After a courageous recovery from a stroke in 2015, Sheila Juhala (nee Bell) a resident of Kenora passed away on October 2, 2019, at the age of 70 years.
She is survived by her children Kandice (Brad) Pillipow, Cheryl (Ian) Murray and Jason Juhala (Mandy Trenchard), grandchildren Rebecca, Sarah, Danielle, Erica, Ireland and Kairo, her brother Barry (Heather) Bell, her brother-in-law Jim Zitaruk, his children Barry and Denise, her ex-spouse Vic Juhala and her mother-in-law Jean Warner and extended family across Canada.
Predeceased by her parents Irene and Cliff Bell, her sister Sandra Zitaruk, her Grama and Grampa Magnell.
Mom was born in Russell, Manitoba and was known as “Bobbie” by her family. Her family moved to Keewatin in her childhood. She attended schools in both Keewatin and Russell. She joined the Majorettes in Keewatin. She had lifelong friendships with childhood classmates. Later in life, she attended Confederation College.
In 1966, she married Vic Juhala. They lived in Camp 252, and eventually to the home they built together in the Kenora Area. After almost 40 yrs of marriage, they parted ways.
In her teens, she was employed at Webb’s Camp. Mom was home and excelled at raising us children as we always had wonderful home cooked meals and fresh baking. She was creating something for us all the time. Later on, she worked at H&R Block. Her last workplace was Pinecrest Home and was there for many years until 2015. She had many fond memories of the residents and staff.
In her childhood, she sewed clothing for her dolls and later for her children (dresses, flannel nightgowns and skating dresses). She knitted, crocheted, made doilies, snow angels, sweaters, scarfs, blankets, ponchos and mitts. She read, enjoyed puzzles and Sudokos. She loved animals, wild and domestic. She spoiled her pets horribly. She was entertained and protective of the deer, squirrels and birds that came to her bird feeder. She was game for any road trip, big or small, with the music playing.
Her grandchildren always wanted to be at their Nana’s for sleepovers, playing Othello and chip and pop parties. She loved hearing their stories, adventures and celebrating every success, big and small. She made nests of blankets for tv watching and firmly believed in the Comfy Couch – 10 second tidy. She spent hours patiently teaching them to knit, crochet, bake cookies and other skills they wished to learn. She read books to them, helping them to read and watched endless children’s movies and TV shows. She hosted radio bingo nights for them although she disliked bingo - a lot.
Mom enjoyed boating and fishing on Lake of the Woods and many small lakes. She spent time at the Off Lake cabin, taking her grandchildren when she could, laughing with them and making “cabin rules that parents didn’t need to know”.
Mom had strong friendships with many people over her life, at work, from school and the neighbourhood. Decades long friendships with Rose McMahon, Diane Jardine, Barbara Sullivan and the late Shirley Mostow along with many others. Mom treasured all her friendships and the laughter they shared. She will be remembered for her gentle eyes and warm, kind heart.
Mom, you are missed tremendously and loved greatly by your children, grandchildren and their families.
A Celebration of Mom’s Life will be held late October 2019 with internment in the Marigold ”Cemetery Condo” at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mom’s name to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
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