On June 2, 2025, with her family by her side, Sheila Mae (Owens) VanSickle took her leave of those troubled waters associated with 4th stage Lewy Body Dementia. Born on the 11th of November 1946, Sheila was the third of four children in the John and Muriel (Tait) Owens family of Grenville PQ. Previously deceased are her Father and Mother, and her brother Bill.
Mourning her loss are her sisters Joan (Barnes) and Enid (McDougal), her beloved husband of 55 years John, her three marvelous sons Matthew Adam (Zerlina), David Noah (Amanda), and Dennis Owen (Emma), cherished grandchildren Nathan, Olivia, Benjamin, and Elliott, numerous nieces and nephews, in-laws, friends and colleagues.
In her own words Sheila felt blessed that she had lived a full and rewarding life. A life that included a devoted husband, 3 sons and their exceptional wives, 4 rock star grandchildren, a distinguished 40-year nursing career that began in Hawkesbury (1968–69), then to South Porcupine (1969–76), and finally Thunder Bay (1976–2008) where she worked as a surgical daycare nurse.
Never to let the moss grow under foot, she pursued with great skill her interests in sewing, knitting, quilting, spinning, painting, curling, and golfing. Sheila loved dogs, especially Cairn Terriers—she raised four of them. Nothing gave her more pleasure than walking them in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
The family expresses gratitude to the medical care staff of LHSC and Parkwood for their tireless efforts. As per Sheila’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of Sheila’s life is being planned this summer in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Affordable Funeral Options.
