She will be dearly missed by her beloved husband of 68 years, Derrick Ditchburn, and their sons Stephen (Calgary) and Tony (Toronto), his wife Penny and stepson Paul.
Sheila was born and grew up in Redcar, England, emigrating to Canada in 1970 with Derrick and their boys. They lived in Winnipeg and Calgary but finally settled in lovely Victoria in 1981 where she lived with Derrick in the same house for 41 years. It was their peaceful, beautiful sanctuary.
After retiring in 1995, Sheila devoted herself to her stunning garden which was her pride and joy. She was always “just popping out to the greenhouse” or tackling some stubborn weeds that dared to invade her colourful oasis.
For many years Sheila and Derrick hosted friends in their basement on Sunday evenings where they all square danced and laughed while learning all sorts of new, advanced calls.
One couldn’t begin to list the many knitting and sewing projects she completed in her lifetime. If there was no one to knit for, she’d knit and donate her work to charities.
Sheila had many artistic talents and was always ready to learn something new, such as the skillful art of quilling lovely greeting cards. Over the years, she created macramé, candles, quilting and cross stitching, which became cherished Christmas and birthday gifts to her family and friends.
She was a passionate reader, flying through her favourite mystery novels with incredible speed! During retirement she gave back to her community by volunteering at Victoria General Hospital and in the Sendial program at the local Thrifty Foods supermarket.
Sheila was a truly beautiful person in every way. She possessed a quiet inner strength and loved and was loved so very much by her family and her many friends.
Her smile, her generosity, her friendliness, grace, and courage will continue to guide and inspire us forever.
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