Sheila Pauline Pierson (née Edmondston) came into the world on October 10, 1930, in Birmingham, England. She was born to Annis and James and was the youngest of three children: Jimmy, Jean, and Sheila.
Sheila was predeceased by her husband, Edward (Ted) James Pierson. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Alison (Urs) and Neil (Patricia), and grandchildren, Robert and Miranda (Max), as well as nieces and nephews in Europe, Canada, and the USA.
Early life for Sheila was both difficult and trying at times, being a young child in England during the war. However, she had a positive upbringing and acquired strength and resilience in her formative years, which carried her throughout her life.
Following in the footsteps of her mother, Sheila became a registered nurse, training at the King’s College Hospital in London. After completing additional training in Detroit, Michigan, for a year, including spending some time visiting her American relatives, Sheila returned home by transatlantic ship in 1956, where she would meet our dear father, Ted, who became the love of her life. They married in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in 1957 and remained happily married until Ted’s passing in 2000.
They set up their new life together in Canada and moved to Vancouver Island to be close to Ted’s youngest sister, Myrtle (Lionel), and their four daughters. Many friendships and relationships were established during their years on the island, which endured for a lifetime.
In 1965, a relocation with BCTEL to Kamloops moved our family into what would become our hometown.
Sheila lovingly raised her family in Kamloops and also began her involvement in the community. Sheila very much enjoyed being at home and especially loved baking. As an additional creative hobby, she learned the art of cake decorating. Sheila also spent countless hours in the garden with her flowers and tending to a large vegetable patch, harvesting the fruits of her labor for all of us to enjoy.
Sheila received great joy from being in the presence of children, which led her to work summer relief at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops with premature babies. Receiving training to become a kindergarten instructor, Sheila had the privilege of meeting many young children of the Valleyview neighborhoods during her years teaching at the local kindergarten. Sheila also was a Brown Owl with the Girl Guides when Alison was a Brownie. She was blessed with two grandchildren who were a very important part of her life. She cherished the times they spent together, such as spending many summers and Christmases together.
Sheila’s love of music and singing was a coveted passion. As a long-serving member of over 50 years, she sang with the Saint Paul’s Cathedral choir. Singing with the Happy Choristers group was also a favorite pastime, giving her a chance to sing and be with friends, as well as going on many interesting trips around the province. Sheila loved to attend the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra’s performances and was a long-time supporter.
Being active in the community, Sheila was involved with numerous groups and clubs, including the Kamloops Square Dancing Club, the Kamloops Gardening Club, the Caledonian Society, the Stride Inside group, the Church Bible group, and the Naturalist Club, where she had the opportunity to hike in her beloved local surroundings, fulfilling her love of birdwatching. Sheila was a devout lover of all creatures great and small and greatly enjoyed times spent with family pets. Sheila also enjoyed her time volunteering at the Saint Paul’s Church thrift shop, the Diabetes Office, and the Meals on Wheels Society. All these activities and many more kept Sheila’s life full, allowing her to experience many happy times and develop special friendships. Still, Sheila’s place of worship was foremost.
Sheila was also blessed to travel the globe during her long lifetime with Ted. They had many incredible trips together, which were always full of adventure. After Ted’s passing, she continued to travel with family friends who included her in their adventures.
As Sheila gradually reached her twilight years and her health began to decline, longtime family friend Robert, already a companion, became her support. They enjoyed many cruises together, discovering different parts of the world, and spent time sharing memories and enjoying each other’s company.
Sheila was taken to be with her Lord after waiting for her son to arrive from the island, who accompanied her through her final days. Sheila passed away at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice on April 21, 2024, after a short stay, with her son by her side, for which all her loved ones were very thankful.
Many thanks to the nurses and caregivers at the hospice who made Sheila’s final passing so peaceful and dignified.
A celebration of life service will be held for Sheila on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11 am at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kamloops.
Rest in peace, dear Mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charities of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
