Sheila was born July 2, 1930 in Vancouver BC. She graduated with honours from UBC in 1952 and completed her Social Worker degree in 1953. She was married to John James Southworth in 1953. Sheila was a social worker until her daughter Claire was born in 1956. Sheila was predeceased by her husband, John in 1995 and subsequently her life partner, Jean in 2010. She is survived by her daughter Claire Desrochers (Renald), grandson, Jeremy Beddenhaggen (Suzanne Laird) and her favourite people in the world, her great-grandchildren, Alexander, Hunter, Xavier and Arwynne.
While Sheila enjoyed many pursuits and activities, her happiest moments were when she was with her great-grandchildren. Sheila is also survived by her sister Moira Grimstone (Lorne), her nieces Jennifer (Andre), Jane (Otto) and nephews Jeffrey and Jonathan (Trish), as well as a great-nephew and many cousins.
Sheila was particularly proud of the home she and John built in West Vancouver with architect Ron Thom.
Sheila and Jean enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and North Africa before they retired and settled in Victoria, to be closer to family.
Sheila was a voracious traveler and even lived in Japan in 1969 for two years with husband John and her daughter Claire, along with their 2 dogs. She was an avid supporter of the arts, sitting on both the Vancouver Art Gallery and Victoria Art Gallery boards.
Passionate about higher education, Sheila enjoyed many years as an active member of the Canadian Federation of University Women’s organization in both Vancouver and in Cowichan, where she resided with her daughter until her passing. She is fondly remembered by her family as a pioneering woman who felt strongly about the advancement of women in terms of the education and employment opportunities.
No service by request. Sheila asked that any memorial contributions be made to the bursary program at UBC.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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