Sheila Rose Richardson

Our lovely mother, Sheila Rose Richardson, passed away on Sunday, December 22nd. Though her passing was unexpected, her family and many friends were able to say goodbye and one of her best friends was holding her hand when she left this world.

Sheila Rose was born in Ashton-Under-Lyne near Manchester, England in 1936 to her loving parents Joseph and Hilda Richardson (nee Broome). She worked as a Special Education teacher and taught in many schools in England and Canada over her almost 50 years of teaching. In Victoria this included Margaret Jenkins Elementary, Oak Bay High and Spectrum Community School.

Throughout her 88 years of life she was an avid traveler. From her hitchhiking trips across Europe in her younger days to visits to South America, Southeast Asia, China, Cuba, New Zealand and many more places she adventured along with family and friends. She inspired our love of travel that we will be sure to continue to enjoy in honour of her.

Though she was an only child, Sheila was lucky enough to have her dear friend Pat join her on her first adventure to Canada. This began a wonderful 57 year friendship and sisterhood between the two that lasted a lifetime.

Sheila Rose opened her home in Victoria to a great many UVic students for 40 years creating lifelong friendships with people from around the world including her honorary daughters Lixin and Ivana.

She enjoyed all types of theatre and was very involved with the local theatre community including volunteering for decades at the Belfry. Our mother was a strong advocate for peace and social justice and was part of the Victoria Raging Grannies for over 10 years. Sheila Rose was loved by so many, had countless friendships which were very important to her and that she cherished so very much. You couldn’t go anywhere in Victoria without someone knowing her. She was an incredible mother and grandmother, so patient and kind, always a steady and gentle guide to us. Generous to a fault.

Sheila Rose always identified herself as English but adored many things about her adopted home of Canada, foremost among those was Hornby Island. For her, it was a very special place where she and her family spent countless summers camping and enjoying Heron Rocks, Tribune Bay and the culture that she felt so drawn to. It was always enjoyed with great fish n’ yam fries and a splash of vinegar. She also had a lot of time for Canadian Mint Ice Creams bars while watching her sons fish off the dock at Fords Cove for hours and hours on end.

For Sheila Rose, one of the most important days of the year was the winter solstice. It is quite fitting that she left us the day after, so we know in our hearts that despite how dark things are now, it will get brighter as each day passes. We are planning to hold a celebration of life in late spring or early summer and will announce details as soon as we are able. Lots of love to all, and let’s have a wonderful 2025, as we know our mom would have wanted that—along with a large mug of hot tea, of course.

Sheila Rose is survived by her three sons Andrew, Jason and his partner Julena, Aaron and his partner Stephanie and her daughter, Piper, as well as Sheila’s grandchildren, Andrea, Nico and Oscar.

Celebration of life - Please join us in celebrating Sheila on Sunday 18th May, 2025. From 1pm-4pm at Goward House, lower level, 2495 Arbutus Road, Victoria. BC.