Sheelagh Dawn McCourt

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Sheelagh McCourt announces her passing on September 9, 2026, at the age of 79. Sheelagh died peacefully at home in Edmonton, Alberta, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Vegreville, Alberta, on January 14, 1947, to Clifford and Kathleen King, Sheelagh loved to joke that her father was a King but when she met Kenneth McCourt, she happily gave up her kingdom. Ken and Sheelagh celebrated a remarkable 60 years of marriage in June 2026.

Together, they built a beautiful life that blossomed into five children, fourteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, with another joyfully expected soon. Sheelagh absolutely loved babies, and she celebrated with pure joy as each new baby in the family was announced.

Sheelagh was defined by her love of community and connection. She volunteered for many years with the Girl Guides of Canada and loved hosting her Guiding sisterhood and neighbourhood friends for coffee and Christmas parties—gatherings her family affectionately and teasingly called her "biddy festivals." A master at bringing people together, she created community wherever she went. She was a wonderful host, and her family is grateful for her famous Sunday dinners. She thrived on visits, even impromptu drop-ins; if you showed up at her doorstep, she would drop everything to welcome you in for the simple joy of a warm cup of coffee and a chat across the kitchen table.

Both an artist and a businesswoman, Sheelagh channelled her creativity into opening her own needlework store. She was a talented craftsperson, and her beautiful cross-stitch pieces remain treasured heirlooms on her loved ones' walls. She also found peace in gardening, making outdoor spaces bloom with vibrant flowers. She loved music and often couldn't help bursting into joyful song. She enjoyed travelling to many parts of the world. Among her favourite places was her home in Hawaii. There, she loved sitting on the lanai, cross-stitching, enjoying quiet moments, watching for whales, and listening to the birds. Even in life's more challenging moments, Sheelagh’s sense of humour kept her family laughing. She was a true philanthropist, dedicated to giving of herself through lifelong community service and generous support for causes dear to her heart.

Sheelagh will be profoundly missed by her husband of 60 years, Kenneth McCourt and her children, Mark (Liana) McCourt, Kerri (Brian) McCourt, Kim McCourt, and Ryan (Nola) McCourt; and her daughter-in-law, Christine (Stu) McCourt-Reid. She was a cherished grandma whose memory will be forever treasured by her grandchildren: Krystin (Evan) McCourt, Justin (Nancy) McLaughlin, Sara (Jeff) Schultz, Rebecca (Matt) Snaterse, Kiara McLaughlin, Brady (Zohra) McLaughlin, Kendra (Michael) Schmid, Christian McLaughlin, Isabelle McCourt, Elizabeth McCourt, Jedi Lewcio, Sadie Lewcio, Hazel McCourt, and Jill McLaughlin. She also leaves behind her adored great-grandchildren, Linus, Casper, Ivy, Solomon, Ella, and Harper, as well as her siblings, nieces, nephews, and a large circle of extended family and dear friends.

To her great sorrow, Sheelagh was predeceased by her beloved son, Jon McCourt, in 2005.

A private Celebration of Life will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers, if you so desire, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.