Obituary of Sheila Joan Gardiner

GARDINER, Sheila Joan Passed peacefully at Bethsaida Retirement Home, Orangeville, February 12th in her 82nd year. Lovingly remembered and missed by her children Tracey Simms (Laura), Joseph Simms (Paula), by her cherished Grandchildren, Amberly (David) Moss Williams, Shelby and Liam Simms, by Emma (Zachary) Marshall and all of her cousins, relatives and dear friends. Sheila came to Canada from England when she was very young in the late 50's. After initially settling in Halifax and British Columbia she resumed her career as a floral designer which she passionately continued for over 40 years until retirement. Despite being born in England Sheila became a very proud and patriotic Canadian and nobody cheered louder than she did for Canada at the Olympics! She was a voracious reader of books often finishing an entire book in a single day. She was always current on politics and world affairs and enjoyed a good debate about the latest news! She loved to share her masterful knowledge of trivia with anyone who was up to the challenge. Sheila was an adept entertainer and self taught gourmet cook (reading cookbooks was a favorite pastime) who loved to throw dinner parties for family and friends. On holidays and special occasions she would treat us to fantastic home cooked delicacies always made with care and love! Sharing and passing down favorite recipes to her family was one of her most cherished legacies and her incredible pie crust recipe will remain a closely guarded family secret! Her greatest joy in life was the time spent with her beloved family and friends! Our heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderful staff and volunteers at Bethsaida Retirement Home where their encouragement and support were always appreciated. A special thanks to Duane for his enduring emotional guidance and strength and his tireless efforts and assistance in making Mom feel at home and helping her and our family with anything needed. Thank you to Abigail, Linda N, Linda Q and Sherry whose unending kindness and care was always present even at the toughest moments, to Edilita, Johneva and Sue who brought cheer each time they walked into her room, to Angela for taking Mom under her wing so that her talents for floral design, crafts and baking could be shared and to Lillian, met at Bethsaida, whose friendship and love were so special to Mom and to us. We wish to thank Central West LHIN, CCAC, Headwaters Hospital D wing and Emergency staff, Orangeville Paramedics, Care Partners and Dr. Mori for their concern and attention. A special thanks to the nursing staff from St. Elizabeth Health Care for the selfless dedication and medical care they provided to our Mother over the past year and particularly Joanna for the comfort, kindness and compassion provided during her final days. To Cathy from the Orangeville Library, thank you for bringing books and conversation to our Mom; she so looked forward to and appreciated those visits. There were so many friendships made, wonderful people met and various organizations involved with our Mother over her past two years living in Orangeville and we deeply appreciate everything they did. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the Markham area.