Sheila Elizabeth McGuirl

Born on November 22, 1931, to Allan and Elizabeth McGuirl in Ottawa, Ontario, Sheila had a rich tapestry of memories from her upbringing in the charming Billings Bridge area in Ottawa South. Sheila's life was woven with countless friendships. She had many marvelous stories about her times skiing at Mont-Tremblant and sailing at the Rideau Club in Ottawa or the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto. She was a faithful patron of the Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre. Her love for sports, music, games and the arts showcased her vibrant personality. Sheila excelled in bridge and reveled in gatherings at cottages and chalets. She loved watching hockey, tennis, and F1. Later in life, she enjoyed water aerobics, practicing Tai Chi, and strapping on her running shoes to join her walking club.

Sheila's love for animals was boundless and her affection for animals extended to her one-woman cat, Simon, who adored Sheila and terrified all the rest. Her professional journey took her through various places, including the Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, the National Research Council, Sun Life, and Gooderham & Worts in the Distillery District, eventually retiring from Industrial Alliance. Sheila peacefully passed away in her sleep after a short battle with pneumonia. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends from Richmond Hill United Church in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Sheila is remembered by her surviving family, including her dear brother Rev. Allan T. McGuirl (Florrie), brother-in-law Robert Thompson (Sandy), nieces & nephews - Cathy Arguin, Kyle, Colin (Julie), Mark (Carla), David (Priscilla), Allan (Andrea), Ruth, Elizabeth (Peter), Sharon (David), Loralee - as well as all her grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She will also be missed by long-time family friend, Robert (“Bobbie”) Booth. Preceded in death by her father, Allan Carlton McGuirl, when she was only 8 1⁄2, her mother, Elizabeth Newton McGuirl, her brother-in-law and sister Robert & Joan Buchanan, her sister Ann Thompson, and her nephews Bruce Buchanan and Ian Buchanan, Sheila's memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 starting with a visitation at 2:30 pm, followed by the funeral at 3:00 pm at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME - Fennell Chapel. (322 Fennell Ave. E., Hamilton, ON L9A 1T2), with Rev. Ken Ingram officiating. Interment will take place at Pinecrest Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Sheila requested that memorials or donations be made to Galcom International (galcom.org), a cause dear to her heart. May Sheila's spirit continue to inspire us all, reminding us to embrace life with the same fervor and joy that she did.

Online condolences can be left at cresmountfennellchapel.com