It is with heaviness of heart that the family of Sheila Margaret Scott Phillips share the news of her death on August 8, 2021. Sheila passed peacefully at Providence Place with close friends by her side. She was born in Solihull, Warwickshire, England, on July 29, 1933 and following grade 12 studied social science at the University of Liverpool. In 1957 Sheila emigrated to Canada making her home in Moose Jaw with her extended family the “Mackay Clan”. She had a long and rewarding career as a social worker, retiring in 1996 as regional manager for Moose Jaw District Financial Assistance. Sheila married John Phillips in 1963, and together they spent many happy summers in their cabin at Buffalo Lake enjoying visits and parties with friends.
Retirement renewed Sheila’s interest in art, and she became a longtime member of the Moose Jaw Art Guild where she developed several close friendships. She was an accomplished painter excelling in watercolour. Her home became an art gallery with all her beautiful paintings which eventually decorated the walls of her room at Providence Place. Some were made into prints for Christmas cards which were a great delight to the receiver. One of Sheila’s greatest gifts to those who knew her was her cheerful, lighthearted spirit and her ability to smile and persevere in the midst of many health issues over the years. Being in her calm and joyful presence was a blessing that left her visitors uplifted.
Sheila was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Frances Thake; her husband, John; and her canine companions, Skipper, Tuppence and Blossom. She is survived by and will be dearly missed by her sister, Jennifer (Michael) Wills of Brixton, England; several nieces, nephews and cousins; many friends, and the caring staff on Edgar Hall at Providence Place.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 13th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, 1064 3rd Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK. Father George Thattuparampil will be the presiding celebrant. Interment will take place at a later date. For those so wishing, donations in Sheila’s memory may be made to The Arthritis Society, 393 University Ave, Suite 1700, Toronto, ON M5G 1E6 or to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 1400-522 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2R5.
In living memory of Sheila, a memorial planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain- Funeral Director
