who spoke daily grandchildren Ethan Graysen Spencer Connor cousins back home Mark Waller alongside sisters-in-law Elva Phipps Barbara Tromans nieces Holly Shelley dear longtime friend Elizabeth-all keeping memories alive forever cherished warmly till end time passes further ahead!
May peace surround you now resting next beloved son Patrick forevermore kept alive inside our hearts always holding tight love expressed toward him deep heartfelt connection present today tomorrow endlessly… XO
The family wishes to thank all staff members across three hospitals providing care received throughout last days: South Huron Hospital Exeter Alexandra Marine General Hospital Goderich London Health Sciences Centre University Hospital offering tremendous support compassionately given during these tough moments endured together alike.
Visitation will take place at Haskett Funeral Home located at 223 Main Street LUCAN Monday August 17th starting between six o’clock until eight PM hours timeframe set aside welcoming everyone wanting pay respects accordingly coming join honoring memory shared among us here collectively united today joining forces supporting one another going forward towards healing process necessary needed meantime moving along journey slowly yet surely amidst everything else still ongoing around us continuously flowing forth afterward onward eventually finally ending gracefully without doubts lingering behind evermore ahead regardless what may happen moving forward thereafter always.”
Funeral Mass service scheduled Thursday August eighteenth commencing precisely two-thirty PM held Our Lady Mount Carmel Church situated Mount Carmel concluding interment ceremonies taking place nearby cemetery grounds afterwards directly following proceedings complete wraparound session finished thoroughly done right properly organized planned meticulously executed according protocols established beforehand carefully adhered throughout entire event managed effectively overall altogether inclusive determined effort put forth shown showing utmost respect value significance attached journey traversed reflective meaningful journey remembered fondly honored accordingly thereafter.”
Those wishing contribute can do so donating towards South Huron Hospital Foundation alternatively Alexandra Marine General Hospital Foundation whichever feels fitting aligning intentions directed toward helping aid causes benefiting greater community provided further assistance positively influencing lives impacted surrounding areas helped get through challenges encountered faced head-on directly addressed needing attention considered essential acting responsibly every step taken makes difference matters greatly appreciated sincerely acknowledged kindly extending warmest gratitude!”
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