Sheila May Marshall

In the song of life, Sheila Marshall was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Sheila preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Sheila believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Sheila perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Sheila was born on August 2, 1948 at General Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Her parents were Reid & Ida Smart. Sheila was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. As a young child, Sheila was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Sheila rarely called attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

Early on in her family relationships, Sheila showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with 5 sisters. She had five older sisters, Mary, Andrea, Roberta, Marlene and Janice. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As she was growing up, Sheila developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Sheila liked concrete things. Growing up, Sheila took part in baseball. Sheila had the most fun when simply playing, and spending time with family and friends.

Early on in her school years, Sheila showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Sheila with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Ms. Diamond McLean.

Those who didn’t know Sheila well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Sheila was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Sheila’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, one of her best friends was Peggy McKeachnie. Later in life, she became friends with Brenda Wilson.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Sheila had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On December 28, 1979, Sheila exchanged wedding vows with her life partner Duncan William Marshall at the City of Sault Ste. Marie, City Hall of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Sheila was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Sheila was blessed with two children, one son, Martin, and one daughter, Tina. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Michael, Joseph and Isabella. They were the loves of her life.

Sheila found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was a Lunch Aide at her children’s school. She was employed for 20+ years by the Algoma District School Board. Sheila tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others. Sheila was well liked by the staff and students of H.M. Robbins Public School.

Sheila enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were bowling and playing cards. Sheila was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savour the present moment. Majority of her time, she enjoyed either spending time with family or talking on the phone with them, didn’t matter what time of the day it was.

Sheila liked sports. In high school, Sheila played baseball. Recreational sports included bowling, darts, and playing cards. Sheila was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were hockey and curling, or watching Joseph’s hockey games and Isabella’s soccer games.

Throughout her life, Sheila was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Sheila was an active member of the Gladstone Group. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

Sheila’s faith was important to her in her own way. She was a member of All Peoples United Church growing up. Sheila's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

Because she loved the world around her, Sheila put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Sheila did not travel a lot, she liked being close to family all the time. When she did travel, one of her favourite vacations included the Calgary Stampede.

Sheila was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her favourite was her little “Stinky Steeler”, a Lhasa Apso, which she had shared custody of with her daughter’s family but she definitely treated him like her own. She spent a lot of time with him including sleepovers at Grammie’s, going for walks to the store, spending time sitting on the porch visiting with the neighbourhood. Her family was rounded out by her three dogs - Curly, Misty and Tippy and her five cats - Smokey, Pokey, Pal, Tramp and Elmo.

When Sheila’s retirement finally arrived in 1999, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in watching her grandchildren and spending time with her family. Even in retirement, Sheila continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

Sheila passed away on April 25, 2014 at Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She fought a brave battle against cancer. She is survived by her children Martin and Tina; and her grandchildren Michael, Joseph and Isabella. Services were held at Arthur's Funeral Home. Sheila was laid to rest in West Korah Cemetery.

Sheila was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Sheila always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Sheila was a practical, caring and loving person. Family meant everything to her. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Sheila May Marshall.

MARSHALL, Sheila May (nee Smart) - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom and Grammie, Sheila, peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital with her family by her side on Friday, April 25, 2014 in her 66th year. Reunited with her beloved husband, late Duncan Marshall. She will be forever missed by her children Martin Smart (Lisa) and Tina Caruso (Joe). Cherished Grandma to Michael and Special Grammie to Joseph and Isabella – “her grandchildren were the loves of her life”. Daughter of the late Reid and late Ida Smart. Wonderful sister of the late Mary Carbone (late Pat), late Andrea Penno (late Roy), Roberta Alexander (late Bob), Marlene Prokopchuk (Nick), and Janice Strom (Tom). Loved sister-in-law of Gerry Marshall (Barbara), Ken Marshall (Helen), and Randy Marshall (Sheila). Sheila was a much loved aunt to many nieces and nephews. Sheila will also be missed by her faithful companion Steeler. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Monday, April 28, 2014 from 6 – 9 pm. Funeral service to be held in the chapel on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 11 am. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Interment West Korah Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the A.R.C.H. would be greatly appreciated. Special thank you to the nurses and doctors on 3-B at the Sault Area Hospital for their care and compassion. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com

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MARSHALL, Sheila May (nee Smart) - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom and Grammie, Sheila, peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital with her family by her side on Friday, April 25, 2014 in her 66th year. Reunited with her beloved husband, late Duncan Marshall. She will be forever missed by her children Martin Smart (Lisa) and Tina Caruso (Joe). Cherished Grandma to Michael and Special Grammie to Joseph and Isabella – “her grandchildren were the loves of her life”. Daughter of the late Reid and late Ida Smart. Wonderful sister of the late Mary Carbone (late Pat), late Andrea Penno (late Roy), Roberta Alexander (late Bob), Marlene Prokopchuk (Nick), and Janice Strom (Tom). Loved sister-in-law of Gerry Marshall (Barbara), Ken Marshall (Helen), and Randy Marshall (Sheila). Sheila was a much loved aunt to many nieces and nephews. Sheila will also be missed by her faithful companion Steeler. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Monday, April 28, 2014 from 6 – 9 pm. Funeral service to be held in the chapel on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 11 am. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Interment West Korah Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the A.R.C.H. would be greatly appreciated. Special thank you to the nurses and doctors on 3-B at the Sault Area Hospital for their care and compassion. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com