June 17, 1956 – April 18, 2026
It’s hard to find the right words to describe the deep sorrow we feel. Losing such a wonderful wife, mother, Nana, sister, and friend is beyond heartbreaking.
She was truly unique-caring and full of warmth. Saying she could light up a room doesn’t do her justice. She had a gift for bringing people together-family, friends, and loved ones alike. She was the heart of it all, spreading love that you could feel as soon as you were near her. Sheila made everyone around her feel valued and cared for, always putting others before herself.
Sheila was someone who deserved countless pages written about how she touched people’s lives because no amount of words or tears can capture her true impact.
Born in Hibbing, Minnesota, she eventually settled in Thunder Bay where she created a life filled with love and connection.
She shared an incredible bond with her partner Herb Sanderson. Their love for each other was undeniable as they faced life’s ups and downs together-including the tough battle with breast cancer. A fight we thought had been overcome but returned more fiercely than anticipated.
Sheila found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Vegas and road trips with her husband to visit family across the United States.
An incredibly social person, Sheila could strike up a conversation with anyone-no matter if they were a stranger or someone she just met briefly; by the end of it all, you’d feel like part of her world. She loved collecting knick-knacks and cherished spending time with her grandchildren making memories through various activities. Her passion for baking shone through in her business Nana’s Nummies where she proudly sold her treats at markets bringing smiles to so many faces.
Her loving husband Herb Sanderson survives her; along with daughters Deisha and Dana (Dante); grandchildren Nakita, Nolan (Maegan), Ava, Carla, and Jaymz; great-grandchildren Ava, Seth, Matty, Daniella, Isla, and August. She also leaves behind her mother Betty along with siblings-brother and sister-as well as numerous aunts, uncles, in-laws , and close friends. She was predeceased by her father.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to the nurses , PSWs & student nurses who made her time at TBRHSC and St Joe’s floor 4 more bearable They brought joy even during difficult moments.
We believe that earlier detection could have changed things. While she was in remission after several visits to the emergency department due to severe pain , her symptoms weren’t fully recognized which led to misdiagnosis time after time. We share this hoping others will advocate for their loved ones – trust your instincts , ask questions , and push for answers when something feels off.
A celebration of life will take place later in Thunder Bay and Minnesota.
She’ll always be loved , missed deeply , and never forgotten.
Condolences can be left at www. nwfainc. com
